TSA expands faster screening to international travelers

Some U.S. travelers who fly abroad are now eligible to zip through special airport screening lines without removing their shoes, belts and jackets or taking laptops and liquids out of carry-on bags.

The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that it was expanding its so-called PreCheck program to passengers flying abroad from 40 participating U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International Airport.

The PreCheck program was previously limited to U.S. citizens who travel domestically and participate in a frequent-flier program with Alaska, American, Delta, United or US Airways.

Beginning Tuesday, travelers who participate in PreCheck can now use the faster screening lines when flying to select international destinations. PreCheck is also available to Canadian citizens who participate in NEXUS, a pre-screening program for travelers who frequently fly between the U.S. and Canada.

The PreCheck program was designed to let passengers who fly frequently and voluntarily submit background information proceed through faster screening lines so that the TSA can focus on travelers whom they consider to be a more serious threat.

“By expanding TSA PreCheck beyond domestic air travel, we are further demonstrating our commitment to identifying innovative ways to securely move travelers more quickly throughout airports,” TSA administrator John Pistole said.

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