Monday, May 6, 2013

TSA Adds Pre Check to Select International Flights

Associated Press airline reporter Scott Mayerowitz just tweeted out a link to a press release on the TSA website announcing that Pre Check will be available to passengers traveling on "some" international itineraries.

Previously Pre Check was only available for domestic itineraries and the new changes would mean that individuals connecting to international destinations, or returning from an international destination and connecting to a domestic flight, would be eligible to hear the "three beeps" when they get to the TSA check point.

This is a huge step forward in the program because it opens the doors to even more travelers. Business travelers who might be eligible for the program, or already have membership in a program like Global Entry to expidite their customs proccess on an international trip, were potentially missing out on the benefits of Pre Check by focusing their travel internationally.

The question that remains to be seen is what international itieraries will be eligible for Pre Check? I am betting that they will start out with trips to countries that have a relationship with the TSA already and allow for expedited customs and immigration for citizens with a Global Entry like program in the United States and have reciprocity agreements with Global Entry users entering their country.  As the program continues to expand it seems like more "trusted traveler" like programs will emerge as a way to ease the travel process for travelers.


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