How American Airlines Is Putting You In The Control Seat With Digital Tools

Whether you are navigating a 45-minute connection or managing an unexpected flight delay, nothing beats having full visibility and control over your journey right at your fingertips.

American Airlines has been steadily rolling out a series of powerful digital tools and payment options designed to eliminate airport friction, reduce stress, and put total control back into the hands of travelers.

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1. Flexible Payment Options: Pay Your Way

Booking your next getaway is now easier and more customizable than ever. American Airlines has expanded its digital checkout options on aa.com and the mobile app to match how modern travelers prefer to pay:

• Venmo Integration: Customers can now seamlessly pay for flights and extras using Venmo directly on aa.com.
• Expanded Apple Pay: Enjoy broader Apple Pay support across digital touchpoints, allowing for instant, secure one-touch booking and upgrades without needing to pull out a credit card.

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2. Recover From Disruptions Faster

When operational delays happen, waiting in a long customer service queue at the gate is the last thing any traveler wants to do. American’s updated digital suite helps passengers navigate unexpected changes with minimal downtime:

• Instant Delay Insights: Clearer, real-time digital updates explain why a delay is happening so you can plan accordingly.
• Proactive Self-Service Rebooking: Impacted travelers receive instant rebooking options directly in the app. Simply select an alternate flight, pick new seats, and confirm your itinerary in seconds.
• Digital Support Resources: Quickly access meal and hotel vouchers, ground transportation details, and customer support resources directly on your smartphone without standing in line.

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3. Move Through the Airport Faster With Touchless ID

Getting through security and to your gate is becoming significantly smoother thanks to expanded biometric integration:

• TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID Opt-In: Eligible TSA PreCheck® members can now easily opt into Touchless ID through the American Airlines app prior to arriving at the airport.
• Hands-Free Verification: Use dedicated touchless lanes at participating airports to verify your identity using facial matching—allowing you to move seamlessly from bag drop through security screening without constantly presenting a physical ID or boarding pass.

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4. Real-Time Baggage & Mobile Tracking

American's digital suite takes the guesswork out of checked luggage with end-to-end bag tracking:

• Live Status Updates: Track your luggage from the moment it is checked at the ticket counter, loaded onto the aircraft, transferred during connections, and delivered to the baggage carousel.
• Location Sharing: Receive timely notifications as your bag moves across each scan point along its route.

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5. Streamlined Airport Navigation & Gate Details

Navigating massive hub airports can be overwhelming. To keep passenger movement smooth, American's app features interactive terminal maps and live guidance:

• Turn-by-Turn Wayfinding: Get step-by-step directions between connecting gates, nearby dining options, and Admirals Club lounges.
• Live Lock Screen Updates: Gate changes, boarding group alerts, and departure countdowns update automatically on your smartphone's lock screen.

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The Bottom Line

From flexible checkout options to touchless airport security and instant disruption recovery, American Airlines' digital evolution is all about replacing uncertainty with clarity. By placing self-service rebooking, real-time tracking, and seamless biometric verification directly into your pocket, your smartphone is now the ultimate travel sidekick.

Free TSA PreCheck: Certain Veterans Now Qualify for Faster Airport Screening at No Extra Cost

Navigating airport security is often one of the most stressful parts of traveling. For years, active-duty service members have enjoyed the perk of free, expedited security screening through TSA PreCheck. However, once a service member transitioned to civilian veteran status, that benefit disappeared—leaving them to pay the standard application fees out of pocket.

Thanks to a vital update under the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act, that is changing. A new initiative officially allows thousands of veterans to enroll in or renew their TSA PreCheck membership completely free of charge.

If you or a loved one served in the military, here is a breakdown of who qualifies for this free travel benefit and how to claim it.

What is the VETS Safe Travel Act?

Passed to reduce physical stress and travel hurdles for wounded warriors, the VETS Safe Travel Act removes the financial barrier to expedited airport security.

With TSA PreCheck, qualifying travelers can utilize dedicated airport lanes where the average wait time is under five minutes. Even better, you get to skip the most tedious parts of the security line:

• Keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on.
• Leave laptops and electronics inside your carry-on bag.
• Keep compliant 3-1-1 liquids packed away instead of placing them in a separate bin.

Who is Eligible for the Free TSA PreCheck Waiver?

