As much as frequent fliers love cheap travel options, be they cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages, sometimes they feel discouraged when facing long airport security checkpoints that appear to be moving at a snail’s pace.
The good news is that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to enlarge its PreCheck security program to 28 airports this year.
Approved fliers in this program are able to move through security without having to remove their shoes, belt and jacket. Additional benefits include being able to leave laptops and TSA approved liquids in their carry-ons.
By adding the country’s busiest airports to this program the Department of Homeland Security believes the country’s security capabilities will expand and ease the screening process for travelers who have been identified as “trusted partners.” Now more attention will be shifted to screening fliers that may be of greater risk.
To date, the TSA has screened and approved 336,000 fliers to join the program which was introduced last year at seven airports. Eligible members include American citizens who are frequent fliers on selected airlines. Travelers interested in participating can apply via the government’s Global Entry website.
After a flier has been approved for expedited screening, information is added to the barcode of his or her boarding pass. Once scanned at a security checkpoint the traveler may be direct to an expedited screening lane.
Chicago’s O’Hare, New York’s JFK, Salt Lake City, and Washington’s Regan National airports will be added to the program by the end of March. The following 24 airports will be added prior to the end of 2012:
Premium Economy Growing in Popularity
Most travelers appreciate flying in as comfortable seats as possible while in the air, but given the value of cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages, few people are willing to pay for pricey First or Business Class tickets which can cost five times or more than economy.Airport Hotels offering Surprising Amenities
Cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages are usually preferred by many travelers. However, many a traveler expects less than a stellar experience when choosing to stay at an airport hotel.Dramatic Rise in US Air Travel Forecasted
Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages are likely to continue to play major roles in airline passenger travel increasing by over 60 percent over the next two decades.