Press Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
TSA Press Release: April 29, 2014
Media Contact: Nico Melendez, 310-387-8127

TSA Pre✔™ Application Center Opens at John Wayne Airport Terminal C;
More Options to Apply for Expedited Screening 
TSA Expanding to More Than 300 Sites Across the Country

IRVINE, Calif. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) opened an application site for its TSA Pre✔™ Application Program in Terminal C at John Wayne Airport (SNA) this week.

This application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to directly enroll in TSA Pre✔™, an expedited screening program that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select screening lanes.

“The application process increases the availability of TSA Pre✔™ benefits to a broader population of travelers nationwide,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “TSA Pre✔™ is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, as we look for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way.”

Travelers at SNA may pre-enroll online at www.TSA.gov, make an appointment and complete their enrollment at the airport application center. The on site application center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

TSA is currently in the process of expanding to more than 300 application centers across the country. As application centers open across the country, this new process will allow all U.S. travelers and lawful permanent residents the ability to apply directly to TSA’s popular expedited screening program.

The TSA Pre✔™ application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to go through a pre-enrollment process online at www.TSA.gov and visit an application center to provide biographic information (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints, payment and valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. All TSA Pre✔™ program applicants must visit an application center in-person to verify their identity and provide documentation to confirm their citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide fingerprints.

The TSA Pre✔™ Application Program requires a background check, fingerprints, and an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✔™ lanes at security checkpoints at more than 100 participating airports and on nine major U.S. airlines including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.

To date, passengers have only been eligible through existing programs such as U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program and frequent flier programs with certain airlines, but this announcement will allow travelers to apply directly for the expedited screening program. Since its introduction, more than 30 million passengers have already used TSA Pre✔™ nationwide.

As always, TSA continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening. Additional program information and how to enroll can be found at www.TSA.gov.

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. TSA’s workforce comprises approximately 50,000 frontline officers who screen approximately 1.8 million travelers each day at more than 450 airports nationwide. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.