This program was launched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2011 following 911 to pre-screen individuals over the age of 12. It was created to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience at airport security checkpoints. It provides travelers with a hassle-free experience and dedicated screening lanes at airports around the globe. With a TSA PreCheck clearance, the traveler does not need to remove their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or jackets.
DTCs will also create an expeditious and effortless airport identity authentication experience—a huge improvement from the existing system. While TSA PreCheck offers a faster lane for registered passengers, they don’t actually accelerate the identification process itself. TSA PreCheck is only one small step forward in easing travel. But the encouraging news is TSA is also moving into the digital realm and will begin incorporating DTC’s soon.
With DTCs, the actual identity authentication process is digitized, making it more efficient and secure for travelers making the entire security check-in process at the airport immensely quicker. And this increase in speed and convenience will come with increased security since biometrics are the technology that is the safest and most accurate means of identification and authentication.