Frequent flyers travel faster in the US 

Proposed Legislation Reform

Hi, I'm Joti and I'm here to tell you about a piece of legislation in the United States that could make accessing airport lounges much quicker and easier.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in America is planning on running a test program that will let certain 'trusted' flyers to move through security much faster, therefore allowing them more time in the airport lounge.

Flyers who agree to this free and voluntary scheme will undergo background checks based on information supplied to the TSA and assuming no blemishes are found on their records, they will be ushered through security much more quickly.

Initially, the program will be open to frequent flyers with Delta and American Airlines and the companies involved will be allowed to determine eligibility for the scheme, with high-mileage elite flyers likely to be the recipients if they choose to be.

The scheme will also be open to government-trusted traveler programs that already exist – Global Entry, Nexus and Sentri – and if the scheme proves successful, it will then be expanded to other airlines, including Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest and United Airlines, as well as JetBlue and US Airways.

Jonathan French is the Head of Brand at Priority Pass, and he welcomes the introduction of the TSA scheme, as it means that more people will be able to make greater use of the 600 airport lounges worldwide that Priority Pass membership can grant access to.

He appreciates that some people may have reservations about having background checks performed on them, but feels that it's a good option to have available.

He also thinks that the program fits in with the Priority Pass ethos of providing a less stressful airport experience, so with quicker security checks and VIP airport lounges, holidaymakers and business people alike can enjoy stress free travel.