Want Lower-hassle Airport Screening? Just Give the Government Your Biometric Data— Security Theater Has Always Been a Ruse for Getting You to Willingly Give up Your Biometric Data

The New World Order (international bankers) wants these biometric products in place for one reason and one reason only. As you may have guessed, it has nothing to do with your personal security. It's all about control. Since the primary goal of the NWO is to enslave the people of the world and to do so with most of those people being basically unaware of their enslavement, biometric identification works perfectly into those plans. By making it ubiquitous and, of course, for “your safety,” they can manipulate the populace into consent. Then, using these systems, they can track, monitor, and control the masses. If anyone steps out of line or threatens the NWO matrix, they can close down their biometric identifiers and make it impossible for their enemies to continue functioning in society. In the end, that is what biometric products are all about — when it comes to non-voluntary compliance with their use — control and enslavement. - TruthIt.net, Electronic National ID Cards and a Cashless Society, July 2006

28 More Airports Will Test Lower-hassle Screening

The Associated Press
February 8, 2012

A new passenger screening program to make check-in more convenient for certain travelers is being expanded to 28 more major U.S. airports, the government said Wednesday. There will be no cost to eligible passengers, who would no longer have to remove their shoes and belts before they board flights.

The airports include the three used by hijackers to launch the terror attacks in September 2001: Washington Dulles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Boston's Logan International Airport.

The Transportation Security Administration's program, already in a test phase in seven other airports, is the Obama administration's first attempt at a passenger screening program responsive to frequent complaints that the government is not using common sense when it screens all passengers at airports in the same way.

Under the new program, eligible travelers have the option to volunteer more personal information about themselves so that the government can vet them for security purposes before they arrive at airport checkpoints.

"Good, thoughtful, sensible security by its very nature facilitates lawful travel and legitimate commerce," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.

The program works this way: Participating travelers will walk through a dedicated lane at airport security checkpoints. They will provide the TSA officer with a specially marked boarding pass. A machine will read the barcode, and travelers deemed "low-risk," will likely be allowed to keep on belts, shoes and jackets and leave laptops and liquids in bags when being screened.

Not everyone is eligible to participate in the program, which is already being tested at airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Eligible travelers are some of those who participate in American and Delta airlines' frequent flier programs, as well as travelers in three other trusted traveler programs run by the Customs and Border Protection agency, which do charge fees to participate. About 336,000 passengers have been screened through the program since the testing began last year, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

By the end of 2012, the government expects select passengers in frequent flier programs for US Airways, United and Alaska Airlines to be eligible to participate. The program is expected to be operating in Reagan National Airport near Washington, Salt Lake City International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport by the end of March.

"We are pleased to expand this important effort, in collaboration with our airline and airport partners, as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven, risk-based transportation security system," said TSA chief John Pistole.

Pistole has said he hopes to eventually test the program at all airports and with all airlines around the country, but that might take years.

The program is expected to be operating in these airports by the end of 2012: Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Denver International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Honolulu International Airport, New York's LaGuardia Airport, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Puerto Rico's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, Oregon's Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Florida's Tampa International Airport and Alaska's Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

TSA Registered Traveler Program - Biographic and Biometric Information Required

About.com
July 26, 2008

The Transportation Security Agency's (TSA) Registered Traveler Program (RT) offers flyers who are willing to undergo -- and pass -- an exhaustive security background check with the most convenient and hassle-free path to the airplane possible under today's airport security procedures.

What You Get

Once program applicants have passed a TSA-conducted security threat assessment (STA) in order to "confirm that they do not pose or are not suspected of posing a threat to transportation or national security," and paid the $28-a-year fee, registered travelers can expect special treatment at participating airports, including:

• Special express security lanes dedicated to RT members;
  
• special on-airport services like concierge service for luggage, and parking privileges; and
  
• discounts for services and concessions.

What You Give

Applicants for the Registered Traveler Program are required to provide both biographic and biometric data needed for TSA to conduct the security threat assessment. The security threat assessment includes checking the applicant's identity against terrorist-related, law enforcement, and immigration databases maintained by TSA.

At the airport screening checkpoint, RT participants verify their status in the program through biometric verification technology, including fingerprint and retinal scanning. They then verify their identity by comparison of their boarding pass against a government issued photo ID.

Five airlines and 16 airports are currently participating in the Registered Traveler Program. TSA hopes to add more airlines and airports in the future.

The RT program is open to all U.S. citizens, lawful permanent resident aliens or nationals of the United States.

The Registered Traveler Program is a cooperative effort between the TSA and private sector vendors. The TSA sets the qualification standards, conducts the threat assessment background checks and oversees the program. The TSA's private sector partners take care of member enrollment, check-in identity verification, provision of the various on-airport services and marketing.

Registered Traveler Programs Return, But They Still Don't Look Like Viable Businesses

CBS News
September 10, 2010

Under a 90-day pilot program that began at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in July 2004, travelers agreed to submit personal information and biometrics to prove identity, and in exchange, they would have access to a special line that would make security quicker and easier.

The program then transitioned over to what was called a public-private partnership, with Orlando International Airport launching the program in July 2005. At its peak, 21 airports had RT programs with three vendors - Clear, RTgo and Vigilent. But none of the vendors were ever able to get a foot hold in major airports including Miami, Chicago O'Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Detroit, to name a few.

And now that RT is back, the question still keeps popping up - is registered traveler just a glorified premium traveler line program? Back in 2007, former Transportation Security Administration head Kip Hawley told Congress that taxpayer resources are best applied to more critical needs than RT, noting that the program isn't an effective tool against terrorists without criminal backgrounds.

Originally, RT vendors were required to collect biographical information from travelers and TSA was supposed to vet for security threats. But once the 20-airport pilot program ended back in July 2009, TSA washed its hands of the program, saying the program "transitioned to a business model offered by the private sector in partnership with airports and airlines, noting it was no longer involved in the collection of biometrics or RT background checks. The agency also no longer accepted RT cards as a primary form of ID at security checkpoints, requiring travelers to have acceptable forms of government ID. And at some airports, there were reports that RT customers were put at the back of the security line after initial screening.

Indianapolis' iQueue program is not using the biometric function of its RT card because no one is processing the information. The new Clear program has indicated that it will use biometrics on its card, but that leaves two questions - who will process that information, and why have it if TSA doesn't recognize it as a form of identification?

Is It Really Possible to Trust Travelers?

Security Management

In July, TSA Administrator John Pistole, the nation’s top transportation security official, announced that the agency would begin testing a trusted traveler program this fall at airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, and Miami. While Pistole was short on details, the pilot program will give some frequent fliers of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines as well as some members of Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs expedited security screening.

Pistole’s announcement comes at a time when full body scanners and enhanced pat-downs have led civil rights advocates and some members of Congress to question the logic behind TSA procedures that treat everyone as a potential terrorist. Aviation security stakeholders have welcomed Pistole’s statements, believing that, finally, a risk-based approach to passenger screening will get off the ground.

“I think people are now realizing that budgets have ballooned within TSA, specifically for aviation screening, and that passenger levels are going to be on the rise,” says Erik Hansen, director of domestic policy for the U.S. Travel Association (USTA). Consequently, “the current course [of screening everyone] is unsustainable.”

While the TSA itself has never had a trusted traveler program, it did support some private sector initiatives under its Registered Traveler program. The most notable was Clear, created by Verified Identity Pass Inc. in 2005. It charged a fee in exchange for presumably streamlining air travelers’ airport screening. To qualify, travelers paid the $199 application fee, submitted biometrics (iris and fingerprints) and personal information, and underwent a TSA-supplied threat assessment. But the guarantee of reduced screening never came to fruition, because TSA refused to screen Clear members differently from other passengers.

