Transportation Security Administration officials Thursday showed off a facility at Lindbergh Field where passengers can complete their applications for the agency's Pre-Check program.
TSA Pre-Check allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case, and liquids and gels bag in a carry-on bag. The three-ounce liquid and gel requirement still applies.
Passengers in the program — who must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents — can also go through select screening lanes. The extra convenience comes at a cost — $85 for a five-year membership.
"This new application center increases the availability of TSA pre- check benefits to a broader population of travelers," said Kathleen Connon, the TSA security director at Lindbergh Field. "TSA Pre-Check is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, as we look for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way."
Passengers need to go online for a pre-application process at TSA.gov, and make an appointment, according to the agency. They must appear in-person at the airport center, verify their identity, provide documentation to confirm citizenship and immigration status, and provide fingerprints.
TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said the enrollment center will be "a one-stop shop" for travelers. Enrolling in the Pre-Check program will save lots of time, he said.
"They won’t have to remove their shoes, they don’t have to take their laptop out of their bag or their outer coat off," he said.
On Thursday, Billy Harris visted the center to renew his Pre-Check. He said skipping the long lines lets him start his vacation in the airport.
“You can get to the head of the line and you’re in, you’re at your gate, or you’re at the bar or snack shop or wherever you want to be in no time," he said.
TSA Pre-Check is available at 150 airports and 13 major airlines, including most of those serving Lindbergh Field — Air Canada, Allegiant, Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United, Virgin America and WestJet.
The agency said it reserves the right to conduct "random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport" and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
The application center, which opened Jan. 26, is located in Terminal 2 near the ticketing counters. It's open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
