Eastern Iowa Airport adds expedited TSA Pre Check option

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Eastern Iowa Airport has become the second facility in the state to offer travelers an expedited means to board their flight.

On Thursday, officials with the Transportation Security Administration unveiled their TSA Pre Check program at the Cedar Rapids airport. Des Moines International Airport is the only other airport in the state that offers the program.

The program - which will be available during peak travel times in the early-morning and midafternoon - allows enrolled travelers the ability to board their flight without having to take off their shoes, outerwear or belt and keep their laptop and complaint gels and liquids in their carry-on bag.

'It's more convenient because you need to take less steps to get through the security checkpoint,” said Lorie Dankers, TSA public affairs manager. 'It's faster, but it's also the convenience.”

David Dailey, TSA federal security director, said the program also allows the TSA to focus on security efforts. Pre Check approved travelers - who have undergone a background check - still are screened, but in a more expedited fashion.

'We're able to minimize the risk by offering them an expedited form of screening, which allows us then to focus our resources more on the unknowns, or the higher risk traveling population,” Dailey said.

Pam Hinman, airport marketing and communications director, said the new program brings yet another new offering for travelers.

'It's a program people have wanted, they've been asking us for it, especially business travelers,” Hinman said. 'This is just another way to enhance the services offered at the airport.”

TSA Pre Check began in 2011 as a pilot program in four airports. It since has expanded to more than 180 airports nationwide, with 37 participating airlines.

Earlier this year, enrollment with the program's Trusted Traveler status surpassed 5 million people.

Dailey said a growing number of Pre Check enrollments in the area helped bring the program to the Cedar Rapids airport.

Enrolling in the program can take less than 10 minutes, Dankers said. Individuals can begin enrollment online and schedule an appointment at universalenroll.dhs.gov.

Walk-ins are accepted at the Cedar Rapids TSA office at 625 First Ave. SW.

Enrollment comes with an $85 fee and is valid for five years. Approved individuals receive a code number to input when they book flights.

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com