Firms Begin Offering Faster Airport Screening

TSA issued a request for proposal that asked private companies to describe how they might create and manage an economically practical Registered Traveler program at the Orlando Airport. VIP and its equity partner, Lockheed Martin Corp. submitted a proposal. So did a competing team composed of Unisys and EDS. - The Private Sector Tackles Public Access Control, American City and County, March 1, 2006

GovExec.com
August 20, 2010

The race is on among private companies to revive a long-defunct service that would give airline passengers -- especially frequent flyers -- faster processing through airport security lines.

Two companies, each with a deep bench of airport and security experience, are vying to resurrect the Registered Traveler program. The program collapsed abruptly last summer when the largest service, known as CLEAR, ceased operations as its parent company, Verified Identity Pass Inc., went into bankruptcy.

Travelers who sign up for the program pay an average of $175 a year and provide their personal information in exchange for a credit-card size pass that would allow them to avoid the long lines waiting to go through airport security screening. Although program subscribers would have access to special security lanes, they would undergo the same screening by the Transportation Security Administration as everyone else.

The first company seeking to revive the program is iQueue Priority Access, which this week launched its service at Indianapolis International Airport. The company hopes to expand service to 20 airports this year and 50 by the end of 2011, said Fred Fischer, iQueue managing partner.

The company is owned by Cogent Systems in partnership with ARINC, a systems engineering firm that is part of The Carlyle Group, a Washington-based global private-equity firm.

The other firm moving into the market bought CLEAR and is retaining its name. The company plans to launch at Denver International Airport in October and possibly Orlando International Airport in November, said Caryn Seidman-Becker, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

The resurrected CLEAR is backed by private investors that include Robert LaPenta, the chairman, president and CEO of L-1 Identity Solutions, a major biometric and secure identification services company. LaPenta serves on CLEAR's board of directors, along with former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

See: Government Officials Cashing-in on Military Industrial Complex
See: DHS May Turn to Body Scanners That Store Biometrics
See: Dems Spark Alarm with Call for Biometric National ID Card
See: Chertoff Firm Can Stay in Business Backed by the Real ID Program

One of the main differences between the two companies is whether they will offer identification cards with biometrics, such as fingerprints. CLEAR will do so; iQueue will not - at least not yet.

"I'm saying this is all about predictability," said Fischer, who served as an executive of CLEAR when it was owned by VIP.

"This program from day one has always been about customer service and [getting to the] front of the line," Fischer added. "What we do is get you through a faster lane to get you to the front of the checkpoint."

But he added:

"If the TSA comes back and requires biometrics, we can do biometrics overnight."

Seidman-Becker, on the other hand, said biometrics are an integral part of customer service. She said her company's goal is to provide a scalable business model that provides secure identification documents that could be used for other purposes down the road.

About 200,000 people signed up for a CLEAR card and gave their biometrics when VIP owned the service. Seidman-Becker said her company "bought the opportunity" to own that biometric information.

She said her company sent a notice to all former CLEAR subscribers on June 22 - except those who jointed at Orlando International Airport - giving them the option not to have their biometrics transferred.

About 2 percent opted out, meaning their data was destroyed, she said.

A notice is expected to go out to those who joined at Orlando airport in the next few weeks, she added.

TSA appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach to the renewed efforts.

"With the completion of a two-year Registered Traveler pilot in July 2008, the program transitioned to a business model offered by the private sector in partnership with airports and airlines," a TSA spokesman said.

"At this time, TSA is not involved in the collection of biometrics or Registered Traveler background checks," he added. "TSA continues to encourage interested vendors to work directly with TSA, airports, and airlines on a concept that will provide a valuable benefit to the traveling public while ensuring transportation security."

The Strange Case of Registered Traveler

AviationWeek.com
September 8, 2010

In the past few weeks, I've been doing a series of articles on the registered traveler program. History buffs may remember that Clear -- the largest RT vendor -- program shut down abruptly in June 2009, leaving almost 200,000 customers high and dry. That shut down caused the other vendors -- RTgo and Vigilent -- to suspend their programs. You can see a timeline I created on RT, here.

And now we're seeing a flurry of activity on the registered traveler front, with three vendors rising from the ashes of the old program and vying for customers. Cogent's iQueue was the first announce it was bring back RT, back in May, to Indianapolis International Airport, a former Clear operator. iQueue opened for business at the airport on Aug. 16 (subscribers can read my Aviation Daily story here).

The new Clear, now owned by Alclear LLC, has announced deals with Orlando and Denver airports. And Henry Inc.'s JetLanes has entered the market with its own version of RT (subscribers can read my Aviation Daily story here) focusing on premium line access.

But here's the question -- are any of these really registered traveler programs? Or are they what Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, called "glorified frequent flyer" programs?The original Clear was testing machines in Orlando back in 2007 that would have allowed travelers to leave their shoes and coats on, and keep laptop computers in their bags, along with handling the iris scan, fingerprint readings and explosives detection, all within 25 seconds. But TSA had issues with reliability, and the machines were removed.

During the pilot phase of RT, which ended in July 2008, vendors collected biographical information from travelers and TSA vetted for security threats. But once the 20-airport pilot program ended, TSA washed its hands from the program, saying the program “transitioned to a business model offered by the private sector in partnership with airports and airlines," noting it was no longer involved in the collection of biometrics or RT background checks.

iQueue isn't using the biometric piece of its card, says managing partner Fred Fischer.

“We are fully open to using biometrics and the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium standard, but will only do so when required by TSA,” he states. “Until then, biometrics are worthless because no one is using them for identification because TSA is not honoring them for identification. But we’re ready to go with biometrics on a day’s notice.”

The new Clear says it will use biometrics, while JetLanes won’t, saying TSA will never relinquish the passenger screening process using biometrics. So the question is --will enough travelers want to pay between $169 and $179 a year for what appears to be just a premium line?

Biometrics Federal Programs

• Department of Commerce
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performs research in measurement, evaluation and standards for fingerprint matching and interchange, criminal justice information systems, face recognition and multi-modal biometrics.
    
    Biometric Quality Workshop
• Department of Defense
  • Biometrics Identity Management Agency. The Biometrics Identity Management Agency leads Department of Defense activities to program, integrate, and synchronize biometric technologies and capabilities and to operate and maintain DoD’s authoritative biometric database to support the National Security Strategy.
• Department of Homeland Security
  
