WASHINGTON -- Are you tired of long security lines at the airport? They could soon become a thing of the past for some fliers.
Tests of the Registered Traveler program, which will offer expedited security checks for prescreened, low-risk passengers, have been successful, the International Biometric Group said this week. The program is expected to go into effect nationwide this June, the consulting firm said.
The four initial pilot tests of the program were run by independent firms and followed and analyzed by the Biometric Group.
The Registered Traveler program will prescreen volunteer passengers who can then use special security lines that accelerate the airport screenings. The details have not yet been determined, but screening could include fingerprint scans and criminal record checks, among other things.
The screened passengers will use smart cards to store fingerprint biometric data for identification purposes. TSA is also considering using iris-based biometrics.
The program will be run through a joint effort of federal agencies, airport authorities, and private firms.
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