Could there be light at the end of the tunnel for airline passengers?

With authorities in the UK yesterday outlining proposals for more “passenger friendly” security screening, it was today the turn of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to detail its plans to implement risk-based, intelligence-driven security measures.

TSA Administrator John Pistole spoke earlier of a pilot program at US airports allowing trusted travellers to undergo expedited screening.

“These improvements will enable our officers to focus their efforts on higher risk areas,” said Pistole.

“Enhancing identity-based screening is another common sense step in the right direction as we continue to strengthen overall security, and improve the passenger experience whenever possible.”

The pilot scheme is expected to be launched within months.

During the first phase of testing, certain frequent fliers and certain members of CBP’s Trusted Traveller programs, including members of Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS, who are US citizens will be eligible to participate in this pilot, which could qualify them for expedited screening at select checkpoints at certain airports.

Who> When? Where?

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airports, certain frequent fliers from Delta Air Lines and certain members of CBP’s Trusted Traveller programs who are US citizens and who are also flying on Delta will be eligible to participate in the pilot.

At Miami International and Dallas Fort Worth International airports, certain frequent fliers from American Airlines and certain members of CBP’s Trusted Traveller programs who are US citizens and who are also flying on American will be eligible.

TSA plans to expand this pilot to include United Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, US Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as additional airports, once operationally ready.

All passengers in this pilot are subject to recurrent security checks and random screening.

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