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TSA opens PreCheck application center downtown [Chicago Tribune](Chicago Tribune (IL) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 16--The Transportation Security Administration is making it easier for "trusted air travelers'' in the Chicago region to sign up for expedited passenger screening at airport checkpoints. TSA PreCheck allows participants to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt. In addition, laptop computers may remain in their cases and liquid and gel containers of 3 ounces or less may stay inside carry-on bags when passengers go through PreCheck screening lanes. The newest PreCheck application center is at 70 W. Madison St., Suite 1400, in Chicago, officials announced this week. The PreCheck program, aimed at identifying low-risk travelers before they come to the airport so that security resources can be better focused on unknown individuals, costs $85 for a five-year membership. Passengers enrolled in the program are pre-screened by voluntarily providing personal information and undergoing background checks. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov and then visit a PreCheck application center to provide records showing their name, date of birth and address and to undergo fingerprinting, officials said. In addition to the new downtown Chicago location, PreCheck application centers are located at 400 W. 76th St., Suite 220, in Chicago; 18126 NW Frontage Rd. in Shorewood; 822 W Jefferson St. in Joliet; 200 Russell St., Suite 110, in Hammond, Ind.; and 6111 Harrison St., Suite 225, in Merrillville; PreCheck participants will receive "known traveler number'' and have the opportunity to utilize PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints at 119 participating airports, including O'Hare International and Midway Airports, and on 11 airlines, officials said. Children 12 and younger will be able to use the line if the adult they are traveling with has PreCheck clearance, officials said. But in some cases, because of random selection, PreCheck passengers may be required to go through regular security, officials said. [email protected] Twitter: @jhilkevitch ___ (c)2014 the Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |