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LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- The TSA is rolling out a new program at LAX that promises to get passengers through security lines even faster.
The new TSA PreCheck program is supposed to expedite the screening process for frequent fliers.
Participants must provide personal information and submit to a background check in advance.
Their boarding passes will then be encrypted with bar codes to alert the TSA that they are eligible for expedited screening.
The passengers will be steered to a special fast lane in the security area, where they'll bypass some of the TSA's more stringent procedures, like removing shoes, coats and belts.
They would still have to have their bags scanned and go through metal detectors.
LAX is the sixth airport to join the PreCheck program since it started in October.
It's already in place in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Las Vegas.
Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and New York's JFK Airport are supposed to join later this year.
So far, only Delta and American Airlines are participating, but other airlines, including United and US Airways, are expected to join later this year.
American Airlines says nearly 100,000 passengers have already signed up.
The TSA cautions that joining the program does not mean you will always get through security hassle-free.
The agency wants to maintain the "random" element in the screening process, so even PreCheck passengers could be pulled aside for secondary checks.
Most of the time, however, you'll be able to pass through security easily.
You can join the PreCheck program through an invitation from your frequent flyer program.
Alternatively, you can apply at: http://globalentry.gov/.
You'll have to submit to a face-to-face interview and give your fingerprints to be approved.
The new TSA PreCheck program is supposed to expedite the screening process for frequent fliers.
Participants must provide personal information and submit to a background check in advance.
Their boarding passes will then be encrypted with bar codes to alert the TSA that they are eligible for expedited screening.
The passengers will be steered to a special fast lane in the security area, where they'll bypass some of the TSA's more stringent procedures, like removing shoes, coats and belts.
They would still have to have their bags scanned and go through metal detectors.
LAX is the sixth airport to join the PreCheck program since it started in October.
It's already in place in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Las Vegas.
Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and New York's JFK Airport are supposed to join later this year.
So far, only Delta and American Airlines are participating, but other airlines, including United and US Airways, are expected to join later this year.
American Airlines says nearly 100,000 passengers have already signed up.
The TSA cautions that joining the program does not mean you will always get through security hassle-free.
The agency wants to maintain the "random" element in the screening process, so even PreCheck passengers could be pulled aside for secondary checks.
Most of the time, however, you'll be able to pass through security easily.
You can join the PreCheck program through an invitation from your frequent flyer program.
Alternatively, you can apply at: http://globalentry.gov/.
You'll have to submit to a face-to-face interview and give your fingerprints to be approved.
