The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported on Wednesday that a select group of frequent fliers will be permitted to keep their shoes on and their laptops in their bags while they walk through screening check points at major national airports. The first fast lanes were introduced at four airports in 2011. Due to the success of the four fast lanes, by the end of this year, the TSA will expand the program to 35 more airports, covering almost all of the country’s major airports.
Lisa Farbstein, an agency spokeswoman, reported frequent flier programs will encourage their eligible passengers to join the program. Farbstein reported the TSA will not release the number of passengers who join the program, the information they disclose, or criteria for their membership eligibility “for security reasons.” U.S. Airways, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and American airlines will sign up eligible passengers to begin the operation this year.
