Op-Ed: Registered Traveler Program Is Not The Best Use Of TSA Resources

The Air Transport Association has no fundamental objection to a Registered Traveler program—if it significantly improves security and provides passengers with a discernable benefit. From what we have been told, however, that would not be the case under the new Registered Traveler program.

Registered Traveler was designed to provide travelers with a passenger-screening program that would reduce long lines at screening checkpoints and exempt participants from secondary gate screening. At the time, the Registered Traveler program had merit, but since then the Transportation Security Administration has worked hard to help significantly reduce security wait times. From our viewpoint, a Registered Traveler program as proposed simply is no longer needed. ATA has said repeatedly that TSA should direct its limited resources to strengthen the Secure Flight program, and integrate both international and domestic passenger prescreening functions into a single program.

Registered Traveler, as now envisioned, is looking more like a traveler perk program than a security enhancement program. While we certainly do not oppose traveler perk programs, we are very concerned that the service providers and TSA are going to overcommit and underdeliver, at a relatively high cost to some of our airlines' best customers. TSA last estimated the cost of participation in this program to be upwards of $100 per person annually. This is a hefty price to pay for no discernable security screening benefits.

We remain equally concerned that TSA's limited resources will be diverted to support the Registered Traveler lanes, resulting in increased wait times at non-Registered Traveler screening lanes. ATA definitely opposes airports increasing landing fees and imposing other charges on carriers to fund their share of a Registered Traveler program. We also are concerned that Registered Traveler modifications to passenger screening procedures could result in a multitiered process at security checkpoints that is less efficient and secure.

The program would simply shift the burden to Registered Traveler lines. If at some point, the program became a huge success, Registered Traveler lines could be equally as long. Simply being able to cut to the front of the line is of no benefit when both lines are equally long.

The commitment required to design, implement and oversee an effective Registered Traveler program, in our opinion, is not worth the investment. The TSA should focus its limited resources on effectively and efficiently screening all passengers and baggage, rather than diverting those resources to benefit only a few.
Air Transport Association President And CEO James C. May