  
  • REAL ID. REAL ID is a nationwide effort intended to prevent terrorism, reduce fraud, and improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents that State governments issue. On March 1, 2007, DHS released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the REAL ID act for a 60-day comment period. The NPRM does not include biometrics as a required feature on REAL ID compliant driver's licenses or identification cards, but solicits comments on the potential use of biometrics as an additional security feature for individual states or for authenticating individuals during renewals. More information can be found on the REAL ID Notice of Proposed Rulemaking page; also see Real ID Proposed Guidelines Questions and Answers.
  • US-VISIT. The US-VISIT program is a cornerstone of the United States government’s efforts to transform our nation’s border management and immigration systems in a way that meets the needs and challenges of the 21st century. US-VISIT is part of a continuum of biometrically-enhanced security measures that begins outside U.S. borders and continues through a visitor’s arrival in and departure from the United States. US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, regardless of country of origin or whether they are traveling on a visa or by air, sea or land. Most visitors experience US-VISIT’s biometric procedures – digital, inkless fingerprints and digital photograph – upon entry to the United States.
  • TWIC. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a system-wide common credential that can be used across all transportation modes. TWIC can be used for all personnel requiring unescorted physical and/or computer access to secure areas of the national transportation system. TWIC was developed in response to threats and vulnerabilities identified in the transportation system. TWIC was developed in accordance with the legislative provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).
  • Registered Traveler. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently developing the Registered Traveler Program alongside the private sector in order to strengthen aviation security and to enhance customer service. The Registered Traveler Program will be a voluntary market-driven initiative offered by the private sector with TSA oversight. Companies will enroll Registered Traveler participants using biometric (fingerprint and iris) and biographic information.
  • NEXUS. NEXUS is the joint United States and Canadian program for frequent business or pleasure travelers between the United States and Canada for any mode of travel: air, sea or land. NEXUS Air enrollees use automated kiosks located in the U.S. Preclearance area and Canadian Inspection Services area at Vancouver International Airport for validation. At these locations, travelers present their membership card, submit their iris for biometric verification, and make a declaration. Upon successful completion of the above, the traveler is directed to the exit.
• Department of Justice
  • FBI Biometric Standards. For further information on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification (EFTS) Version 8.0 and other FBI biometric-related specifications, please visit the official FBI Biometric Standards website.
  • IAFIS. The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, more commonly known as IAFIS, is a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. The IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • NGI. The FBI’s Next Generation Identification System program is a multi-year effort to reduce terrorist and criminal activities by improving and expanding biometric identification and criminal history information services through research, evaluation and implementation of advanced technology within the existing IAFIS environment.
  • NIJ. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has an active biometrics program and frequently collaborates with other Federal agencies to further biometric Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts that address their mission to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the State and local levels.
  • The Biometric Center of Excellence (BCOE) – headquartered in Clarksburg, West Virginia – is the FBI's focal point for biometrics and identity management. The FBI's Science and Technology Branch created the BCOE to strengthen our ability to combat crime and terrorism with state-of-the-art biometrics technology, while ensuring compliance with privacy laws, policies, and procedures. The BCOE is a one-stop shop for biometric collaboration and expertise. Together, scientists, technicians, and biometrics experts are advancing the BCOE’s mission to "foster collaboration, improve information sharing, and advance the adoption of optimal biometric and identity management solutions within the FBI and across the law enforcement and national security communities."
• Department of State
  • US Electronic Passport. The U.S. Electronic Passport is the same as a regular passport with the addition of a small contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip securely stores the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport, and includes a digital photograph. The inclusion of the digital photograph enables biometric comparison through the use of face recognition technology at international borders. The U.S. “e-passport” also has a new look, and incorporates additional anti-fraud and security features.
  • Secure Network Access. Secure network authentication is now possible through the use of smart cards and biometrics. Users simply insert their smart card into the biometric reader and place their finger on the reader surface for biometric authentication. This solution features tests for user liveness and match-on-card technology, in which all processing takes place at the card reader. With on-board processing, the time required for user authentication is substantially reduced, since user information does not need to be verified on the workstation. The greatest benefits of this technology are ease of use, the reduction of fraud generated by password sharing, and the elimination of password resets.
• CITeR. The Center for Identification Technology Research (CITer) has been a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center since 2001. The main objectives of the Center are to: conduct basic, cross-cutting research of new enabling technologies and related developmental activities for the assessment and use of automated biometric systems; provide timely and effective technology transfer of new biometrics technology to the private and government sectors through its membership; promote interdisciplinary training of scientists and engineers through its biometrics research.

RT Interoperability Consortium

TSA Expands Program To Speed Travelers Through Airport Screening Los Angeles Times - Feb 08, 2012 07:24 PM (ET)
A test program that allows air travelers who voluntarily offer background information to zip through faster airport security lines without removing shoes, belts and coats will be expanded to 28 new airports, Transportation Security Administration officials said Wednesday.

Expedited Airport Security CLEAR Card Returns To SFO San Francisco Chronicle - Feb 01, 2012 06:08 AM (ET)
Remember the CLEAR card and those CLEAR lanes at SFO? The service that allowed travelers submitting biometric information and paying $179 per year to bypass regular security lines and get to their gates faster?

TSA Expands Pre-Check To Minneapolis-St. Paul
Jan 25, 2012 08:33 AM (ET)
TSA announced Tuesday that it has implemented its Pre-Check passenger pre-screening initiative at Minneapolis-St. Paul International, the pilot’s seventh location.

Certain Delta frequent flyers traveling out of Minneapolis-St. Paul now are eligible to participate and may receive expedited screening for domestic travel. Delta also will allow American participants to use the carrier’s frequent flyer lane at Minneapolis-St. Paul to access the TSA Pre-Check lane, TSA said.

The agency said that it will continue to expand Pre-Check to additional airlines and airports once they are operationally ready.

TSA Shortcut Line Starts At Both Sacramento Airport Terminals Modesto (Calif.) Bee - Jan 06, 2012 07:33 AM (ET)
Sacramento airport security lines are now a bit shorter for a few passengers. Sacramento International Airport officials Thursday announced the airport and airlines have opened a "preferred customer" priority line at federal security checkpoints in both terminals.

TSA Pre Check Expedited Screening Pilot Starts At Las Vegas McCarran
Dec 16, 2011 08:27 AM (ET)
TSA Administrator John Pistole announced the start of TSA Pre Check operations at Las Vegas’ McCarran International, and said that US Airways will offer TSA Pre Check to eligible passengers in early 2012. These initiatives mark the implementation of more key components of the agency’s intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security, TSA said in a statement.

The TSA Pre Check initiative enhances security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying in order to potentially expedite the travel experience, TSA said.

United 'Elite' Fliers To Get Faster Airport Checks, TSA Says Bloomberg - Dec 06, 2011 08:21 PM (ET)
United Continental Holdings Inc. will join Delta Air Lines Inc. and AMR Corp.'s American Airlines next year in being able to speed some of its most frequent fliers through security at some airports, U.S. Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole said.

For Chosen Fliers, Security Check Is A Breeze New York Times - Nov 07, 2011 09:36 PM (ET)
For the first time since 2001, travelers are going through airport security checkpoints with their shoes and jackets on, and without having to remove laptops from cases or adhere to rules like displaying carry-on liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces maximum, all packed in a single quart-size plastic bag.

TSA To Expand Test Program That Could Mean Faster Trips Through Airport Security AP - Nov 03, 2011 06:08 AM (ET)
Testing for a new program aimed at getting certain travelers through airport security with less hassle has gone so well that the Obama administration plans to expand it to another round of airports and travelers, the government said Wednesday.

TSA Frequent Traveler Program Earning Good Reviews, Agency Says Washington Post - Nov 02, 2011 06:29 AM (ET)
A frequent traveler program launched by the Transportation Security Administration over the summer is earning positive early reviews and is likely to expand, the agency’s boss is set to tell lawmakers Wednesday.

Barclay On Future Of Aviation Security
Nov 01, 2011 09:11 PM (ET)
AAAE President Charles Barclay, in testimony prepared for a Nov. 2 hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on the future of aviation security, will argue that the federal government must target limited resources more effectively by focusing on the areas of greatest threat and resisting the urge to expand TSA’s core mission of passenger and baggage screening.

Barclay is scheduled to join TSA Administrator John Pistole at the hearing, along with representatives of IATA and the U.S. Travel Association.

“The intense pressure on all federal budget resources, continued threats to the aviation system, and growing traffic levels at the nation’s airports make the passenger screening protocol that has been in place since 9/11 unsustainable. We simply don’t have the resources necessary to continue operating a personnel dependent screening system that treats every traveler the same regardless of the risk they pose to the system,” Barclay notes in his testimony. “The challenge for the next decade and beyond is to more effectively utilize and link technologies and information that separate and scrutinize true threats to the system from those who pose little or no risk.”

Airport executives and many others, Barclay notes, have long advocated the adoption of a trusted/known traveler program to better identify and scrutinize potential threats. He adds that airport executives are encouraged by TSA’s plan to develop PreCheck, a limited, voluntary passenger pre-screening initiative with a small trusted/known traveler population at four airports.

