September 2004  Email this  Print this
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TRAVEL
Scanned and Cleared for Takeoff
by Lynn Woods Frequent fliers pose the lowest security risk yet spend the most time standing in long lines at airport security checkpoints. It would seem to make sense to prescreen these travelers and let them bypass some security checks, which would save time not only for them but also for airline and security personnel and other travelers. That's exactly what the Transportation Security Administration's new "Registered Traveler" program is
doing. The agency has launched a pilot program at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, and by September will expand the program to Boston, Houston, Los Angeles and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Central to the $5-million test, which involves about 10,000 volunteers flying out of the five airports over a six-month period, is biometric technology. Biometrics can authenticate your identity by using fingerprints, the iris of your eye or other physical characteristics.
The first test includes 2,400 Northwest Airlines WorldPerks Platinum Elite members who live near the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport; 700 members volunteered on the first day of enrollment. Participants still have to go through the usual security procedures, but they can use a special lane where their biometric traits are verified. They are also exempt from the secondary screening process, which singles out 12% to 15% of travelers for a pat-down search with a metal-detecting wand.
The TSA is partnering with United Airlines in Los Angeles, Continental in Houston, and American in Boston and Washington. If the tests are successful, the program is likely to go nationwide sometime next year. Participants may have to pay a small fee to cover administrative costs.
To volunteer, you must belong to the frequent-flier program of the airline with which the TSA is partnering at your home airport. It takes about ten to 20 minutes to enroll at the airport by filling out a form with your name, address, phone number, date of birth, e-mail address and other basic information. You must also provide two government-issued IDs, such as a driver's license or passport.
Once your fingerprint and iris are scanned, the information is checked against government databases. Assuming you're cleared, you're set to go. Eventually you'll be able to use biometric screening at most airports, not just at your home base.
In the meantime, some elite-level fliers are already getting special treatment. Continental's VIP passengers, which include premium levels of its frequent-flier program as well as customers who buy full-fare coach tickets, are allowed to go to the front of the line at security checkpoints. | 
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