Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport welcomes newer, faster security program

PHOENIX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be one of the select American airports unveiling a new security program that will help expedite travel by pre-screening certain individuals.

According to the Transportation Security Administration’s website , the new program will be implemented at Checkpoint 'A' in Terminal 4 for US Airways.

TSA PreCheck will be placed in over a dozen other airports throughout the country and is said to enhance aviation security with the help of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and participating airlines.

TSA is already planning on expanding the program to more airports and airlines.

As of now, frequent travelers from Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways and select members of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs will be eligible for the TSA PreCheck program.

According to reports there is a cost to register, but many times an airline picks up the tab for its frequent fliers.

"They put the TSA in place and in charge of security to make sure everybody is safe getting on planes and flying, I don't think you can buy security," said Chandler resident Hope McDonald.

Others disagree, calling the program a great idea.

"TSA PreCheck is wonderful," said frequent flier Tom Dunn. "We got it about four months ago in Detroit and it's great."

Dunn was walking through Sky Harbor and welcomed the move, especially for business travelers.

"You go up to the line, give them your boarding pass and ID and if you're lucky they say move up to the fast lane and you don't need to take your shoes off or pull out your laptop, just make sure the metal is out of your pockets and you zip right through," said Dunn while walking through terminal 4. "It's the most incredible experience, honest."

Eligible passengers will also be allowed to take children 12 years old and younger through the TSA PreCheck security lanes.

To continue to ensure passenger safety, TSA officers will continue to perform random security searches and other measures.

TSA said that keeping a continued level of randomness will keep terrorists from “gaming the system.”

TSA also said in a news release that “individuals who commit certain offenses, such as violations involving firearms, explosives, and fraudulent documents at an airport or on board an aircraft are likely to be denied expedited screening for a period of time. The duration of disqualification for expedited screening will depend upon the seriousness of the offense.”

TSA PreCheck allows officers to focus their attention on passengers more likely to pose risks and dangers.

As always, airport security checkpoints are only a portion of the “multi-layered” security system. TSA also researches and analyzes intelligence and behavior and implements different teams of officers, air marshals and canines to ensure safety.

For a map of PreCheck locations and more information on the program, visit TSA online .