DFW Airport Testing Low-Hassle Security Checks
DFW AIRPORT (CBSDFW.COM) - The long lines, taking off your shoes and body scans - they're all necessary hassles of airport security. Now, the future of flying could allow travelers to skip that process and head straight to the gate.
On Tuesday, the Transportation and Security Administration launched a new pilot program at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. It's just one of four airports across the country that's testing the new expedited security system.
Lengthy security measures at the airport is the familiar process all travelers have grown accustomed to. But now, some fliers will be able to take a detour through the details.
"This pilot program will help assess measures designed to enhance security by placing more focus on pre-screened individuals who've volunteered information about themselves prior to flying in order to expedite their travel experience," Scott Johnson with the TSA said.
The new program allows only selected travelers to participate. Yet, it does not guarantee all pre-selected fliers will get to by-pass the process. Some will still be subjected to random screenings.
"I travel about 150 days out of the year and the chance to come through as quickly as I did, I think it's a real improvement in the process," Mike Sims said.
Sims is one of the pre-selected travelers.
"It was a surprise for me today," Sims said. "American Airlines had sent me an email previously that asked if I'd like to be included, and I said yes."
Skipping the layers of security certainly resonates with other travelers.
"For business travelers, I think it's a great idea," Craig Steele said. "There's no reason to wait in line when you're always going through every single time."
Currently, the pilot program is just being tested at gate C-30 at DFW International, and the TSA isn't sure how long the program will be in place.
"This new screening pilot holds potential to strengthen security while significantly enhancing and possibly enhancing the travel experience for passengers," Johnson said.
