OIA to launch sped-up security screenings for frequent travelers

ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Going through security at Orlando International Airport could soon get a lot easier.

The Transportation Security Administration is about to expand a program to speed up security screenings.

As WFTV's Racquel Asa reports, certain passengers will no longer have to take off their shoes, belts and a lot more.

With two kids under the age of 10, frequent traveler Jalen Williams is all about convenience.

"We're on a timed schedule, and if we could save half an hour or even 15 minutes to get to where we're going, that's going to be a lot," Williams said.

Under the program, if Williams and his family qualify, they could leave their shoes, belts and jackets on and not worry about liquids or laptops, either.

Passing through a metal detector or body scanner is still required, along with a boarding pass with a special barcode that can be printed at the airport or at home.

But not every passenger who flies out of OIA can qualify. American and Delta were the first two airlines to offer the program. Now the TSA said other airlines, like US Airways and United, have been added to the list and others will follow.

But unless your airline offers you an invitation, you can't take advantage of the free TSA program. You have to be a frequent flier and meet criteria the TSA provides to the airlines.

Also, there are no guarantees that you'll be allowed to go through the designated pre-check lane every single time. In fact, you won't know until an agent scans your boarding pass at the checkpoint.

"The way we do that is by differentiating between those we have a higher level of confidence in because we know something about them," TSA administrator John Pistole said.

"If it can be streamlined to eliminate a lot of that stuff, it would be perfect," Williams said.

Orlando is one of nearly 30 airports that will have the program before the end of the year.

Miami-Dade International Airport has been testing the program out since October. Officials there said so far, it's working out well.

WFTV