The government wants to expand a program that allows air travelers to avoid extra security inspections at airports by volunteering for background checks. Transportation Security Administration chief David Stone said Monday that the agency is looking to add new airports -- domestic and international -- to the registered traveler program, now being tested in five cities. Calling it "one of the most critical programs for TSA," Stone said he's keen to find international partners for it. Under the test program, people who fly at least once a week give the government their biographical and biometric information, which is checked against databases. Participants who pass muster receive a card that's checked at an airport kiosk, which then lets them into a special security lane. If they don't set off an alarm, they're whisked right through.

The program began in July and was originally scheduled to last 90 days. It was so popular that the TSA extended it indefinitely. About 10,000 frequent fliers are enrolled at airports in Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Washington.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/12/14/registered.travelers.ap/


From:
Aftermath News
Top Stories - December 28th, 2004