Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
Menu
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • Training & Resources
  • Luxury Travel Report

TSA Considering Merging PreCheck and Global Entry Programs

by Richard D'Ambrosio  December 06, 2017
TSA Considering Merging PreCheck and Global Entry Programs

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock.com

Delivering better security at a lower cost might be achieved by merging two of the “trusted traveler” programs that have become so popular with airline passengers, the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said this week.

In a speech before the airport industry, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said merging the TSA’s PreCheck program with the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry programs, would streamline management of the two operations, and with better integration, possibly enhance security.

Related Articles

Travel Groups Speak Out in Support of PreCheck Expansion
 

PreCheck offers airline passengers faster screening at TSA security check points at about 200 airports, in return for enhanced voluntary background checks. TSA charges a five-year membership fee of $85. Global Entry offers expedited customs clearance for a similar set of background checks, for a $100 non-refundable fee. Pekoske said there about 12 million people enrolled in both programs.

Pekoske said he and Kevin McAleenan, acting CBP Commissioner, were taking a “good, hard look” at merging the two programs, which also could enable the two agencies to increase enrollment and invest in new technology, like facial recognition, that could be used across both platforms.

According to a report by The Hill, Pekoske noted how “I have a separate infrastructure that manages TSA PreCheck enrollments. And that’s, I think, a big duplication of efforts sometimes in the very same airport.”

Pekoske told reporters that a merger of the two programs could also help unify biometrics initiatives at TSA and CBP. For example, TSA could adopt the facial recognition technology currently being piloted by CBP for Global Entry, he said.

ASTA supports the move
In a press statement, Eben Peck, executive vice president, advocacy with the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) said “at first blush this sounds like a fantastic idea. Having two trusted traveler programs with similar costs, benefits, and application procedures has proved to be, at times, confusing and frustrating for travelers. A single program allowing travelers to get through the airport screening process quickly would be a welcome development and we urge DHS to move this concept forward.”

Still, Peck said, “Much depends on the details of how this would work and what its impact would be on travel agencies and their clients.”

Pekoske has been an advocate for changes in airline and airport security since he was appointed in August. At one airport conference, he told industry attendees the importance of innovation in creating the “airport security area of the future,” including updating passenger screening processes and bringing new technology like 3-D imaging to bag checkpoints.

New Homeland Security secretary appointed
In related news, yesterday, the Senate confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as Homeland Security Secretary. Nielsen once served as DHS chief of staff under the previous administrator, John Kelly. She became principal deputy White House chief of staff under Kelly this September when Kelly moved from DHS to the White House.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow called Nielsen, “a highly qualified leader who understands the importance of blending enhanced security policies with the message that America is open for business. Her previous work on aviation security, international engagement and cybersecurity gives us confidence that she will advance smart travel policies that do not deter legitimate international visitors.

“The U.S. travel community looks forward to working with Secretary Nielsen to implement effective measures to protect our country’s citizens, while ensuring that our country remains as open and welcome as ever to travelers worldwide.”

 

  0
  0
Related Articles
CBP Rolls Out Enhanced Screening Tools to Speed Up U.S. Re-Entry for Travelers
FAA Staffing Shortages Cause Flight Delays at Newark Airport
CLEAR Launches EnVe Pods for Faster Airport Verification
TSA Warns About PreCheck Enrollment and Renewal Scams Ahead of Holiday Travel Season
American Airlines Is Launching its Own Digital ID Lanes
TSA Will Allow Non-REAL ID Mobile Driver’s Licenses Even After Deadline
TSA PreCheck Adds Two New Airlines
The TSA Wants to Delay Full REAL ID Enforcement Yet Again
Hawaii Becomes 11th State to Allow Digital IDs at TSA Checkpoints
TSA Anticipates Record-Breaking Labor Day Weekend

MOST VIEWED

  1. U.S. Issues Worldwide Travel Warning for All Americans Traveling Abroad
  2. Travel Leaders Network President John Lovell to Depart for Cruise Role
  3. Hilton Rewards Reservations Canceled Amid Transition of Playa Hotels to Hyatt
  4. Ask-an-Advisor: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Fire a Client?
  5. Here Are All the New Cruise Ships Coming in 2026, 2027, and Beyond
  6. Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels 40+ Cruises on Two Ships


  1. U.S. and International Airlines Halt Dubai, Mideast Flights Due to Iran-Israel Conflict
  2. Overtourism Backlash Heats Up in Europe as Summer Season Kicks Off
  3. New Greece Cruise Passenger Tax Coming this July
  4. What Does Success Look Like for a Travel Advisor?
  5. New U.S. Travel Bans Would Hinder Tourism, Industry Leaders Say
  6. The Travel Corporation Overhauls Structure and Sales Team
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth luxury coverage, analysis of luxury news, luxury trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
The Top 11 Hottest Adventure Tours of 2025 (So Far)
The Top 11 Hottest Adventure Tours of 2025 (So Far)

Top tour operators talk their best-selling products for 2025.

U.S. Issues Travel Alerts for Myanmar & Thailand Following Earthquakes
U.S. Issues Travel Alerts for Myanmar & Thailand Following Earthquakes

On Friday, March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Burma in Myanmar, with tremors felt in neighboring Thailand and China.

Free Roundtrip Airfare from AmaWaterways for Egypt River Cruises
Free Roundtrip Airfare from AmaWaterways for Egypt River Cruises

Your clients can get free air on select 2025 and 2026 cruise and land journeys.

U.S. Secretary of State Promises to Reevaluate Jamaica Travel Warning
U.S. Secretary of State Promises to Reevaluate Jamaica Travel Warning

The U.S. State Department has told Americans to “reconsider” travel to Jamaica since July 2024.

What to Expect from Celestyal’s Middle East Desert Day Cruises
What to Expect from Celestyal’s Middle East Desert Day Cruises

With its first-ever Arabian Gulf season wrapped up, here’s everything your clients need to know about Celestyal’s offering in the region.

Tahiti Tourisme Appoints New CEO
Tahiti Tourisme Appoints New CEO

The new CEO currently serves as the organization’s CMO.

TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
View All
Advertiser's Voice
The Collette Premium Experience
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
© 2005 - 2025 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences