Logan considers easing way for frequent fliers

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
Date: September 28, 2005 1:05:20 AM EDT
To: undisclosed-recipient:;
Subject: Logan considers easing way for frequent fliers



Logan considers easing way for frequent fliers

By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff  |  September 27, 2005

Logan International Airport is taking a serious look at becoming the
second airport in the country to create its own ''registered
traveler" system that would allow frequent fliers to bypass long
security lines.

An existing program -- involving more than 1,800 American Airlines
frequent fliers -- will end on Friday. Over the past year, Logan has
been one of five airports where the Transportation Security
Administration has tested a ''registered traveler" program that
allows passengers to use a special security lane that can often be
faster because there are fewer people using it.

In the pilot, the TSA invited members of American Airlines'
AAdvantage frequent-flier plan who regularly fly at least once a week
to participate by supplying personal data such as a Social Security
number, their last five years' home addresses, and scans of their
irises and index finger tips.

The TSA runs a criminal background check, and travelers it approves
for registered status use the special security lane. Registered
travelers show their boarding passes and get their identities
confirmed by a machine that checks either their iris or index finger.
They still have to go through metal detectors and put their bags
through X-ray scanners but often save several minutes by avoiding
security lanes used by the general public. Registered travelers are
also routinely exempted from the so-called secondary screening
pat-downs TSA agents administer to every 20th air passenger.

Phil Orlandella, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Port Authority,
which runs Logan, said yesterday that officials are studying whether
such a program can be extended permanently by Massport and extended
to other airlines. Participants in the American Airlines registered
traveler program have told Massport they will miss the convenience
and time savings offered.

...

http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2005/09/27/ 
logan_considers_easing_way_for_frequent_fliers/



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