Frequent GTRA Users Can Get Expedited Checkin

COLUMBUS/STARKVILLE/WEST POINT, Miss. (Press Release) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the start of TSA Pre✓® operations at Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR). TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that allows select GTR flyers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in their carry-on.

Golden Triangle Regional Airport joins approximately 130 airports in the country and becomes the first airport in Mississippi where passengers can experience expedited screening. The airline serving GTR that participates in the TSA program is Delta Air Lines.

“The addition of TSA Pre✓™ is another innovation to enhance the customer experience at the GTR Airport. We appreciate the efforts of TSA in bringing this leading edge program to our airport,” said Mike Hainsey, GTR’s Executive Director.

“The expansion of TSA Pre✓™ to Golden Triangle Regional Airport highlights the TSA’s ongoing commitment to adopting intelligence-driven, risk-based security initiatives while at the same time providing travelers with a better travel experience,” said David Wynn, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi.

TSA Pre✓® is part of the agency’s efforts to focus its resources and improve the passenger experience at security checkpoints by applying new intelligence-driven, risk-based screening procedures and enhancing the use of technology. Through a variety of risk-based initiatives such as TSA Pre✓®, TSA provides effective security while gaining efficiencies and improving the travel experience for millions of passengers each week.

To enroll, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may pre-enroll online at tsa.gov and must visit an application center to provide biographic information (e.g. a government-issued ID showing current address), be fingerprinted, and provide a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or valid immigration documentation, as well as pay an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership.

Enrollment centers are located in many airports so travelers can make an appointment when they know they will have time during their travels. Or area residents can drive to Hoover or Decatur, Alabama. Enrollment centers in Mississippi are located in Vicksburg, Greenville and Gulfport. Pre-enrolling and making an appointment online is suggested.

Once approved, passengers will receive a known traveler number (KTN) and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓® lanes at security checkpoints at all participating airports and on 11 major airlines: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.

Members of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program (Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI) already pre-qualify for TSA Pre✓® and can utilize their PASSID as their KTN.

Passengers are encouraged to save their KTN in each frequent flyer profile. Additionally, those who purchase their tickets via a third-party website or travel agency should enter their KTN each time they make a reservation.

Information is imbedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass when a passenger is eligible for TSA Pre✓®. TSA reads the barcode at the checkpoint and the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre✓® lane. The 11 participating carriers also print a TSA Pre✓® indicator directly on the boarding pass so passengers will know in advance that they have been cleared for expedited screening.

As always, TSA continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures both seen and unseen throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.

To learn more about TSA Pre✓®, visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. For more information about the four trusted traveler programs that include TSA Pre✓® eligibility, visit dhs.gov/tt.