The impediments for travelers joining the Transportation Security Administration's Pre-Check program have been two-fold-the cost and the time.
There is an $85 fee to apply for the program, but there is also a mandatory in-person interview before you can receive the coveted 'Known Traveler Number' that allows you to speed through expedited security lines - and the interview site can sometimes be hundreds of miles away in some cases.
But now JetBlue Airways is willing to meet its most frequent fliers at least halfway.
The airline has announced it will pick up the cost of the enrollment fee for the TSA Pre-Check program for its TrueBlue loyalty members who reached Mosaic status by June 30, 2016. Mosaic members are JetBlue's most frequent fliers, reaching 30 flight segments a year or 15,000 flight points.
In a statement, JetBlue said it was trying to do its part to reduce the massive lines and wait time that have beset airports around the country this summer as more and more people take advantage of lower airfares to fly. TSA Pre-Check helps travelers move more efficiently though security by leaving their shoes, belt and light outerwear on, and in most cases keeping their laptop computers their carry-on bag.
[READMORE]READ MORE: JetBlue Offers Points Transfer For Virgin America Customers[/READMORE]
"Reducing time and the complexity of the security checkpoint makes a big difference for travelers, especially those who are always on their way to catch a flight," Scott Resnick, director, loyalty marketing, JetBlue, said in a statement. "This limited time offer to join TSA Precheckis just one of the many small ways we are working to enhance the Mosaic program for our customers. And by helping the TSA facilitate more fliers in the TSA Pre-Check lane, we can also speed up the security for all customers."
TrueBlue members with Mosaic status who currently do not have a Known Traveler Number listed in their loyalty program profile should have received an email from JetBlue by July 1 with a special promotional award code that can be redeemed for a TSA Pre-Check Enrollment Voucher. Once an appointment is scheduled with the TSA for the in-person interview, this voucher can be used in lieu of payment to cover the application cost. This voucher is good until Sept. 30, 2016 for TrueBlue loyalty members who reached Mosaic status by June 30, 2016.
JetBlue said it has also been working with the TSA to reduce wait times for all customers. The airline has provided crewmembers and third-party personnel for non-security positions so that TSA officers can be redeployed for additional screening lanes. JetBlue and the TSA have been collaborating on designs for new security lines to allow for optimum flow and a better customer experience.
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