Trusted Traveler programs allow airline passengers to fast track security

When Bernadette Mace flies from Alabama to El Paso to visit her daughter and granddaughter, the one thing she doesn’t pack is stress. Bernadette is a TSA PreCheck passenger.

“The bags are not usually checked unless they spot check them. You don’t take shoes off, you don’t take scarves and everything else off. You really just walk through most of the time,” Mace said.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted-traveler program designed to get passengers through airport security fast. There is an $85 fee and passengers can apply online. Once approved, applicants schedule an interview at a TSA PreCheck center.

Tom Herman has heard of TSA PreCheck, but has not applied. He just flew back from Boston where security lines tested tempers.

“There were some comments being made because sometimes there are three or four different lines and they are moving at different speeds. So people are trying to rush everyone else. But for the most part everyone just has to deal with it,” said Herman.

Maybe not. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection runs another program called Global Entry. Pre-approved and low-risk flyers are fast-tracked through customs when re-entering the country.

Ruben Jauregui is a CBP chief officer.

“They are looking for criminal history, whether a person is a permanent resident or has an entry document to enter the United States,” said Jauregui.

For more information on how you can apply for the TSA PreCheck program go to https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply.

You can find details on the CBP Global Entry program at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply.