TSA Pre✓™ Begins at Ronald Reagan Washington National and Chicago O’Hare International

The TSA Pre✓™ initiative enhances aviation security by enabling TSA to focus on a risk-based, intelligence driven approach, while expediting screening for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying. Since the pilot launch in October 2011, more than 540,000 passengers have been screened through TSA Pre✓™. 

“This initiative is one part of our shift away from a one-size-fits all approach and instead toward implementing more intelligence driven, risk-based, security measures,” said Office of Security Operations Assistant Administrator Chris McLaughlin. “Modifications to screening procedures for our trusted military members demonstrate our commitment to implementing common sense security measures at airports nationwide.” 

If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre✓™, that information will be imbedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass which will allow them access to the TSA Pre✓™ lane. 

TSA Pre✓™ will be available at Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 in ORD for select American Airlines frequent flyers, and at Terminal B, South Checkpoint in DCA for Delta Air Lines. Members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS are eligible in both locations. 

TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening in order to retain a certain element of randomness to prevent terrorists from gaming the system. TSA’s multi-layered approach to security also includes behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams and federal air marshals, among other measures both seen and unseen. 

TSA has partnered with the Department of Defense to further streamline screening for active duty service members. Active duty and active drilling service members departing at DCA can present their Common Access Card (CAC) to a TSA Officer in front of the TSA Pre✓™ lane, where it will be scanned to see if they qualify for expedited screening. Eligible service members do not need to be in uniform to qualify for TSA Pre✓™ benefits. 

TSA Officers will use a CAC card reader and computer connected to a Department of Defense database to verify the service member’s active duty status before they are cleared to receive TSA Pre✓™ screening benefits. These benefits include being able to leave their shoes and light outerwear on, allowing them to keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on.

Source: TSA