TSA solicits feedback on plans for frequent flier program

The Transportation Security Administration is seeking industry and public input on its plan to begin an airline passenger verification program at airports across the country.

TSA plans to implement the Registered Traveler program nationwide in 2006, according to a notice in the Federal Register. Under the program, airline passengers can pay a fee and voluntarily give their biographic and biometric information to TSA in exchange for expedited screening at airport security checkpoints.

"TSA will use the results of the biographic and biometric data collection to verify an applicant's claimed identity and to perform a security threat assessment on the individual volunteering for the program and check immigration status to ensure eligibility for the program," the notice stated.

"Individuals who do not pose, or are not suspected of posing, a threat to transportation security, and otherwise meet all other eligibility requirements for the [Registered Traveler] program, will be afforded enhanced benefits at the TSA security checkpoints," the notice said.

TSA tested Registered Traveler at five airports earlier this year and is currently conducting one final test at Orlando International Airport. "Through this initial pilot program, TSA generated valuable data and insights concerning the viability of using security assessments and biometric-based identity verification technology in the airport environment -- and how that allowed for an expedited security screening process for program participants," the agency stated.

TSA Director Edmund "Kip" Hawley has said the first Registered Traveler participants should be screened and enrolled by June 20. TSA expects up to 600,000 passengers participate in the program during its first year.

In order to gauge passenger feedback and satisfaction, TSA plans to survey a representative sample of participants and conduct interviews with representatives from airlines and airport authorities, the notice stated. All surveys and interviews will be voluntary and anonymous.

TSA estimated that the cost of administering Registered Traveler will be about $30 million a year, which will be paid by user fees. The agency plans to hire a private company to help administer the program and to enroll participants. A request for proposals for the effort is expected to be issued after Jan. 20, according to TSA.