The Transportation Security Administration today said it is on track to roll out Registered Traveler programs at up to 20 airports this year, on the condition that approved private-sector operators "make the necessary business arrangements with host airports and air carriers and get security approval from TSA for the proposed configuration."
Airports could be up and running as soon as June 20—which since last year has been slated as the launch date—but TSA said, "Subject to public demand for the RT program, TSA would expect RT to operate on a national scale next year." A TSA spokesperson said, "We're characterizing this as the first phase of a national rollout."
TSA asserted that it is on track to fulfill its vision of a public-private partnership that offers expedited airport security screening to travelers who pay a fee and submit to a background check by providing personal and biometric information
(BTN, Nov. 14, 2005).
"TSA is working with airports and private sector providers, and we will enable the private sector to launch Registered Traveler programs as soon as this summer," said assistant secretary for TSA Kip Hawley. "Security will be maintained, the program will be paid for by the private sector, and it will not disadvantage the general public when they fly."
TSA did not say specifically which benefits would be granted to registered travelers—possibilities that could include passing through checkpoints without having to remove shoes, jackets or laptop computers. "While the combination of benefits and security measures available at each participating airport may vary, all RT travelers should receive an expedited and more convenient checkpoint experience," TSA said in a statement today.
Furthermore, TSA is insisting on a level of randomness to "ensure unpredictability and disrupt potential efforts by terrorists to thwart the system."
The National Business Travel Association—a longtime advocate of a Registered Traveler-type program—today continued its support for TSA's advancements in making the concept a reality. NBTA yesterday also joined forces with Airports Council International-North America, American Society of Travel Agents and the Voluntary Credentialing Industry Coalition to work together to help TSA move forward for its summer launch. "While NBTA continues to urge the TSA to expedite the deployment of the Registered Traveler program, we are pleased that progress has been made towards a nationwide implementation," said NBTA executive director and COO Bill Connors.
Yet, others continued to voice opposition to the program on the grounds that it would neither speed airport lines nor enhance security. Among them, the Air Transport Association and the American Civil Liberties Union have called for disbandment of the program. Travel managers have been mixed in their approach to formulating policy for corporate travelers interested in joining such programs. One travel manager said the program is useless for his travelers until critical mass is achieved and programs are widespread at airports across the country.
TSA today also said that by the end of the month it would award a contract to a company "to assist in the development of the verification and validation standards" for vendors applying for Registered Traveler vendor status. "Before TSA approves the beginning of a pilot, the airport or airline and its vendors must submit their validation and verification statement prepared by an independent audit firm," a TSA spokesperson said today.
A TSA spokesperson today said the agency could not disclose which companies have approached the agency to become vendors for the Registered Traveler program. However, Saflink, Verified Identity Pass and Unisys are in various phases of formulating programs and gaining airport partners.
Verified Identity Pass said several partnerships forged with airports should come to fruition this summer. "This will definitely make it possible for us to launch enrollment by June or maybe earlier at San Jose, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, with whom we already have agreements, plus continue our program in Orlando," said Steven Brill, CEO of Verified Identity Pass. "We expect to be in a position with agreements and plans in hand to launch in at least eight more airports this summer and fall, with more to follow by the end of the year and in the first quarter of 2007."