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TSA opening application center for expedited screening at Orlando International [Orlando Sentinel :: ](Orlando Sentinel (FL) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 19--Passengers weary of going through long, tedious security lines at Orlando International Airport could start getting a break today -- if they are willing to pay $85 and get finger printed. The Transportation Security Administration this afternoon will open an application center at Orlando International for the TSA Pre program, which allow low-risk travelers to skip many of the screening procedures most people go through before boarding a plane. Once approved, travelers will be assigned a so-called "Known Traveler Number," allowing them to go through the expedited TSA Pre lanes at Orlando International and 117 other airports. Passengers also must be traveling on one of 11 airlines approved by TSA. They are: Air Canda, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines US Airways and Virgin America. Once part of TSA Pre, passengers do not have to take off their shoes, jackets and belts and can keep their laptop in a bag at checkpoints. Depending on the length of the lines, people enrolled in TSA Pre can save 15 minutes or more going through security. To be eligible, passengers must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, frequent fliers, or invited by airlines they often travel to join. The application center, located on Level 2 of the main terminal, opposite carousel 30, is open to walk-ins. But TSA officials recommend setting up an appointment at http://www.TSA.gov, where they also can answer some pre-enrollment questions. Applicants must finish the process at the center, including getting finger printed and providing identity and citizenship or immigration documentation. Jerry Henderson, who runs TSA in Orlando, said the new center "is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security." Orlando International Director Phil Brown said opening up TSA Pre at the airport brings "benefits to a broader population of travelers both in Orlando and nationwide." The TSA program is not affiliated with the Clear program, a privately run security clearance operation that costs $15 a month and is available at Orlando International and eight other airports. [email protected] or 407-420-5444. ___ (c)2014 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |