The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has opened two new application sites in Vermont for its TSA Pre✓™ Program. This application process allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents to directly enroll in the TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening program that allows air travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select airport screening lanes, including those at nearby Burlington International Airport.
Travelers in Vermont will be able to enroll by going through a pre-enrollment process online atwww.TSA.govand complete their background interview in person at either of the new application centers in Colchester (near Burlington) and Berlin (near Montpelier). The application center in Colchester is co-located with a UES Enrollment Center and is at 332 West Lakeshore Drive, Colchester, VT 05446 and is open on Mondays from8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.The application center in Berlin also is co-located with a UES Enrollment Center and is at 963 Paine Turnpike N, Berlin, VT 05602. It is open Mondays from9 a.m. until noon.
“This risk-based security screening concept enhances security by enabling TSA to focus our efforts on passengers the agency knows less about while providing expedited screening for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying,” said Bruce McDonald, TSA’s Federal Security Director at Burlington.
“As TSA continues to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, we are looking for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way possible,” McDonald said. “We know that the vast majority of passengers including those Canadian passengers with NEXUS cards, pose no threat to security and we encourage travelers to consider the benefits of enrolling in the TSA Pre✓™ program.”
TSA began to open the first TSA Pre✓™ application centers in December 2013 and already more than 140,000 people have signed up for the expedited screening program at more than 200 application centers nationwide. TSA ultimately plans to expand to more than 300 application centers across the country. As application centers continue to open, this new process will allow all U.S. travelers the ability to apply directly to TSA’s popular expedited screening program.
The TSA Pre✓™ application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to go through a pre-enrollment process online atwww.TSA.govhttp://www.TSA.gov> and visit an application center to provide biographic information (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints, payment and valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentationhttp://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/application-program>. All TSA Pre✓™ program applicants must visit an application center in-person to verify their identity and citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide fingerprints.
The TSA Pre✓™ Application Program requires a background check, fingerprints, and an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓™ lanes at security checkpoints at more than 115 participating airports and on nine major U.S. airlines including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
Previously, passengers had only been eligible through existing programs such as U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program or the Canadian NEXUS program and frequent flier programs with certain airlines, but this announcement will allow travelers to apply directly for the expedited screening program.
As always, TSA continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
Additional program information and how to enroll can be found atwww.TSA.govhttp://www.TSA.gov>.
NEW TSA Pre✓™ APPLICATION CENTER LOCATIONS
Berlin/Montpelier Application Site
UES Enrollment Center
963 Pain Turnpike N
Berlin, VT 05602
Hours: Mondays from9 a.m. until noon
Colchester/Burlington Application Site
UES Enrollment Center
332 West Lakeshore Drive
Colchester, VT 05446
Hours: Mondays from8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.