The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will launch a trusted traveler pilot program this fall that will allow travelers who are fed up with long security lines to avoid them at the airport.

The government agency said it will be working with U.S. airline carriers to find some travel volunteers willing to share personal information which will help structure the pilot program. It will mimic similar trusted traveler programs operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where volunteers can opt-in and voluntarily provide background information to qualify for expedited screening. It is expected to be offered at a handful of airports while in its testing stages.

The U.S. Travel Association suggested the creation of such a program in March when it launched its own plan to reform the TSA air security experience. Director of Domestic Policy at the U.S. Travel Association Erik Hansen said recent data found that frequent business and leisure travelers would be willing to pay up to $150 to enroll in such a program.

In the survey, 61 percent of leisure travelers and 75 percent of business travelers wanted a trusted traveler program and nearly half of all air travelers were willing to pay up to $150 annually for less hassle.

For more information, visit www.ustravel.org

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