NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KFSM) - Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport flyers are now able to get through security faster, meaning, some will not have to remove their shoes, jackets and belts.
The federal Transportation Security Administration expedited screening program, PreCheck, launched at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport on Wednesday (Oct. 8).
XNA is the 120th airport in the country to have TSA PreCheck. The airlines serving the airport that participate in the program are American, Delta, United and U.S. Airways.
The program is a way for frequent flyers to move quickly through security screenings. It allows select travelers to leave on their shoes, light jackets and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep compliant liquids in a carry-on bag, airport officials said.
"It's just like that and you're through the checkpoint in no time at all," said Kelly Johnson, airport director at XNA.
In addition to improving the travel experience for passengers, the program also allows TSA to maintain high security standards.
"It allows us to have more information on the person, " said Louis Traverzo, TSA's Arkansas Federal Security Director. "The more we know, the less we focus on in terms of issuing the boarding pass and screening process. We can focus our resources on those folks that we know less of."
In order to enroll, travelers must go through a pre-enrollment process at tsa.gov. There's an $85 application fee, and it's valid for a five-year membership in the program. Those applying must also visit an application center, where they will be subject to a background check and fingerprinting.
"You go to tsa.gov for the pre-enrollment process," Traverzo said. "You complete your pre-enrollment process and then go to an enrollment center where you will complete the application process."
Once approved, flyers will receive a Known Traveler Number and will have authorization to utilize TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints at 120 airports.
"There's a sign that says PreCheck, and there will be somebody stationed there during our banks," Johnson said. "It will not be staffed 24/7, but during our five banks they will be checking your boarding pass. If you are PreCheck, you will be directed to one lane. They've been working that one lane for a week now and it's going really well."
There are enrollment centers in Little Rock, Tulsa, Sallisaw, Okla., and Springfield, Mo.