The fee waiver is specifically designed to assist veterans who have service-connected disabilities that make standard airport screening physically challenging. To qualify for the free application or renewal code, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health care system and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The loss or loss of use of an extremity (such as an arm or leg).
• Full or partial paralysis.
• Permanent blindness.
• A service-connected injury requiring the use of a VA-issued wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other mobility assist device.

Note: While the program waives the standard enrollment fee, applicants must still complete the standard TSA background check and in-person fingerprinting appointment to receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN).

How to Claim Your Free PreCheck Code

The Department of Veterans Affairs and TSA enrollment partners have established a digital process so eligible veterans do not have to pay upfront and wait for a reimbursement. Here is how to apply:

1. Get Your VA Letter: Log into your account on VA.gov. Navigate to your benefit letters dashboard and download your official TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter.
2. Request Your Code: Email a copy of this PDF letter to the official processing partner at tsaenrollmentbyidemia@ps-idemia.com. Use the subject line “VETS Safe”.
3. Apply Securely: Once your letter is verified, you will receive a unique authorization code via email. Enter this code when submitting your TSA PreCheck application online or present it during your in-person appointment to bypass the fee entirely.

Alternative Free Options for Other Veterans

If you are a veteran who does not meet the specific disability criteria of the VETS Safe Travel Act, you can still avoid paying for PreCheck out of pocket.

Many popular travel rewards and premium credit cards offer a statement credit that covers the fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 4 to 5 years. By using one of these cards to pay for your application, the bank will automatically credit the amount back to your account.

Safe travels, and thank you for your service!

TSA Remote Screening Program: How to Clear Security Before The Airport

Sitting in bumper-to-bumper airport traffic, nervously watching the minutes tick down to your departure time, is a universal travel nightmare. But what if you could completely skip the airport gridlock, bypass the chaotic terminal checkpoint, and arrive at the airport already cleared by security?

It sounds like a frequent flyer’s daydream, but it is officially a reality. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a first-of-its-kind Remote Screening Pilot Program, designed to entirely rewrite the pre-flight playbook.

Here is everything you need to know about this game-changing initiative and how it could reshape the future of American travel.

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What is the TSA Remote Screening Program?

Launched in June 2026, the remote screening program shifts the entire check-in and security process away from the airport itself and moves it to dedicated, off-site satellite terminals.

Instead of navigating crowded airport loops and massive security lines, travelers can park at a calm suburban terminal, check their luggage, clear a standard TSA security checkpoint, and step onto a secure shuttle bus. The bus then drives straight onto the airport tarmac, dropping passengers off directly on the airside (secure side) of the terminal—just steps from their departure gates.

The Core Concept: You do all the stressful, time-consuming airport chores in a low-congestion environment, ensuring that when you finally arrive at the actual airport, you are ready to board.

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The Inaugural Pilot: Boston Logan & Framingham

The flagship launch of this program is a partnership between the TSA and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) at the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at Framingham, located about 23 miles west of Boston.

How It Works:

• Book Ahead: Eligible passengers can reserve their spot online anywhere from 90 days down to 90 minutes before their flight.


• Arrive & Check In: At the Framingham terminal, travelers print their boarding passes and hand over checked bags. The luggage is securely locked and integrated directly into the airport's baggage system.


• Clear TSA: Passengers go through a full, state-of-the-art TSA security checkpoint—including a TSA PreCheck® line—right there in the remote building.


• The Secure Ride: Cleared travelers board a Massport-operated Logan Express bus. Because the bus is entirely secure, it bypasses terminal traffic and unloads passengers directly inside the gate area.

The Fine Print (Cost & Eligibility):

• Price: An absolute steal at $9 per person one-way, while children under 18 ride for free with a ticketed adult.


• Parking: On-site parking at the remote terminal is a budget-friendly $7 a day (compared to hefty airport garage fees).


• Airlines: The initial pilot is available for passengers flying JetBlue or Delta Air Lines with flights departing between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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Why This is a Win-Win for Travelers and Airports

The TSA’s push for remote terminals isn't just about making the morning easier for vacationers—it addresses major structural issues plaguing modern aviation infrastructure:

• Alleviating Roadway Congestion: By intercepting thousands of passengers miles before they reach the airport, cities can drastically cut down on bumper-to-bumper traffic on airport access roads.


• Smoothing Out Peak Checkpoint Waves: Spreading security screening across multiple physical locations prevents bottlenecking at main airport terminals during early morning and afternoon rush hours.


• A Visual Treat for AvGeeks: Because the secure buses drop passengers off ramp-side, travelers get a unique, up-close view of the aircraft on the tarmac as they walk into the terminal.

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Is Remote Screening Coming to an Airport Near You?

While the Boston/Framingham setup is the most fully integrated "suburban-to-gate" pilot of its kind, the TSA has noted that the framework is being watched incredibly closely by airline leaders and industry officials nationwide.

The TSA has already authorized a handful of other remote screening concepts or similar off-site operations in major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), and New York (JFK). If the initial rollout proves successful through its pilot phases, expect to see public-private partnerships expanding this blueprint to suburban centers and regional hubs across the United States.

The era of rushing to the airport hours early just to wait in a stagnant line might finally be coming to a close. For just $9, the TSA is proving that the "Golden Age of Travel" might just start in a parking lot 20 miles outside of town.

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What do you think? Would you trade your standard airport routine to clear security in the suburbs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Travelore News: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Will Expand To 50 New Airports This Spring

Touchless ID allows TSA PreCheck passengers to move through the security checkpoint without needing to present their ID. Even better, it’s usually the quickest (and shortest) line at airport security.

Image Credit: TSA

However, it’s only available at 15 airports in the U.S. right now.

That’s set to change, as the TSA plans to bring this technology to an additional 50 airports by the end of spring, increasing the total number of airports offering it from 15 to 65.

Where will you find Touchless ID? Let’s take a look.

You need to opt into this service, though; simply having TSA PreCheck doesn’t automatically enroll you. Touchless ID offers a dedicated lane at airport security, when available, and my experience has been that this line is the shortest at security, helping me get through the line and on my way as efficiently as possible.

To participate, you need to upload a valid U.S. passport to your frequent flyer account with a participating airline. You can only use the Touchless ID lane if an indicator for it shows on your boarding pass.

Presently, Touchless ID is available at just 15 airports with only 5 airlines:

Alaska Airlines: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Washington Reagan (DCA)

American Airlines: Atlanta, Charlotte (CLT), Chicago, Dallas (DFW), Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington Reagan

Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Detroit (DTW), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington Reagan

Southwest Airlines: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle

United Airlines: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Newark, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Washington Reagan

By the end of spring, the number of airports offering TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is expected to increase from 15 to 65, thanks to the introduction of 50 additional locations. That’s a 433% increase.

First priority is to add it to these locations: Anchorage (ANC), Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston-Bush (IAH), Houston-Hobby (HOU), John Wayne-Orange County (SNA), Kansas City (MCI), Long Beach (LGB), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), West Palm Beach (PBI), San Jose (SJC), Sacramento (SMF), and Washington Dulles (IAD).

Image Credit: TSA

By the end of spring, you’ll find these airports joining, as well: Albuquerque (ABQ), Austin (AUS), Birmingham (BHM), Boise (BOI), Buffalo (BUF), Charleston, South Carolina (CHS), Chicago Midway (MDW), Cincinnati (CVG), Cleveland (CLE), Columbus (CMH), Hartford Bradley (BDL), Honolulu (HNL), Indianapolis (IND), Jacksonville (JAX), Milwaukee (MKE), Nashville (BNA), New Orleans (MSY), Oklahoma City (OKC), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Providence (PVD), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), San Antonio (SAT), San Diego (SAN), San Juan (SJU), St. Louis (STL), Tampa (TPA), Tulsa (TUL), and Westchester County (HPN).

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is about to undergo a significant expansion, increasing from its current 15 locations to 65 by the end of spring. Those 50 new locations represent a 433% increase in the number of airports where you can use this service; however, remember that you must opt in before you can use it.

https://upgradedpoints.com/author/ryansmith/

Travelore Tips: TSA Issues Urgent Warning About Signing Up For TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to remove some of the hassle from the airport security process. If you travel often, it can be well worth it.

Read the TSA's new warning before signing up. Image source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

You'll need to pay to be part of PreCheck, and you will need to be eligible, which means meeting requirements like being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. However, if you sign up for PreCheck, you can reap many benefits.

For example, you can visit a separate security line at any of the 200+ airports nationwide that have specialized PreCheck lanes. You can also avoid having to take off your belt, lightweight jacket, or outerwear. Removing your 3-1-1 compliant liquid bag and laptop from the bag is also optional.

While TSA PreCheck became a little less valuable once the Transportation Security Administration reversed course and allowed travelers to clear security without removing their shoes, TSA PreCheck still offers benefits worth paying for.

You do, however, have to be careful during the signup process. In fact, the Transportation Safety Administration just issued a serious and important warning about PreCheck signups.

On July 25, 2025, TSA issued an important warning on Facebook about signing up for the expedited security benefits on offer with PreCheck. Specifically, the TSA posted, "Signing up for TSA PreCheck? Make sure you're using a safe and trusted .gov website."

The TSA also provided the link you will need: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck.

The TSA issued this important warning because scammers have tried to trick travelers into giving up some of their most important and most sensitive personal data by making them believe they are signing up for TSA PreCheck.

The warning from the TSA was a necessary one because dishonest actors have impersonated TSA PreCheck websites or officials.

The Federal Trade Commission has a detailed explanation of the type of scam TSA warned about.

"No one likes waiting in airport security lines. To speed things up, some people opt to get TSA PreCheck. Scammers know this and send emails that look like they're from TSA PreCheck — but they’re not," the FTA website states. "The emails want you to click a link that takes you to a scam website that only looks like the official site — but it’s not."

Unfortunately, the FTC explained that many people who fall for this kind of scam don't even know it until they have already paid a scammer money and provided them with their details. Then they show up at the airport expecting to sail through security, but it doesn't happen.

How you can heed the TSA's warning about PreCheck signups

Travelers are urged to listen to the TSA's warnings about PreCheck so they don't find themselves victims of a TSA PreCheck scam. Fortunately, the FTC has some advice:

Not clicking links in emails you receive unexpectedly, even if the mail looks professional

Not allowing yourself to rush through the process. If you are facing pressure to pay fast, you're probably dealing with a scammer

Start at the tsa.gov/precheck website yourself so you don't accidentally go to the wrong place.

By following the TSA's advice, you can keep your data from being exposed, safely get signed up for TSA PreCheck, and have a great next trip, without worrying about your Social Security number and other personal details being misused by clever scammers.

https://www.thestreet.com/author/christy-rakoczy

Travelore News: TSA Just Added 4 More Airlines To PreCheck Program

Fiji Airways, Lynx Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Starlux Airlines are the latest additions.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has added four more international airlines to its popular trusted traveler program, TSA PreCheck.

Fiji Airways, Lynx Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Starlux Airlines are the latest additions to the TSA PreCheck program, according to the government agency. The latter three airlines on this list are startup carriers from Canada, Europe, and Taiwan, respectively, all of which have commenced flights to the U.S. over the past couple of years.

With the addition of these four international carriers, there’s a total of 94 airlines that participate in the TSA PreCheck program — and growing. TSA PreCheck allows travelers deemed as “low risk” to enjoy expedited security screening when departing from over a list of 200 participating U.S. airports.

The agency is continuing to test new technology to make airport security a more streamlined process for travelers, especially at busy airports. Travelers with an Arizona-issued mobile ID on their Apple or Samsung Wallet can now use it for identity verification, and the TSA hopes to expand this option in the coming years.

Less than a week ago, the TSA also announced it would start trialing self-service screening in Las Vegas — initially for TSA PreCheck members Around March, eligible travelers at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas will be able to use these lanes with an automated entry and exit door.

As the TSA continues to add new airlines to the program, it’s a good idea for travelers to apply. Membership lasts for five years and costs $78 for new applicants, while the cost to renew TSA PreCheck is $70. Several popular travel credit cards even waive this application fee cost altogether.

Frequent flyers who travel internationally may want to consider the Global Entry program instead, where they can enjoy expedited customs lines when returning to the U.S. Overseen by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the application cost for this program is $100 but includes TSA PreCheck, making it a worthwhile investment for eligible travelers.

Source: By Stella Shon, https://www.travelandleisure.com/

TSA Adds These 4 International Airlines To PreCheck Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) added four new airlines to its beloved TSA PreCheck program this week, making it easier for travelers to expedite airport security no matter where they’re flying.

The agency added low-cost French airline French Bee, low-cost Japanese airline Zipair, Cayman Airways, and charter airline Titan Airways to the program, according to the TSA. With the new additions, travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck will be able to use the expedited security lanes when flying with these airlines.

