TSA PreCheck Improves Security and Efficiency; Should Be Expanded

Removing Barriers to Enrollment Will Boost Security While Reducing Cost Growth

Washington, D.C., 2013-04-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — In testimony today before the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Geoff Freeman, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the U.S. Travel Association, said that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) modern, risk-based passenger aviation screening system known as “PreCheck” is working and should be further expanded.

“[PreCheck] is the best example of a truly risk-based initiative that increases security and efficiency, and could eventually reduce budgetary costs,” stated Freeman.

PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that expedites screening for pre-cleared domestic travelers. By removing known, low-risk travelers from the regular screening process, PreCheck enables TSA to focus resources on potentially riskier unknown travelers. PreCheck simultaneously improves security and efficiency, but only a subset of U.S. air travelers is currently eligible to participate.

Freeman noted that the potential security and efficiency gains offered by PreCheck have not reached their full potential. Airline passengers can only join PreCheck if they are enrolled in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry pre-screening program or if they are participants in airline frequent flyer programs and have accumulated a significant number of miles flown with that airline. PreCheck passengers who enroll via an airline program can only access expedited screening when they fly with that one airline.

“TSA should partner with the private sector to create more accessible and secure enrollment options. U.S. Travel fully supports TSA’s request for private sector proposals to expand PreCheck…,” Freeman said. “Through an innovative public/private partnership with TSA, private-sector companies can quickly help the agency boost enrollment and utilization rates for PreCheck, and reduce TSA’s budget by shifting operational costs from TSA to the private sector. These types of partnerships also provide new, important revenue streams to local airport authorities, an added benefit in tight budgetary times.”

Freeman applauded TSA for its continued focus on risk-based screening.

“Administrator Pistole has done more to advance risk-based screening than any previous administration. There’s still more to be done, but the administrator and TSA have put us on the right path to a better system.”

Contact:
Cathy Keefe (202) 408-2183

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
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