DENVER – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces are now eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓™ at Denver International Airport (DEN). TSA Pre✓™ is available at the South Checkpoint.
TSA Pre✓™ is a pre-screening program that allows eligible passengers to volunteer information about themselves to expedite their screening experience when traveling at participating airports. These passengers may be referred to the TSA Pre✓™ lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include being able to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in carry-on.
“We are pleased that Denver is the seventh U.S. airport to offer this benefit to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including guardsmen and reservists on active service,” said TSA Federal Security Director James Schear, who is also a retired Navy Rear Admiral. “These brave men and women serve their country every day, so it makes sense to grant them eligibility for expedited checkpoint screening.”
Beginning in March 2012, TSA partnered with the Department of Defense (DoD) to further streamline screening for active duty service members. In addition to Denver, service members may also participate in TSA Pre✓™ when flying out of Charlotte Douglas International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Honolulu International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Seattle-Tacoma International and Washington Dulles International airports.
Active duty members of the military can present their Common Access Cards (CAC) to a TSA Officer in front of the TSA Pre✓™ lane, where it will be scanned to determine if they qualify for expedited screening. TSA uses a CAC card reader and computer connected to a DoD database to verify the service member’s active duty status before they are cleared to receive TSA Pre✓™ screening benefits. Eligible service members do not need to be in uniform to be considered for TSA Pre✓™.
In addition to service members, other eligible passengers include select U.S. citizens flying on participating airlines as well as those who are members of a Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. 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 in a CBP Trusted Traveler program can apply by visiting www.globalentry.gov.
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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