“Administrator Pistole and his team deserve immense credit for moving forward with the program and with other risk-based initiatives,” Barclay’s testimony states. “Airport executives anticipate great success with the PreCheck program and recognize that the next challenge will be moving from a largely airline-centric program in operation at a handful of airports to one that is operational for large numbers of travelers at airport facilities across the country.”

Barclay notes that AAAE has established a Security Task Force that is actively involved in discussions with the agency to move in that direction. He adds that the group also is working collaboratively with TSA to address issues related to checkpoint configuration, queue management, modified LEO response expectations and public communication.

Barclay’s testimony also highlights the important role that airports play as public entities in performing a number of inherently local security functions: incident response and management, perimeter security, employee vetting and credentialing, access control, infrastructure and operations planning, and a myriad of local law enforcement functions. “These important duties have long been local responsibilities that have been performed by local authorities in accordance with federal standards and subject to federal oversight,” Barclay notes.

“Airport operators meet their security-related obligations with a sharp focus on the need to protect public safety, which remains one of their fundamental missions,” Barclay’s testimony states. “The professionals who perform these duties at airports are highly trained and have the first responder authorities and responsibilities that we all value immensely. From a security and resource perspective, it is critical that these inherently local functions remain local with federal oversight and backed by federal resources when appropriate.”

Barclay urges TSA to focus on its primary mission of passenger and baggage screening, stating, “Expanding the agency’s mission — particularly to areas already in capable local hands — threatens to dilute already scarce resources.”

The TSA's Grand Failure Of Imagination Forbes - Jul 28, 2011 05:15 PM (ET)

TSA recently announced they had come up with an innovative “new idea” that involved a “trusted traveler” program which could speed certain pre-screened passengers through security.

Relief From Security Hassles? Chicago Tribune - Jul 27, 2011 02:51 PM (ET)
I might owe the Transportation Security Administration an apology.

Trying To Revive Trusted Traveler Program New York Times - Jul 19, 2011 03:02 PM (ET)
LIKE most business travelers, I’d welcome the opportunity to provide the government with some basic information to indicate that I am not inclined to acts of terrorism, and in turn to receive a special pass that lets me get through airport security with my shoes on and my personal dignity relatively intact.

TSA To Trial 'Trusted Travelers' Program At Select US Airports This Fall Air Transport World - Jul 15, 2011 03:20 AM (ET)
US Transportation Security Administration said it will launch a pilot program this fall to test new airport screening strategies that aim, among other goals, to provide "trusted travelers with expedited screening."

TSA Announces Risk Based Security Initiative for Frequent Travelers
Jul 14, 2011 09:57 PM (ET)
TSA Administrator John Pistole spoke Thursday with aviation stakeholders to provide an update on TSA’s ongoing efforts to implement risk-based, intelligence-driven security measures. As part of the discussion, Pistole provided details on the agency’s plan to conduct a pilot program in the coming months to enhance TSA’s identity-based, pre-flight screening capabilities and provide trusted travelers with expedited screening.

TSA plans to launch the pilot program in the fall of this year at four airports -- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Miami International and Dallas Fort Worth International -- and is still working on a number of logistical and operational issues. However, the agency made the announcement Thursday to provide time for qualified participants to opt-in to the program.

For the pilot program, participants must be U.S. citizens and must be either 1) participants in the CBP trusted traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTI and NEXUS) or 2) frequent fliers of a certain level on the first two participating airlines, American and Delta.

After opting-in to the voluntary pilot program, participants will be subject to enhanced pre-flight, identity-based screening by TSA, which was developed in partnership with CBP and U.S. air carriers. TSA's pre-flight vetting assessment will be embedded on participants' boarding pass bar codes. As a result, they may then qualify for expedited screening at dedicated lanes at the four pilot airports. Participants are not guaranteed or entitled to expedited screening and TSA stressed that all travelers will continue to be subject to random and unpredictable screening. In addition, TSA said it is still determining what processes and procedures will or will not be part of the expedited screening benefit for participants.

TSA said it plans to expand the pilot on a rolling basis to include United, Southwest, JetBlue, US Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as additional airports, once operationally ready.

Pistole stated that TSA is testing the proof of concept and hopes to expand as any issues, such as any vulnerability gaps or resource issues associated with dedicated lanes for a limited population of travelers, are resolved. However, Pistole said he hopes to have broad application of this program at all Category X airports by 2012.

AAAE participated on the call with stakeholders and will continue to work closely with the TSA on these initiatives, focusing on airport participation and operational considerations related to pilot programs and roll-out of initiatives such as the proof of concept.

Survey: US Passengers Will Pay To Join Trusted Traveler Program Air Transport World - Jul 08, 2011 06:48 AM (ET)
The US Travel Assn. said that a recent survey shows that many frequent business and leisure passengers would pay up to $150 per year to be enrolled in a trusted traveler program.

'Trusted Traveler' Program May Shorten Airport Security Wait Times Fox Business - Jul 05, 2011 01:53 PM (ET)
Travelers fed up with long security lines at the airport may soon be offered a way to avoid them.

Frequent Fliers Would Pay For Faster Airport Security Checks Los Angeles Times - Jul 05, 2011 07:46 AM (ET)
U.S. air travelers already pay to check bags and buy onboard snacks, among other charges. But would they pay to avoid those long airport security lines?

U.S. To Launch Trusted Air Traveler Program In Fall Reuters - Jun 22, 2011 02:57 PM (ET)
U.S. travelers frustrated with airport security may see a little relief later this year with the launch of a trusted traveler pilot program, the head of the Transportation Security Administration said on Wednesday.

US Plans Faster Screening For Low-Risk Air Travelers Reuters - May 19, 2011 06:04 AM (ET)

The Obama administration is developing a faster airport security screening process for passengers considered to be low security risks, the head of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday.

Post-Osama: Would You Pay For Faster Security? SmartMoney - May 06, 2011 06:11 AM (ET)
The Transportation Security Administration is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to airport screening.

U.S. Travel Proposes Federal Trusted Traveler Program Travel Agent Central - Dec 03, 2010 02:54 PM (ET)

In the face of public anger over intrusive airport security procedures, the U.S. Travel Association is recommending the federal government accelerate the creation of a “trusted traveler” program which would result in an air travel security screening process that is more secure, efficient and effective.

CLEAR Re-Launches At Denver Airport
Dec 02, 2010 07:06 AM (ET)
Registered traveler program CLEAR has resumed operations at Denver International Airport. CLEAR members enroll by providing a scan of their passport and secondary photo ID, fingerprints and iris image. They then receive an ID card for the program, which they present at the designated CLEAR lanes at the airport before proceeding to the TSA checkpoint.

Denver is the second market, after Orlando, for the new CLEAR, which re-launched with new owners and management after ceasing operations in 2009. CLEAR is now owned by Alclear LLC.

Clear Reopening Lanes At Orlando Airport On Nov. 9 Orlando Business Journal - Oct 21, 2010 03:18 PM (ET)

Clear, a biometric-based registered traveler program for airport security, will reopen designated Clear lanes at Orlando International Airport on Nov. 9.

Jacksonville To Offer Designated Security Lanes

Aug 23, 2010 03:29 PM (ET)
Jacksonville Aviation Authority Monday announced that it will begin offering a faster designated security lane at Jacksonville International Airport in October.

Travelers who have elite flight designations with airlines will be able to use a special lane to get through security screening. In addition, business travelers who have premium prepaid monthly parking at the airport will also be able to take advantage of the faster security lines.

“We think this new customer service program will be a welcome addition at JAX,” said airport spokesman Michael Stewart. “The new security express lane will be especially good news to our frequent business travelers.” JAA will announce the start date soon.

JAA is also planning to re-institute the registered traveler program once a contractor can be identified. The program will allow travelers without a preferred or elite airline designation to pay an annual fee to access the preferred security lane. When the service would be expanded to these users is unknown, and Stewart estimated it would cost $75 to $150 annually.

