Virgin Atlantic has become the first UK carrier to participate in the TSA Precheck programme, allowing eligible passengers to access an accelerated screening process when departing US airports.
According to the carrier, “Qualifying customers who enter a valid Known Traveller Number (KTN) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-issued PASSID in their Virgin Atlantic reservations and are pre-approved will then see the TSA Precheck indicator on their mobile or printed boarding passes”.
“Eligible customers will then be led to TSA Precheck lanes within an airport’s security screen area to proceed through an accelerated screening process.”
The expedited screening process removes the need for travellers to remove shoes, light jackets or belts, with laptops and “compliant liquids” also able to remain in hand luggage.
To be eligible for the TSA Precheck programme, passengers must be a member of one of the following:
- TSA Precheck members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
- Global Entry members (open to UK and US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and eligible citizens in certain other countries)
- NEXUS members (open to citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US or Canada)
- SENTRI members (open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents)
- US Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the US Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
Customers can find out where TSA Precheck lanes are available here – where specific lanes are not available, eligible passengers “can show their TSA Precheck boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane”.
