Photo courtesy of TSA
This week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration announced that more than one million travelers have enrolled in its expedited screening initiative, better known as PreCheck.
Recognizing its increasing popularity and the obvious benefits for frequent air travelers, the Global Business Travel Association issued a statement in support on Tuesday.
"Business travelers want a secure aviation system, which includes passenger checkpoints in airports that minimize hassles and delays," said GBTA executive director and COO Michael W. McCormick in a statement. "PreCheck, Global Entry and other risk-based programs are essential for those road warriors who travel the most, as delays getting through airport security cost them time and money."
McCormick wasn't without criticism of the program, however, pointing to a recent report by the DHS that a convicted felon had been allowed through PreCheck in 2014 as evidence that the enterprise can still be improved.
"There still needs to be stringent oversight and review by the TSA to ensure these trusted traveler programs are working as intended," said McCormick. "Situations like the one cited by the Office of Inspector General have the potential to undermine confidence in the airport system as a whole."
McCormick concluded by backing the agency as well as expressing support for further funding and expansion. "TSA should expand PreCheck participation by opening up eligibility to larger populations and continue adding PreCheck lanes at qualified airports as quickly as possible, working toward broad-scale implementation," said McCormick.
Meanwhile, TSA acting administrator Melvin Carraway called the one million enrollee milestone "a testament to the outstanding collaborative work between TSA, airports, airlines and most importantly, the traveling public."
Launched at Indianapolis International Airport in 2011, PreCheck has come a long way over the past four years, with 130-plus U.S. airports now offering the expedited screening.
The challenge now, it seems, will be how to continue expansion without jeopardizing swift service.
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