In total, the TSA now offers PreCheck to travelers flying with 90 different domestic and international carriers. The service is available at more than 200 U.S. airports either when departing from an airport in the United States or when connecting to a domestic flight after returning to the U.S.

The TSA PreCheck program, which travelers must apply to, allows approved travelers to leave their shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave their laptops and liquids in their bags. In March, the agency set a new active membership record with more than 15 million active members, according to the TSA. To apply, travelers must fill out an application online and then schedule an in-person interview. Enrollment costs $78 (or $70 to renew online), and is valid for five years. Earlier this month, the agency announced a new partnership with the security firm Telos Corporation to make applying for the program easier, providing travelers with even more enrollment centers from which they can complete their in-person interviews.

And in May, the TSA made it easier for families traveling together by allowing teenagers 13 to 17 years old to accompany their parents or guardians who are already enrolled in the program into the expedited security line. The agency previously only allowed children 12 and younger to do so.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/author/alison-fox

TSA Just Made Enrolling In PreCheck A Bit Easier — Here's How

Travelers seeking TSA PreCheck now have more options to enroll or renew their membership.

This week, the Department of Homeland Security, which manages the TSA and TSA PreCheck program, announced a new partnership with Telos Corporation, a security firm, to make applying for the program easier.

The new partnership will provide travelers with additional enrollment centers in which they can complete the in-person requirements of the TSA PreCheck application. These new locations will be in Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia, with more opening soon.

TSA PreCheck promises travelers a more convenient, and sometimes speedier airport experience. The program allows airline passengers the ability to go through a screening checkpoint without taking off their shoes, belts, or light jackets. The members of TSA PreCheck also don’t have to remove laptop or approved liquids from carry-on luggage. Over 200 airports offer the TSA PreCheck screening lanes for passengers to utilize.

“About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes,” the TSA says on their website.

In an effort to roll out the TSA PreCheck product to more passengers, TSA previously partnered with a third party company called “IDEMIA.” Telos Corporation is an Ashburn, VA based security firm that specializes in cyber, cloud, and enterprise security services, according to their site, and is the latest partner for the agency.

“Telos is excited to make TSA PreCheck enrollments accessible to more people where they live, work and shop with the launch of Telos as an authorized enrollment provider,” Telos CEO John B. Wood said in a statement.

The number of enrollment centers and sites is helpful, as passengers are required to re-enroll in the program every five years. Travelers can begin the re-enrollment process when they have six months remaining on their current membership.

“This expansion of enrollment providers will increase the network of locations where applicants may go to complete their TSA PreCheck membership,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

The TSA PreCheck program has 15 million active members as of May 2023, according to TSA data.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/michael-cappetta-7375299

TSA Now Accepts Mobile IDs In Google Wallet On Android Mobile Devices, Starting With The State Of Maryland

In collaboration with the State of Maryland and Google, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts Maryland-issued mobile driver's licenses and ID cards in Google Wallet on Android mobile phones at select TSA airport security checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck® passengers will be able to use this new feature at checkpoints for identity verification at 25 participating airports.

"TSA's partnership with Google and Maryland spotlights our commitment to implementing new technologies and expanding use of mobile driver's licenses," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "This launch represents the first mobile driver's license in Google Wallet. We continue to work closely with other states on deploying this capability across the country. TSA is committed to collaborating on international, open standards that provide enhanced security, privacy protections and offers airline passengers a more efficient and convenient travel experience."

To present their ID in Google Wallet at select TSA checkpoints, passengers will approach the podium at the first station in the screening process. Passengers may consent to provide their mobile identification from Google Wallet by simply turning on Bluetooth and holding their Android smart phone or watch on the second generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) reader device. The digital identity information from the mobile driver's license is encrypted and transmitted digitally to CAT-2, where the passenger's real-time camera photograph will be compared against the encrypted mobile identity information from Google Wallet and their reservation data that would have been on the passenger's boarding pass. Once the CAT-2 confirms the identity match, a TSA officer will verify the match and the passenger will proceed to security screening - without ever exchanging a boarding pass. TSA officers may perform additional passenger verification if needed. The real-time live camera photograph and the mobile identification information is not kept, transmitted or used for any purpose other than for the immediate identity verification by a TSA officer. Passengers who do not wish to participate in facial matching can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.

