In March 2012, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Pre √ at both Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) airports. The TSA Pre √ enhances aviation security by enabling TSA to focus on a risk-based, intelligence driven approach while expanding screening for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying. This program has been in existence as a pilot launch since October 2011. Since then, more than 540,000 passengers have been screened through TSA Pre √.

IF TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre √, that information will be imbedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass, which will allow them access to the TSA Pre √ lane. TSA Pre √ is available at Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8 in ORD for American Airlines frequent flyers, and at Terminal B, South Checkpoint in DCA for Delta Air Lines. Members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS are eligible in both locations. TSA will continue to use random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening in order to retain a certain element of randomness to prevent terrorists from entering the U.S. TSA has a multi-layered approach to security, including behavior detection officers, explosives-detection systems, canine teams and federal air marshals, among other measures, both seen and unseen. For foreign nationals who frequently travel abroad, the new TSA Pre √ should prove to ease delays, the necessity for secondary inspection, and streamline the screening process.

If you have any questions relating to current security procedures at O’Hare, please contact Jacqueline Lentini McCullough, jacki@lentinivisas.com , +630-262-1435.