The Transportation Security Administration has opened an office at Bradley International Airport where customers can purchase and enroll in TSA PreCheck.
PreCheck was started several years ago as a service for passengers on commercial flights to bypass standard security measures so long as they underwent a full security screening and background check with intelligence agencies.
"You’ll bring your documents to show who you are, have your fingerprints done, have you provide some information, FBI will run a background check, run your name against some watch lists, an immigration check, a criminal history record check," said Mike McCarthy with the TSA.
The new application center at Bradley is the third in immediate proximity to Connecticut residents. Previously, customers had to go to either New Haven or Springfield, Massachusetts, in order to sign up.
For $85, you get five years of PreCheck coverage, which allows you quicker security screening for all flights leaving U.S. airports. All major U.S. airlines accept TSA PreCheck.
Being cleared with PreCheck allows passengers to go through security with their shoes on, keep a light jacket on and leave all liquids and laptops in their luggage.
McCarthy said he's not worried about the program becoming too popular.
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If it does, he says, that's a good thing.
"We love this program. Passengers love this program. Our officers love the program. It makes for a much easier screening experience for everybody and we liken it to a fast lane. As long as, the more popular it gets, the more PreCheck lanes we can add," he said.