Indy Airport Lands Express Security Checkpoint Service Indianapolis Star - Jul 30, 2010 07:14 AM (ET)

Indianapolis International Airport will be the first in the country to launch a rebranded version of the nationwide registered-traveler program that once had thousands of members until it shut down a year ago.

Airport Check-In: Customs To Expand Registered Traveler Program USA Today - Jul 19, 2010 06:21 AM (ET)
Expect to see more ads from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, enticing travelers to join its Global Entry.

Orlando International Selects Clear To Restart Registered Traveler Lines USA Today - Jun 21, 2010 03:47 PM (ET)
Orlando International is the latest airport to announce its plan to restart lines for registered travelers, selecting Alclear as its preferred vendor to start negotiating.

Registered Traveler Program Relaunches With Clear, iQueue USA Today - Jun 15, 2010 07:00 AM (ET)
The business of getting travelers to pay for the front-of-the-line privilege at airport security checkpoints is attempting a comeback.

Denver To Host Clear's Planned Resurrection Business Travel News - Jun 04, 2010 03:39 PM (ET)
Registered Traveler provider Clear plans to relaunch security-screening lanes this fall at Denver International Airport, the first airport to reaffirm plans to host the program whose previous owners abruptly shuttered it last summer and subsequently spiraled into bankruptcy.

Airport Fast-Lane Program Clear Plans A Return At DIA Denver Business Journal - Jun 03, 2010 04:22 PM (ET)
A service touting faster passage through security checks at Denver International Airport is slated to return in the fall with the same name as the old service -- Clear -- but with a new owner.

Firm Plans To Restart Airport Security Express Service Los Angeles Times - Jun 01, 2010 05:59 AM (ET)
It has been nearly a year since a new screening service to zip passengers through airport security abruptly shut down, sending 160,000 paying customers back to regular passenger lines.

Registered Traveler Program iQueue Opens In Indianapolis USA Today - May 10, 2010 09:20 PM (ET)
Indianapolis International will be the first U.S. airport to restore the Registered Traveler program, which expedites airport security for pre-screened members.

Airport Express Security To Relaunch Orlando Sentinel - May 05, 2010 06:09 AM (ET)
The popular but financially broken Clear registered-traveler program at Orlando International Airport has gotten two boosts along the comeback trail, including Tuesday's announcement that a company intends to have the program operating again at certain U.S. airports by this fall.

A Rapid Security Check Could Be Revived At Airports New York Times - May 04, 2010 10:20 PM (ET)
The idea of a monthly subscription service that allows people to jump to the head of airport security lines by submitting to a fingerprint or iris scan may be getting another chance.

Registered Traveler Program Struggles For Revival Business Travel News - Apr 06, 2010 06:48 AM (ET)
When a firm called Alclear in late January inked an agreement to buy bankrupt Registered Traveler provider Verified Identity Pass for nearly $6 million, the would-be owner planned to re-launch the program before the end of May.

Former Registered Traveler Program Leader Files For Chapter 11 Pending A Sale Business Travel News - Dec 03, 2009 10:55 PM (ET)
Verified Identity Pass, which ceased operations this summer as the dominant operator of the Registered Traveler program and brought the expedited airport screening industry to a halt, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday as it seeks to close the imminent sale to an undisclosed "prospective buyer."

Three Companies Bid To Revive Clear Airport Service Orlando Sentinel - Oct 07, 2009 08:33 PM (ET)
One morning last June, 200,000 clients of the Clear service awoke to discover their company was suddenly gone and their $200 annual fees no longer bought swift passage through security checkpoints at Orlando International and other airports.

AAAE Testifies At Hearing On Future Of Registered Traveler Program
Sep 30, 2009 08:36 PM (ET)
A key House Homeland Security subcommittee Wednesday held a hearing to discuss the future of the Registered Traveler (RT) program.

Given its long-standing support for the RT program and role in developing the technical standards for the program and facilitating program interoperability, AAAE was invited to testify along with TSA and potential RT service providers.

AAAE’s testimony was delivered by Senior Vice President, Transportation Security Policy Carter Morris.

Lawmakers continue to express strong support for a future RT program and repeatedly pressed TSA to take steps to allow the program to move forward.

For its part, TSA reiterated its position that the agency does not oppose RT but sees no security value in the program.

Several service providers testified that they are prepared to begin RT operations in the near future.

AAAE legislative members may view the full hearing report online at http://www.aaae.org/federal_affairs/airport_legislative_alliance/hearing_reports/.

'Clear' Security Service May Return At Airports New York Times - Sep 30, 2009 04:08 PM (ET)
Verified Identity Pass, a company founded by the entrepreneur Steven Brill, offered travelers a tempting proposition: pay up to $199 a year, submit to a fingerprint and iris scan, and skip to the front of interminable airport security lines.

NBTA, Flo Attempt To Revive Reg. Traveler Business Travel News - Jul 28, 2009 12:10 PM (ET)
Since dominant Registered Traveler provider Verified Identity Pass in late June abruptly halted operations, some customers have sued the company for breach of contract, one of its competitors, Vigilant Solutions, also folded, and the remaining provider, Flo Corp., suspended operations at the only airport where it operated.

Customers Seek What Was Lost In Travel Company's Closing Wall Street Journal - Jun 29, 2009 10:26 AM (ET)
Even as some travelers bemoan the demise of a major registered-traveler company - and with it their ability to jump to the front of airport security lines - others are wishing they hadn't just paid $199 for a year of the now-discontinued service.

Clear RT Program Closes Down
Jun 23, 2009 09:25 PM (ET)
Verified Identity Pass, which operates the Clear registered traveler program in 18 airports, shut down its operations late Monday. A message on the company’s Web site said the company “had been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations.”

The Web site notice said that, “Applicant and Member data is currently secured in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s Security, Privacy and Compliance Standards. Verified Identity Pass, Inc. will continue to secure such information and will take appropriate steps to delete the information.” The company also said that, “At the present time, because of its financial condition, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. cannot issue refunds.”

TSA Concludes Registered Traveler Test

Jul 28, 2008 04:53 PM (ET)
TSA on July 24 announced the official conclusion of the latest pilot phase of the Registered Traveler (RT) program, known as the Registered Traveler Interoperability Pilot (RTIP).

Launched in 2006, the Registered Traveler Interoperability Pilot was the second phase of testing related to the RT program and was limited to a maximum of 20 airports. There are currently 19 airports with operational RT programs and approximately 150,000 RT participants.

With this announcement, the RT program is no longer a pilot program and can be expanded to any interested airport. Airports still need to contract with private RT service providers approved by TSA to implement the program at their facilities. RT service providers are responsible for enrollment of RT applicants, biometric identification verification of RT participants at the checkpoint and other related services.

Under the permanent RT program, TSA still will be responsible for setting program standards, physical screening at TSA checkpoints, and certain forms of oversight. However, TSA no longer will conduct the Security Threat Assessment (STA) that was part of the background check for participants and no longer will charge the $28 STA fee.

The Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium (RTIC), which was formed by airports and AAAE in 2005 to create a permanent and interoperable RT program, will continue to work with TSA, airports and the RT service providers to ensure that the permanent RT program builds upon airports’ successful experiences during the RTIP and continues to provide interoperable biometric-based identification verification of RT cardholders at participating airports.

TSA Loosens Registered Traveler Reins, Eliminates Security Fee Business Travel News Online - Jul 24, 2008 07:08 PM (ET)
The Transportation Security Administration today said it would abandon its 20-airport cap on the number of Registered Traveler national programs and shed its $28 fee for conducting enrollee threat assessments, saying the program will shift from "pilot" mode next week. TSA today also said Registered Traveler providers have the authority to develop their own interoperability relationships within the next 12 months, though technical interoperability standards must be maintained. That means Registered Traveler vendors—including Verified Identity Pass' Clear program and Flo Corp.'s RTgo program—can choose to not accept rival program members at their lanes.