With IDs in Google Wallet on Android, identification data is encrypted and securely transmitted digitally, eliminating the need for passengers to show or hand over their device to a TSA officer. All passengers, including those traveling through security with a Maryland mobile driver's license or state ID, must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver's license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. A physical ID may be required for identity verification.

TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding the mobile ID to their Google Wallet before arriving at the TSA checkpoint. Only passengers with TSA PreCheck added to their boarding pass will be eligible at this time.

TSA introduced the concept of the mobile driver's license in April 2021 with a notice in the Federal Register and a press release announcing a request for information regarding mobile driver's licenses. This is one of the many steps TSA is taking under President Biden's Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience.

TSA's interest in this technology is driven by security and privacy enhancements provided by mobile driver's licenses compared to physical cards.

For more information on all digital identity solutions accepted at select TSA checkpoints, visit tsa.gov/digital-id.

SOURCE: Transportation Security Administration

Travelore Tips: The TSA Has New Rules For Fliers.

As summer travel begins this Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing airport security checkpoints nationwide to screen high volumes of passengers.

About 2.6 million passengers are expected to be screened on Friday, May 26, the busiest day of the long weekend.

Many of those passengers may not have flown in a while and the TSA suggests they get caught up on all the changes. Even those who have flown in the last few months may be in for a couple of nuances as well.

Update on TSA PreCheck

Any parent or guardian already enrolled in TSAPrecheck can now accompany teens aged 13-17 to a TSA PreCheck screening when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen's boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian without restriction at any time.

“Passengers can help as well by being prepared, by having their identification ready when they begin screening and checking to make sure they aren’t bringing firearms, oversized liquids or any other prohibited item into the checkpoint,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “One person’s actions can delay screening for everyone else.”

Are you who you say you are?

TSA is deploying new technology solutions nationwide to modernize airport checkpoints, enhance security effectiveness, and improve the passenger experience. Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units now verify a passenger's identification credentials, flight details, and pre-screening status, such as TSA PreCheck, without a boarding pass. With CAT, passengers only need to provide their acceptable photo identification to the officer.

But, heads up – TSA officers may perform additional passenger verification if they think it’s needed.

If anyone is worried about their images being scanned, the agency said that those travelers may opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process without losing their place in line.

More scrutiny of carry-ons

TSA recently installed new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) units nationwide, which the agency says greatly improves scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags.

The upside is that the new CT units give TSA officers the ability to review a 3-D image of passengers’ bags while reducing the need to physically search the contents of those bags. That means that travelers screened in security lanes with CT units no longer have to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening.

Pack an empty bag

The TSA says that it’s been monitoring what trends are happening at U.S. airports and recommends that travelers start with a completely empty bag and take a minute to know what items can be carried on before they go.

“When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool to know what is prohibited,” the agency noted.

Check And Declare Firearms

One huge concern is the number of firearms that passengers have tried to get through security checkpoints in the last few months. TSA officers intercepted 1,508 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first quarter of 2023 – more than 93% of them loaded.

If you try to get a firearm through security, you will get stopped, maybe fined, and the government will confiscate your gun and you won't get it back.

And that fine isn’t cheap, either. Trying to bring a loaded firearm or unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition in a carry-on could cost you $3,000 - $10,700, plus a criminal referral. Unloaded firearms carry a potential fine of $1,500 - $5,370 + criminal referral for anyone who tries to bring one through a TSA checkpoint.

For anyone who wants to travel with a firearm, the rule is simple: “You may still travel with a firearm – it just must be properly packed in your checked baggage and you must declare it to the airline,” Pekoske said.

Source: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/, Gary Guthrie

Travel Tip: Can TSA PreCheck Keep Up With Demand?

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Image Credit: @tsa on Instagram

Just a few months ago, the security lines at many U.S. airports were long and unmanageable.

Staffing shortages and bad scheduling on the part of the TSA combined to create a chaotic and stressful situation.

The TSA promised to make changes, and at some airports, they actually have made progress.

But the problems remain.

With nearly 15,000 people a day signing up for TSA’s PreCheck—a program designed to streamline the security check process for trusted travelers—the lines are once again long.

At many airports, the TSA continues to close the PreCheck lines at peak periods.

So, before you apply for PreCheck, ask yourself this: Why pay money for a service that is not consistently being provided or executed?

