FORT WORTH, Texas – Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole said Thursday that the government is poised to conduct a pilot program that will allow some travelers to proceed through expedited screening.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines will be testing the government’s new “trusted traveler” program at four major airports this fall.

“Enhancing identity-based screening is another common sense step in the right direction as we continue to strengthen overall security, and improve the passenger experience whenever possible,” Pistole said.

The pilot program will be available to certain frequent fliers who are flying on American Airlines through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Miami International Airport. The program will also allow certain frequent fliers traveling on Delta through the Atlanta and Detroit airports to bypass some security screening.

The airlines will determine which passengers will be eligible for the program, which the Transportation Security Administration said is limited to U.S. citizens and is voluntary.

American spokesman Tim Smith said that the details of the program are still being worked out.

“It will probably be initially offered to more frequent, premium, high-mileage travelers at first who will have to opt in,” Smith said.

The TSA said it plans to eventually expand the pilot to include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, US Airways, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as additional airports.

Newsletter