Members of TSA’s PreCheck program, which streamlines airport security, may see lines lengthen at some checkpoints after nine additional airlines joined the initiative.
The newly added carriers are Air India, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Elite Airways, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Volaris. Travelers with TSA PreCheck who fly on these airlines will be eligible for expedited security screening at participating airports.
With these additions, the program now includes 65 airlines in total.
TSA PreCheck offers several advantages: faster security screening (about 95 percent of members report waiting less than five minutes), keeping shoes and light jackets on when appropriate, and the ability to leave laptops and compliant liquids in carry-on bags at the X-ray checkpoint. Enrollment requires an application and background check; the standard fee is $85 for a five-year membership.
As more airlines join, checkpoint efficiency will depend on how many PreCheck members are traveling at any given time and how individual airports manage screening lanes. While expanded airline participation increases the program’s convenience and reach, travelers should still allow adequate time at the airport, especially during peak travel periods.