If you have applied and received PreCheck, then let your elected representatives know you need their help to not just move the lines, but to open them.

For more information about TSA PreCheck, check out:

• Why TSA PreCheck May Not Fix Long TSA Lines
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Is Worth It?
• How Effective is TSA PreCheck?

Lufthansa Is First European Airline To Offer TSA Pre✓®

Eligible passengers flying Lufthansa now able to have expedited screening at security checkpoints of participating U.S. airports / Trusted-traveler program participation adds to air carrier’s quality promise to its customers

On August 31, 2016, Lufthansa German Airlines became the first European air carrier to participate in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre✓® program. As a result of this initiative, Lufthansa customers that are eligible will experience an expedited and efficient screening process at the security checkpoint of participating U.S. airports.

The safety of Lufthansa German Airlines’ customers is of utmost importance and is of paramount priority. Following this, the airline’s main focus is on a premium customer experience and quality promise. With TSA Pre✓®, both initiatives are addressed in that all program participants are closely vetted and held to high security standards, and once they are part of the program, will undergo an optimized travel experience with faster and more convenient passenger security facilitation at more than 180 airports nationwide.

“Lufthansa strives to maintain its role as one of the leading airlines in the aviation industry, and in doing so, continually aims for improvement and innovation advancements,” said Juergen Siebenrock, Vice President, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. “Together, we are pleased in advancing this important U.S. government trusted-traveler initiative, the TSA Pre✓® program. This is one of several new initiatives that adds to our commitment towards constantly enhancing the quality level of the customer experience on the overall journey with Lufthansa.”

If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, information is embedded in the barcode and the TSA Pre✓® imprint will appear on the passenger’s boarding pass. When TSA scans the barcode at the security checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre✓® lane. Expedited screening may allow passengers to keep on shoes, belts and light outwear, as well as leave laptops and 3-1-1 compliant bags in carry-on baggage.

Currently, U.S. citizens, dual citizens, and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply to the TSA Pre✓® Application Program, as well as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs such as NEXUS for Canadian Citizens, as well as Global Entry which is currently available for eight nationalities including Germany.

TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.

U.S. Border Control Wants To Peek At Your Facebook Account

NEWS

The puns almost write themselves: U.S. Border Control wants to "friend" you. Travelers set to "dislike" new Border Control proposal. But this is no laughing matter. SmarterTravel fills us in on what this means for social media-addicted travelers.

The U.S. Border Control is proposing adding a new line to the form travelers fill out when visiting in the U.S. for under 90 days without a visa. According the Guardian, the line would be added to both the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) and I-94W forms and would read, “Please enter information associated with your online presence—Provider/Platform—Social media identifier.”

Would it Work?

I'll point out the obvious here: What on earth does that even mean? Furthermore, what sort of valuable information could a traveler possibly provide in response? I have a Facebook account? My Instagram handle is loveshotdogs435? 

"It’s unclear if or how the DHS would verify information written on a form before hitting border control, leaving the possibility of false information being put down," The Guardian points out, "and while the information may be optional, it will likely be difficult to discern what is and isn’t required on the form."

RELATED: 10 Things You Should Never Do in the Airport Security Line

Exactly. There's really no (non-draconian) way to ensure that A) a person provides the right information, like a URL or properly spelled social media handle; and B) a person provides correct or true information. And obviously there's no reasonable way to tell if a person's social media profile suggests that they pose a threat before they've left the airport and entered the country.

The Office of the Federal Register states that "collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide DHS greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity and connections by providing an additional tool set which analysts and investigators may use to better analyze and investigate the case."

Anyone who's watched the news over the past several years can understand the thinking here. Social media can offer a window into the minds of would-be attackers, but too often only serves to explain those attackers' motives in hindsight.

If authorities could peer through that window before something bad happens, clearly that would be great (though it does raise a host of serious privacy questions, but that's a whole other story). But is a line on a customs form an effective way to gain that access?

More from SmarterTravel:
Will Suspending Bag Fees Lead to Shorter Security Lines?
Is the TSA’s PreCheck Overpriced and Overcomplicated?
The TSA Can Now Force You Through a Body Scanner

Read the original story: Border Control Wants to Peek at Your Facebook Account by Carl Unger, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

Travelore News: TSA Precheck Application Center Opens At Lambert Airport Inn St. Louis Tuesday June 17th

More Passengers Gain Convenient Access to Enroll in Expedited Screening Program

When:            Tuesday, June 17, 2014, 10 a.m.