TSA's Hawley Questioned About RT

Aug 06, 2007 12:58 AM (ET)
TSA Chief Kip Hawley faced aggressive questioning from members of a House homeland security subcommittee last week regarding the future of the Registered Traveler (RT) program. A number of lawmakers and members of the vendor community contend that TSA doesn’t approve new technology fast enough or provide screening benefits to program participants.

Subcommittee members who support the concept of the RT program pledged to push TSA to provide additional support for the program. Lawmakers want TSA to do more, so that the promises of the program, including defined screening benefits for program participants, can be achieved.

RT service provider Clear/VIP CEO Steve Brill testified that TSA has failed to approve “shoe sniffing” equipment that is being developed by VIP partner company GE. He also said that the agency requires more identification for program participants than for other passengers and refuses to exempt program participants from secondary screening.

Hawley told panel members that he is not comfortable providing additional screening benefits to program participants, given that the GE shoe scanning technology has not yet met standards established by the agency. Further, he noted that program participants are checked against terrorist watch lists only, as opposed to more vigorous background checks.

Hawley also noted that, “As much as the RT concept appeals to all of us, it would be security folly to reduce security based only on the lack of prior criminal or discovered terrorist activity. The reality of the ‘clean skinned’ terrorist—a terrorist without criminal history or identification on a watch list—was made abundantly clear in July of 2005 when such terrorists attacked the London transit system. After prioritizing our security initiatives on a risk basis, TSA decided that taxpayer resources were best applied to more critical needs than RT. However, given the extraordinary public interest in the program, and the appealing logic behind it, TSA was willing to give wide latitude to private sector entrepreneurs, airlines and airports if they were able to construct an RT program that did not increase risk to the system. It was this private sector-led program that TSA announced in February of 2006.”

Survey Reveals Overwhelming Support For Registered Traveler

Jul 31, 2007 10:23 AM (ET)
Results and analysis from an airport security survey of travel industry professionals as well as individual travelers were released today. The Airport Passenger Screening Survey, the first major survey of its kind in two years, was commissioned by FLO Corporation and conducted by Business Travel Coalition (BTC) during July 2007. (Survey results can be accessed at http://www.fastlaneoption.com/.)

Consistent with the 2005 Airport Passenger Screening Survey, also conducted by BTC, participants indicate overwhelming support for the Registered Traveler (RT) program. Some 82% of survey participants indicated that they would like the airlines they travel on to embrace RT. A vast majority, 80% of respondents, would pay $99 for a RT membership in return for consistently expeditious security checkpoint processing, without any other in- lane benefits such as not having to remove shoes, laptops and coats.

FLO Corporation Chief Executive Officer Glenn Argenbright stated, "Travelers are indicating that not having to remove shoes or laptops would be a convenience. However, what is truly important to them is expeditious security lane processing that is predictable and consistent from airport to airport such that a business executive would not have to leave a customer's office 45 minutes early because of not knowing what to expect at an airport on any given day."

Importantly, the survey also found that 38% of survey participants would be Extremely or Very Interested in paying $199 to upgrade from a basic RT membership offering to a premier RT membership with benefits beyond security processing that could include reserved parking at one's home airport, remote baggage check-in at hotels, airport concession discounts and global assistance. Only 6% said they were not interested at all.

"It is true that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pilot programs, and early airport RT implementations, were necessarily stripped down initiatives that only envisioned "front-of-the-line" benefits, perhaps including not having to remove shoes or laptops -- what BTC calls RT 1.0. These survey results, however, from a customer service perspective, deeply underscore the promise of RT 2.0, a more mature, customer-responsive benefits platform," said BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell.

TSA for some time has encouraged RT service providers to be creative in developing other value-added RT benefits not related to the security checkpoint. These new survey results validate TSA's instincts that to have the broadest possible commercial appeal, consumers would like the options of membership packages with different benefits at varying price points. The broader the appeal, the faster RT can reach critical mass at the national level and, as such, fulfill the TSA RT security mission of moving travelers quickly into secure areas of airports.

Registered Traveler Achieves Interoperability Goal

Jun 29, 2007 10:42 PM (ET)
The Registered Traveler (RT) program reached an important milestone in late June with the introduction of operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

The RT program is actively interoperable, with two different private-sector service providers operating at six airports across the country, according to AAAE Senior Vice President Carter Morris. Interoperability is a critical keystone in the RT program that allows cards, regardless of the service provider from which they were issued, to be read and accepted by other providers operating at participating airports. This is accomplished through the Central Information Management System (CIMS), which was developed and is operated by the Security Biometric Clearing Network (SBCN) for the Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC).

“These events are the culmination of the tireless efforts of airports, private industry and the Transportation Security Administration, working as part of the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium (RTIC), to create an interoperable RT program,” Morris said. “As envisioned by airports, industry and TSA, today the program operates on an open platform creating an extremely secure and seamless experience for RT participants around the country.”

“We congratulate AAAE and the founding-member RTIC airport executives who have worked with us from the beginning to achieve the vision of an interoperable, private sector RT program that enhances both security and convenience,” said Steven Brill, founder and CEO of Clear, which is now under contract to operate RT programs at nine airports, including New York Kennedy International, Newark, Orlando and San Jose. “And we congratulate Unisys on their successful launch of a fine program in Reno and on joining an industry where fair competition and robust growth is assured because AAAE has implemented this trailblazing interoperability technology,” he added.

“RT was envisioned as a benefit to travelers that would enhance the security measures TSA has implemented,” said Bryan Ichikawa, program director, rtGO, Unisys. “Thanks to the interoperability work of the RTIC and TSC, that vision is brought to life as Registered Travelers move among participating airports through dedicated security lanes, alleviating some of the screening burden at the regular checkpoints.”

The CIMS is the world’s most advanced interoperable identity management system of its kind, using both fingerprint and iris biometric data. The SBCN, partnering with tier-one biometric and identity management companies such as Daon, Motorola and LG Iris Technology, began operation of the CIMS for the TSC within days of TSA’s approval of the RTIC Technical Interoperability Specification.

Tom Grissen, CEO of Daon commented, “As we have seen in similar initiatives around the world, achieving interoperability on a sophisticated national program such as Registered Traveler relies, not only on leading technology, but also encompasses significant policy issues, as well as legal and operational requirements. Daon has established a best practices approach to gain consensus on how identities are going to be authenticated and handled consistently across all participants in a transaction. We are frequently involved in bringing together the various stakeholders to accomplish these interoperability goals and are proud of the work we have done on the development of CIMS as we continue to demonstrate our long-term commitment to RT through our partnership with SBCN and the service providers.”

The CIMS is necessary to meet the interoperability requirements of the specification and performs several key functions, such as processing all records, interfacing with TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials.

The Registered Traveler program provides expedited security screening processes and an extra layer of security for passengers who volunteer biometric and biographic information to a TSA-approved RT vendor and successfully complete a TSA-conducted security threat assessment. RT is a private sector program, supported and overseen by TSA. Lanes are operational at six airports with five more airports scheduled to begin operations shortly. An additional seven airports intend to operate RT at their facilities in the near future and are actively soliciting from the five service providers currently approved by TSA.

What's Wrong With A One-Size Fits All Identity? American.com - Apr 11, 2007 12:20 PM (ET)

The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed in May 2005 under which the federal government seeks to standardize state-issue ID cards and drivers’ licenses. The bill says that as of May 11, 2008, “a Federal agency may not accept, for any official purpose, a driver's license or identification card issued by a state to any person unless the state is meeting the requirements” of the law.

