Temporary TSA prescreening program to be offered again at Oakland International Airport
OAKLAND, Calif. (BCN) - The Oakland International Airport is again offering a temporary enrollment center for the Transportation Security Administration's Pre-Check program, which lets prescreened, low-risk passengers go quickly through security, airport officials announced Friday.
The expedited screening program will be available at Terminal 2 for only two weeks, starting on Feb. 26 and ending on March 9, according to the airport.
Similar enrollment events over the past year generated positive customer response, airport officials said.
The TSA said the program allows travelers to go through security in a more efficient way, eliminating the need to remove shoes and allowing laptops to stay in their cases.
In addition, light outerwear and belts can remain on, according to the TSA.
"The Oakland International Airport is seeing its highest number of passengers in ten years and will likely set a new record for passenger traffic next year," Port of Oakland Aviation Director Bryant Francis said in a statement.
Francis said, "We regularly hear from our customers about how much they appreciate the convenience of flying from our airport and expedited screening helps make Oakland an even easier choice."
Airport officials said ticketed customers already planning to be in the airport during the two weeks of the event may find it worthwhile to make an appointment ahead of time.
But they said walk-in appointments are also accepted upon availability.
David Von Damm, the TSA's federal security director at the Oakland airport said, "TSA pre-enrollment is coming to the East Bay's airport, so don't miss this opportunity to enroll in a program that streamlines the security screening process for trusted travelers.":
To apply, applicants are encouraged to pre-enroll online at www.identogo.com/locations/tsa-pre.
To complete the process, enrollees must bring proof of identification and U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate with a valid driver's license.
Enrollees will then have their fingerprints taken and background check performed and an $85 application fee good for five years of membership will be collected.
The fee can be paid with a credit card, money order, company check or a certified cashier's check, according to airport officials.
Cash and personal checks aren't accepted.
The TSA said it has more than 450 expedited screening lanes at more than 180 airports in the U.S.