WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the 35th airport in the nation to offer TSA Pre✓™ to eligible passengers. Under TSA Pre✓™ U.S. citizens traveling domestically who are select Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways frequent travelers or members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs are now eligible to participate and may receive expedited screening benefits. The TSA Pre✓™ lane is now available at Checkpoint A.
TSA Pre✓™ is part of the agency’s larger effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing efforts on travelers considered higher risk and about whom the agency knows less. To date, more than 5 million passengers have experienced TSA Pre✓™. TSA Pre✓™ is now available in 35 airports for Alaska, American, Delta, United and US Airways frequent flyers.
“Over the past year, we’ve expanded TSA Pre✓™ to 35 airports, covering all 28 of the largest airports along with seven others across the country,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “In the coming year, we will continue partnering with airlines, airports, and the traveling public to further expand TSA Pre✓™, making air travel safer and more efficient for the traveling public.”
Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens flying on participating airlines as well as those who are members of CBP Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. As of November 15, Canadian citizens traveling domestically in the United States who are members of NEXUS are also qualified to participate in TSA Pre✓™. Individuals interested in participating can apply by visiting www.globalentry.gov.
If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through the TSA Pre✓™ pre-screening process, information is imbedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass. TSA reads the barcode at the designated checkpoint and the passenger may be referred to the TSA Pre✓™ lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on.
TSA has expanded TSA Pre✓™ benefits to U.S. military active duty members traveling through Charlotte Douglas International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Honolulu International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Seattle-Tacoma International and Washington Dulles International airports. Other TSA risk-based security measures, in addition to TSA Pre✓™, include modified screening procedures for passengers 12 and younger and 75 and older.
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA’s multi-layered approach to security also includes behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams, and federal air marshals, among other measures, both seen and unseen.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. TSA’s workforce is comprised of approximately 50,000 frontline officers who screen approximately 1.8 million travelers each day at more than 450 airports nationwide. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at www.tsa.gov.
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