TSA: Faster screenings for some passengers

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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Some frequent fliers will get through screening at four U.S. airports faster if they provide requested information about themselves, officials say.

The Transportation Security Administration's "PreCheck" program, rolled out Tuesday, will enable qualified passengers to use a designated lane -- and not have to remove their shoes, belts or light jackets, the Dallas Morning News reported.

Participants must be U.S. citizens who voluntarily release certain information about themselves, CNN reported. What and how much information was not disclosed, the U.S. network said.

During an evaluation phase, PreCheck will be available to qualified frequent fliers on American and Delta airlines. Delta passengers must be flying out of Atlanta or Detroit airports, American passengers, Miami or Dallas airports.

The program will also be open to participants in Custom and Border Protection's "trusted traveler" programs.

"As with any initiative, we are testing this pre-screening concept with a small passenger population at limited airports," TSA Administrator John Pistole said Tuesday at an aviation security conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands. "If proven successful, we will explore expanding the program to additional travelers, airports and airlines."

No fliers will be guaranteed expedited screening and participants will still be subject to "random and unpredictable security measures," Pistole said.

CNN reported the TSA has said it's moving toward a "risk-based" program that could speed screenings for passengers believed to present little risk.