[justlurking]

He suggested there should be a "trusted traveler" program in which people who travel frequently and are known to be not a threat, like congressmen, don't have to be searched...

There is. If you sign up for Global Entry (at the US Customs), you'll be eligible for the TSA's "pre-check" pilot.

Global Entry gives you the option to skip the lines at passport control and use a device similar to an ATM to enter the US on return. You also get expedited handling after you get your baggage. Note: this is for returning to the US on an international flight. But, if you enroll in that, you can now get some extra benefits:

Delta and American are currently participating in a TSA pilot to provide expedited screening for people that enter their Global Entry ID number in their traveler profile on the airline's website.

It's only at a few security checkpoints in Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, and Las Vegas (others are being added). If you pass the pre-check, you go through a separate security line that is essentially pre-9/11:

• You don't have to take off your shoes.
• You don't have to take off a suit jacket (but you still must take off heavier coats)
• You don't have to take your laptop out of your carry-on.
• There is only a metal detector: no millimeter-wave scanners.

In both Global Entry and TSA pre-check, you still have the possibility to be randomly selected for the usual screening. So, it's not a permanent exemption.

Yes, it costs money: $100 every 5 years. But, for those of us that fly every week, it's priceless.

[Procyon]

You don't have to be in the Global Entry program to participate in the TSA Passenger Pre-screening initiative test.. American Airlines Frequent flyers were invited a few month ago by email to volunteer for the test. The airline provided TSA with all the information they had on you and TSA made the selection.

American started the test on January 17 at LAX and I was diverted to the old Pre-9/11, Pre-shoe bomber inspection: leave the belt, shoes and jacket on. Unfortunately, fewer than 1% of frequent flyers signed up, so this morning one of the lines was for the Pre-screen and everyone else was queued up in the line with the X-ray.

They really need to publicize this more before they decide the program doesn't work.

[Procyon]

You don't have to be in the Global Entry program to participate in the TSA Passenger Pre-screening initiative test.. American Airlines Frequent flyers were invited a few month ago by email to volunteer for the test. The airline provided TSA with all the information they had on you and TSA made the selection.

American started the test on January 17 at LAX and I was diverted to the old Pre-9/11, Pre-shoe bomber inspection: leave the belt, shoes and jacket on. Unfortunately, fewer than 1% of frequent flyers signed up, so this morning one of the lines was for the Pre-screen and everyone else was queued up in the line with the X-ray.

They really need to publicize this more before they decide the program doesn't work.