Where:             Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

                        Terminal 1, Lower Level, C Checkpoint,

Who:               Federal Security Director Bill Switzer

                       Lambert Public Relations Manager Jeff Lea             

What:              The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will announce the opening of a TSA Precheck application center inside Terminal 1 at Lambert- St. Louis International Airport. TSA Precheck is a program that allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents will now be able to go through a pre-enrollment process online at www.TSA.gov/tsa-pre-check/application-program, make an appointment, and complete the enrollment process at the new Lambert TSA Precheck Center. The TSA will explain the online enrollment procedures and how the new center will make it more convenient for travelers to take the final steps to enrolling in the program, which costs $85 for five years.

Travelore Tips: How to Survive Airport Security Gridlock This Summer

EDUCATION IMAGES/UIG VIA GETTY IMAGES

As we head into the peak travel season, one of the most dreaded parts of your trip—the security checkpoint—could cause even more agita this year. Airports are expecting record crowds, but they’re already straining at the seams: Airlines for America predicts that 210 million travelers will fly this summer (a six-year high), yet staffing at checkpoints and Customs and Immigration hasn't gone up appreciably.

If you think you’re allowing enough time to get through the drill and to the gate on time, think again. Just the other week, a perfect storm of road traffic, airport construction and huge security lines at Newark Airport caused my family to practically miss a flight to Lisbon— despite the fact we’d added two hours to the time the trip would normally take as a precaution.

And sure, you can’t do much about the gridlock on the road, but you can strategize how you navigate through the backlog at security.

Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck—but only if it makes sense for you. 
Last summer, TSA launched its PreCheck express lane program for low-risk passengers; now that it’s in 118 airports with 11 airlines participating, members are signing up at a rate of 3,000 a day, says TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein. The application process requires fingerprinting and an interview, but once you pass muster (and pay an $85 fee), you’re in for five years, meaning you get through security in five minutes or less, without having to remove shoes or jackets. But there are some caveats: You may not always get to use the fast lanes (TSA still sends some participants back to the slow lanes to keep the process 'random'), and lately the agency has been experimenting with letting non-members cut in, much to the annoyance of road warriors. And keep in mind that the membership is for individuals only; family members can’t tag along, although kids 12 and under can go through with a parent with Precheck status. 

If you travel overseas regularly, sign up for Global Entry instead; it costs $100, but that additional $15 gives you all the benefits of PreCheck plus expedited treatment at Customs and Immigration.

Get TSA’s mobile app
This app gives airport by airport updates on flight delays, along with estimates on checkpoint waits, with a crowdsourcing feature that lets users post their own wait times for the benefit of others. But that feature can be hit or miss: Travelers stuck on a long line tend to be more focused on just getting through, so the contributions are spotty. Still, it can be useful to scroll through and see the recent history for your airport: At Newark, for example, the waits in recent days ranged from “zero” minutes to more than a half hour. The app also has other useful info, including "Can I Bring?," an interactive list of allowed or verboten items. But some features need an update; on-time performance stats for airports, for example, use data from 2011.

There are several good mobile apps from outside sources, too, including What’s Busy, offering comprehensive information on wait times for most major airports in the U.S. based on historical data.

Check your airport’s website for checkpoint locations and wait times
Familiarize yourself with the layout at your airline’s terminal: At some concourses, you have a choice of which checkpoint to use to get to your gate, and wait times can vary significantly. Some airports, including Washington Dulles and Houston, have taken it a step further and are posting real-time wait times to steer fliers to less crowded checkpoints.

Alert the airline if you may miss your flight
If you’re on the end of a long security line and your flight is boarding, don’t wait—contact an airline representative immediately. Carriers used to station agents near checkpoints to help panicked passengers, usually by moving them to the front of the line, but you can’t count on that any more. Call the airline in advance for an estimate of when to arrive at the airport; if you followed their advice and still might miss your flight due to security, contact them by phone or via its Twitter feed, which may help. Or throw yourself on the mercy of a TSA agent, if you can find a sympathetic one; I’ve tried that with some success, but be prepared to make your case for why it’s essential you make your flight. (And don’t get angry—then you’ll be even worse off.)

Contributed by Barbara Peterson, www.cntraveler.com

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