TSA Preê for US citizens

Adding to sites in over 100 airports, the Transportation Security Administration announced in December that it will be opening more than 300 centers across the country at which US citizens can enroll in the TSA Pre√™ (Pre-check) system, which allows for expedited security screening at airports for approved travelers. 

By submitting an application and a fee of $85 (good for five years), a traveler may be certified for the program after providing background interviews, fingerprints and other biographical information.

Certification allows access to special security lanes where travelers do not have to remove their shoes, belts or (light) jackets and can leave their 3-1-1 liquids in carry-ons and their laptops in the cases. The speedier process still requires passing through a metal detector and the x-raying of baggage. Visit www.tsa.gov.