Motorola Deploys Biometric Technology For TSC RT Program Use

Jan 03, 2007 08:33 PM (ET)
Motorola Inc. Wednesday announced it has successfully deployed biometric technology to be used by AAAE’s Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) for the Registered Traveler Program. The Registered Traveler Program provides expedited security screening processes and an extra layer of security for passengers who volunteer biometric and biographic information and who successfully complete a security assessment.

Motorola's technology is based on open and scaleable Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) that will perform multi-modal biometric matching to ensure participants have their information securely stored and quickly retrieved when they pass through airport security checkpoints.

"Motorola's biometric solution offered the pricing and system design that best suited the requirements of the Registered Traveler Program. Motorola's technology in matching accuracy and speed, as well as system longevity and interoperability made them the preferred choice for the TSC," stated Carter Morris, AAAE senior vice president for Transportation Security Policy.

Motorola delivered its latest identity management matching server built on commercial off-the-shelf products with open system architecture that allows TSC to expand and upgrade the system as needed. Further, this off-the-shelf strategy provides TSC with flexibility to drive system functionality as future demand requires. Motorola's identity management solutions are optimized to function with all standards compliant formats, ensuring system interoperability on a national level, the company said.

"Motorola successfully deployed the initial system in only three weeks. The system is designed to be easily expanded to meet future demands as the Registered Traveler program expands in popularity," stated Darrin Reilly, general manager, Motorola Biometrics Business Unit.

Verant To Use TSC As CIMS for RT
Dec 26, 2006 05:55 PM (ET)
Verant Identification Systems Inc. has agreed to use AAAE’s Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) as the Central Information Management System (CIMS) for the Registered Traveler (RT) program. Verant Identification Systems joins other RT service providers who have chosen the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program.

“AAAE’s TSC has a proven record of success. We’ve reduced turnaround times and cost for aviation worker background checks, and we’re looking forward to bringing the same great customer service and industry experience to RT service providers in the most cost-effective manner possible,” AAAE President Charles Barclay said. “More importantly, a permanent, interoperable and nationwide RT program will improve security and efficiency for U.S. air travelers and we’re proud to play such an important role toward this goal.”

Verant CEO Jeff Black said, “There is great enthusiasm and demand for the RT program and the complimentary services that enrolled travelers will enjoy. The RT program is an outstanding example of governmental and private sector collaboration. AAAE, TSA and the service providers have created a program that will increase both overall systemwide security, as well as operational efficiency. The real RT program winner is the flying public!”

As the designated CIMS, TSC is responsible for several key functions of the RT program, such as processing all records, interfacing with TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials.

Vigilant Solutions To Use TSC For RT
Dec 15, 2006 08:07 PM (ET)
AAAE announced that Vigilant Solutions has agreed to use its Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) as the Central Information Management System (CIMS) for the Registered Traveler (RT) Program. Vigilant Solutions joins other RT service providers that have chosen the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program.

“AAAE’s TSC has a proven record of success. We’ve reduced turnaround times and cost for aviation worker background checks, and we’re looking forward to bringing the same great customer service and industry experience to RT service providers in the most cost-effective manner possible,” AAAE President Charles Barclay said. “More importantly, a permanent, interoperable and nationwide RT program will improve security and efficiency for U.S. air travelers and we’re proud to play such an important role toward this goal.”

Vigilant Solutions CEO John Andrews commented, “We are pleased to join the rest of the RT Service Providers who chose to use TSC for the RT program. We are also very happy to acknowledge all the support we received from AAAE team during our discussions to this stage. We look forward to a long fruitful relationship with AAAE.”

As the designated CIMS, the TSC is responsible for several key functions of the RT program, such as processing all records, interfacing with TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials.

AAAE's TSC Announces Contract With RT Service Provider
Dec 01, 2006 06:15 PM (ET)
The American Association of Airport Executives announced Friday that its Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) has entered into a contract with Unisys Corp., which will use the TSC for the Central Information Management System (CIMS) for the Registered Traveler (RT) program. The contract formalizes the TSC cost structure and schedule originally agreed to by Unisys and other Registered Traveler service providers when they designated the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program in May. The Transportation Security Administration also recently designated the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program.

On Monday, the TSC began operation of the CIMS, which is the world’s most advanced interoperable information management system of travelers’ biometric data. With the CIMS fully operational, private companies such as Unisys Corporation are now able to operate interoperable RT services at participating airports across the country, allowing travelers to use their RT cards seamlessly at any participating airport.

AAAE President Charles Barclay said he was pleased that the TSC as the CIMS will enable the rapid and secure deployment of the Registered Traveler program at airports across the country. "AAAE's TSC has a proven record of success. We've reduced turnaround times and cost for aviation worker background checks, and we’re looking forward to bringing the same great customer service and industry experience to RT service providers in the most cost-effective manner possible," Barclay said. "More importantly, a permanent, interoperable and nationwide Registered Traveler program will improve security and efficiency at airports for US air travelers and we're proud to play such an important role toward this goal."

"Unisys has been working with AAAE throughout this process and, with their cooperation, hosted at our Reston office an interoperability forum for potential Registered Traveler services providers so that all parties would be in lock-step as the program takes shape. We look forward to the continued support we’ve received from AAAE as Registered Traveler rolls out nationwide," said Larry Zmuda, partner, homeland security, Unisys.

As outlined in the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium’s Technical Interoperability Specification, the CIMS is necessary to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency in a national RT program. As the designated CIMS, TSC is responsible for several key functions, such as processing all records, interfacing with the TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials

RT Management System Goes Live
Nov 28, 2006 06:55 PM (ET)
The Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of AAAE, on Monday began operation of the world’s most advanced interoperable information management system of travelers’ biometric data—the Central Information Management System (CIMS).

CIMS is necessary to ensure interoperability, security and efficiency in a nationwide Registered Traveler (RT) program.

The RT program provides expedited security screening processes and an extra layer of security for passengers who volunteer biometric and biographic information to a TSA-approved RT vendor and successfully complete a TSA-conducted security threat assessment. RT is a private sector program, supported and overseen by TSA.

By leveraging the customer service and aviation expertise of the TSC, CIMS was developed utilizing state-of-the-art technology from Daon, LG Iris Technology Division and Motorola. Within days after TSA’s adoption of the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium’s Technical Interoperability Specification, TSC assembled its team of tier-one biometric and identity management companies to meet the interoperability specification requirements by enhancing existing vendor solutions and utilizing best practices of the private sector.

“The TSC along with Daon, LG and Motorola have created an unparalleled information management system,” said Carter Morris, AAAE senior vice president. “Today, the pioneering technology of the CIMS will enable the rapid and secure deployment of an interoperable RT program. Tomorrow, the possibilities are endless.”

With CIMS fully operational, private companies such as Saflink, Unisys, Verified Identity Pass and Vigilant are now able to operate interoperable RT services at participating airports across the country. “A permanent, interoperable and nationwide Registered Traveler program will improve security and efficiency at airports for US air travelers and we’re proud to play such an important role toward that goal,” Morris said.

CIMS is responsible for several key functions, such as processing all records, interfacing with TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials.

TSA Announces Fee For Registered Traveler Program
Nov 28, 2006 09:09 AM (ET)
In a notice in the Federal Register, TSA announced that it will charge a total annual fee of $28 for each person who participates in the Registered Traveler Interoperability Pilot program. The Registered Traveler Interoperability Pilot is the initial launch of the Registered Traveler (RT) program at 10 to 20 participating airports. The $28 TSA fee does not include any fees that a service provider or sponsoring entity (airports or airlines) may charge for its services. A copy of the Federal Register notice can be found on the AAAE website at http://www.aaae.org/government/150_Transportation_Security_Policy/.

