JWA offers PreCheck program for qualified passengers

Starting this week, airline passengers who want to breeze through security lines faster at airports nationwide can apply for the privilege at John Wayne Airport’s new PreCheck enrollment center.

The federal Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program lets qualified U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents use special security lanes that allow for lighter screening at more than 100 airports.

Expedited security lets passengers through without taking off their shoes, light jacket or sweater, or belt. PreCheck members can also keep laptops in their cases and carry some liquids or gels in their carry-on bags.

For access to the faster security check, travelers have to qualify in advance and pay a nonrefundable $85 fee for a five-year membership at one of the TSA’s application centers.

At the center, applicants must provide basic personal information, undergo fingerprinting and show identification.

The TSA also puts applicants through background screening and disqualifies them for if certain crimes appear on their records.

If someone qualifies for PreCheck, the TSA will send them a Known Traveler Number to enter when booking travel reservations with nine participating airlines.

Application appointments can be made at TSA.gov. John Wayne’s application center is in Terminal C. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The TSA is in the middle of expanding its PreCheck program by opening 300 application centers across the country. More than 30 million travelers have used PreCheck, according to a TSA news release.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck