U.S. Airports Aim to Speed Up Security Lines

U.S. airports roll out a new program designed to speed travelers through security lines. Called Registered Travelers (or RT), the program is currently being tested in six US airports and is expected to operate on a national scale next year.

Operators of major airports around Asia will be watching if the United States’ Registered Travelers (RT) program will do what it intends to do –reduce airport security lines.

First proposed in November 2002 by the US Senate Aviation Subcommittee chairman, Kay Bailey Hutchison, the program is under the supervision of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and will soon cover more than 20 major airports around the US from the current six airports.

Registered Travelers (RT) will allow more passengers to pass more quickly into secure areas, easing congestion at checkpoints and reducing waiting lines as well as allowing screeners to focus their efforts more efficiently and effectively.

In a study, the General Accounting Office (GAO) found that security related delays has discouraged travelers of short distances (750 miles or less) from flying, costing the aviation industry up to $2.5 billion in lost revenue since September 11, 2001.

“The hassle-free system will entice more people back to the air, further helping struggling airlines improve their bottom lines,” added an airline analyst. “The last six passengers generally make a difference between profit and loss on a flight.”

To become a Registered Traveler, a passenger must pay a one-time fee of $100, go through a background check and a biometric iris scan. On average, RT lanes can process three times more people than normal security lines.