The Federal Register notice also includes information regarding costs associated with security screening checkpoint lanes that are dedicated to RT. Depending on an airport’s size, configuration and available space, RT can operate using either dedicated lanes, which means that only approved RT participants are allowed to use that lane, or designated lanes, where approved RT participants are given priority in existing security checkpoint lanes. If an airport decides to create a dedicated RT lane, or institutes a process that uses additional TSA screening resources beyond what is already provided at the airport, TSA will negotiate the exact level of support and the fee necessary to match the costs of this support with the airport. TSA plans to collect these costs directly from the airport operator or sponsoring entity, which also may be an airline. However, sponsoring entities may choose to pass these costs on to their RT service provider or directly to RT participants.

AAAE's TSC Announces First Contract With RT Service Provider
Oct 25, 2006 08:53 PM (ET)
AAAE announced Wednesday that its Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) has entered into a contract with a Registered Traveler (RT) service provider, Verified Identity Pass Inc., which will use the TSC for the Central Information Management System (CIMS) for the Registered Traveler program. The contract formalizes the TSC cost structure and schedule originally agreed to by Verified Identity Pass, operator of the Clear® RT program, and other Registered Traveler service providers when they designated the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program in May. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also designated the TSC as the CIMS for the RT program.

Under the terms of the contract, the TSC will have the CIMS fully operational by Nov. 28, 2006. This will enable the launch of an interoperable Registered Traveler program, allowing travelers to use their RT cards seamlessly at participating airports around the nation.

AAAE President Charles Barclay said he was pleased that the TSC as the CIMS will enable the rapid and secure deployment of the Registered Traveler program at airports across the country. “AAAE’s TSC has a proven record of success. We’ve reduced turnaround times and cost for aviation worker background checks, and we’re looking forward to bringing the same great customer service and industry experience to RT service providers in the most cost-effective manner possible,” Barclay said. “More importantly, a permanent, interoperable and nationwide Registered Traveler program will improve security and efficiency at airports for US air travelers and we’re proud to play such an important role toward this goal.”

Clear CEO Steven Brill said, “Our more than 30,000 customers will not only be able to use their Clear cards at our lanes in New York, Orlando, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and San Jose airports, but at any airport that chooses to launch a Registered Traveler program regardless of the service provider. We appreciate the efforts of the AAAE and TSA for making interoperability possible for all travelers in the RT program.”

In addition to enabling a fully functional CIMS by Nov. 28, 2006, the TSC has offered an interim transitional enrollment solution so that, pending TSA approval, which the TSC believes is appropriate, any Service Provider’s RT applicants can proceed with enrollment as soon as possible. This will allow airports to begin to offer the processing and efficiency benefits of the Registered Traveler program prior to the busy holiday travel season.

As outlined in the Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium’s (RTIC) Technical Interoperability Specification, which was recently determined to meet TSA’s requirements for interoperability, the CIMS is necessary to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency in a national RT program. As the designated CIMS, TSC is responsible for several key functions, such as processing all records, interfacing with the TSA for background checks, ensuring a chain of trust from vetted enrollments and issued credentials, and sending alerts to all service providers regarding revoked credentials.

TSA Accepting Statements of Interest For Interoperable RT Program

Jun 06, 2006 09:30 AM (ET)
TSA has released its statement of interest (SOI) to allow airports to express interest in Registered Traveler (RT) program participation and to identify airports’ anticipated timelines for launching RT. The agency is moving to implementation of a wide-scale deployment of RT. Airports interested in completing the SOI can visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=64322191390 and use password RTSOI.

TSA said in its announcement, “The SOI is not intended to exclude any airport from participation in the program, nor does it guarantee selection to participate in the initial phase. The SOI is intended to facilitate dialog between TSA and airports regarding the RT program. When the statement of interest is received from the airports, the RT Program Office will be in contact with the airport operator.”

TSA questions can be directed to John Martinez at (571) 227-3080.

TSA Issues Registered Traveler Business Model

May 26, 2006 09:46 AM (ET)
TSA on Thursday posted on a governmental website a copy of its business model for Registered Traveler (RT). A copy can be found on the AAAE website at http://www.aaae.org/government/150_Transportation_Security_Policy/. The business model serves to provide an outline structure of how an interoperable RT program will work. It does not establish the standards for the RT program; rather, it provides a concept baseline for discussions with airports and service providers interested in RT.

Many of the elements contained in the TSA business model mirror the recommendations made by AAAE’s Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium (RTIC) in January to the TSA’s Request for Information on RT. The business model also provides additional details on issues such as screening benefits and payment of fees to the TSA for its role in RT.

The RTIC’s Service Provider Council continues to work to create the technical specification necessary for an interoperable program. In releasing its business model, TSA endorsed this process, saying “Currently the private industry is working within the RTIC to recommend open technical standards. TSA encourages stakeholders to participate in this effort.

TSA Greenlights Private Registered Traveler Rollout BTN Online - Apr 21, 2006 04:05 PM (ET)

The Transportation Security Administration today said it is on track to roll out Registered Traveler programs at up to 20 airports this year, on the condition that approved private-sector operators "make the necessary business arrangements with host airports and air carriers and get security approval from TSA for the proposed configuration." Airports could be up and running as soon as June 20—which since last year has been slated as the launch date—but TSA said, "Subject to public demand for the RT program, TSA would expect RT to operate on a national scale next year."

Senators Urge Screening Improvements

Apr 04, 2006 09:09 PM (ET)
Members of the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday urged TSA Administrator Kip Hawley to improve airport security checkpoint screening, address screener workforce issues, and expedite the deployment of in-line explosives detection systems (EDS) and the Registered Traveler program.

In the second in a series of planned hearings on aviation security, lawmakers commended Hawley for his work so far, but expressed their frustration with long security lines, improper baggage handling, and the slow deployment of technological improvements, including in-line systems and Registered Traveler. Panel members encouraged Hawley to work with airports to address their individual needs and provide relief for the traveling public.

ACI-NA President Greg Principato, testifying on behalf of ACI-NA and AAAE, suggested both short- and long-term solutions for TSA to improve passenger and baggage screening, including the quick deployment of in-line EDS systems and the Registered Traveler program, expansion of the Screening Partnership Program, additional flexibility for Federal Security Directors to address unique local staffing issues, adoption of screening performance standards, and keeping TSA focused on its core mission of passenger and baggage screening and the staffing of exit lanes.

In his testimony, Hawley pledged that TSA would have the Registered Traveler program operational this summer. “We’re on track,” he stated, adding that the agency still has work to do on equipment and on determining what screening benefits would be made available to program participants.

Gov't plans 'registered traveler' program Seattle Post-Intelligencer - Nov 03, 2005 12:00 AM (ET)
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Congress to TSA: What's the holdup? USA TODAY - Nov 02, 2005 12:00 AM (ET)
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Registered Travelers now Boarding in Orlando, Government Computer News Government Computer News - Jul 25, 2005 12:00 AM (ET)
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Secretary Ridge Unveils Registered Traveler Pilot Program At Reagan National Airport Transportation Security Administration - Sep 03, 2004 12:00 AM (ET)
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TSA Launches Registered Traveler Pilot Program In Houston Transportation Security Administration - Aug 03, 2004 12:00 AM (ET)
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TSA Launches Registered Traveler Pilot Program At LAX Transportation Security Administration - Jul 23, 2004 12:00 AM (ET)
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TSA Announces Start of Registered Traveler Pilot Program Transportation Security Administration - Jul 07, 2004 12:00 AM (ET)
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The RT program is a public-private partnership between the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and the private sector.
http://econpapers.repec.org/article/blarevpol/v_3a24_3ay_3a2007_3ai_3a5_3ap_3a443-462.htm

TSA Seeks Private-Sector Proposals for Registered-Traveler Pilot Program ...
private sector to a request for proposal, for a Registered Traveler Pilot Program
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3495/is_3_53/ai_n25127915/