Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) passengers can now hope for hassle-free and faster security checks when travelling from over 180 airports in the US if they become member of the an expedited screening programme.
Issuing a press statement today, Singapore Airlines said, “Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have partnered to offer customers travelling from US airports expedited security screening procedures under the TSA Precheck programme. A total of 37 carriers are now part of the programme.”
Pointedly, TSA PreCheck speeds up the screening process by giving approved, “low-risk” passengers access to expedited security lane at US airports. In this separate lane for security screening during departure, the traveller does not have to remove jackets, belts, laptops, liquids and shoes.
US citizens or permanent residents can apply to join the PreCheck programme for a fee of USD85 (SGD117.75). Singapore citizens are eligible to apply for PreCheck through Global Entry – a US trusted traveller programme.
Travellers of other nationalities can also apply for PreCheck through Global Entry or other Customs and Border Protection programmes such as NEXUS and SENTRI.
SIA further stated, “Its entry into the PreCheck programme will allow passengers travelling to and from the US to use self-printed or mobile boarding passes. This will allow travellers without check-in bags to check in online and proceed directly to the gate at airports. These changes will be implemented in the coming months.”
TSA acting administrator Huban Gowadia, said, “Expanding TSA PreCheck allows us to increase overall security effectiveness and make the screening process more efficient. We committed to the expansion of TSA PreCheck to strengthen aviation security and improve the passenger experience.”