The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says from this month it will sharply cut back the number of fliers they allow through expedited airport-security lanes even though they have not enrolled in one of the programs.
TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy said it follows a ‘natural progression’ to limit the lanes for those that have enrolled and paid for programs like PreCheck and Global Entry.
The PreCheck program costs $85 which is good for five years and allows flyers to keep on belts, shoes and laptops inside bags.
To be approved a background check and in-person interview are required.
‘It’s been part of the plan all along’ to gradually dedicate fast track lines for only those who have gone through all the effort and expense to sign up, McCarthy said.
Some passengers will still be selected for fast track screening but at a much reduced number.
About 4 million people have enrolled in PreCheck, which is about double compared to January 2016.
Extensive media coverage of hours-long lines last spring generated more publicity about the program which has helped boost the number of sign ups.
