TSA Chief Seeks Significant Growth in TSA PreCheck Membership—And Claims Those Large CT Scanners Are Faster Than You Think

On any given day, approximately one-third of passengers passing through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints utilize the TSA PreCheck lanes.

The agency's leader hopes to see that figure rise to three-quarters of all passengers in the future.

"We have publicly stated, and I'll reiterate: We want more people in PreCheck," TSA Administrator David Pekoske mentioned last week at the 2024 Regional Airline Association Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

To clarify, he’s not suggesting that three-quarters of all travelers will be PreCheck users; rather, PreCheck passengers typically fly more frequently than the average American, often making up a larger share of travelers at airports on any given day.

Nevertheless, it's an ambitious target.

Recently, the TSA achieved a milestone by surpassing 20 million active TSA PreCheck members, marking significant growth in just 18 months since 2023.

In total, around 40 million travelers are now authorized to utilize the expedited lanes. This includes frequent flyers who gain TSA PreCheck access through Global Entry, along with federal employees whose security clearances enable them to benefit from faster screening processes.

However, the idea of a majority of travelers using the TSA PreCheck lanes on any given day might cause some concern among existing members.

For its 11 years of operation, the program has essentially been viewed as a "travel hack"—a shortcut through airport security and one of the best ways for travelers to enhance their airport experience.

In the TSA chief's perspective, an increase in TSA PreCheck-approved travelers translates to more vetted individuals passing through airports. This aids security efforts and allows a greater segment of the traveling public to utilize the efficiency that TSA PreCheck provides at checkpoints.

Will TSA PreCheck lines become slower as more people sign up?

"We will do everything necessary to keep PreCheck wait times at 10 minutes or less," Pekoske remarked.

He highlighted that officers successfully managed wait times even during a peak summer travel season that included the agency's 10 busiest days ever.

How will the agency handle the situation where half (or more) of the passengers on any given day are using TSA PreCheck lanes in the future? Pekoske has a straightforward answer.

"We’ll increase the number of PreCheck lanes while reducing the standard lanes," he explained.

Are the CT scanners truly slower?

In a comprehensive interview with TPG last week in Washington, D.C., Pekoske clarified some of the criticisms regarding the agency's new computed tomography scanners, often referred to as CT scanners. These large, white machines with blue lights are being deployed at checkpoints across the country as part of a significant investment by the agency.

The TSA emphasizes the security benefits of these advanced devices compared to older models: They produce a 360-degree scan of travelers' luggage, delivering three-dimensional images of the contents. This is a vital improvement for detecting potential security threats.

Since the scanners began appearing at airports earlier this decade, many travelers have expressed concerns about their speed, often lamenting their efficiency.

I asked Pekoske whether this concern was justified.

"There's some truth to it," he replied. "When your bag goes onto the belt, it pauses inside the tunnel. Then, an antenna array surrounds the bag, providing the 360-degree view. This process takes a few extra seconds. It's a minor delay."

However, Pekoske noted that this slight delay is outweighed by other time savings these machines provide. For example, even in standard lanes using this technology, travelers can keep liquids and large electronics in their bags, saving the time required to remove those items.

Additionally, the more precise scans produced by these machines result in fewer secondary bag checks due to false alarms, which also saves time.

A recent update to the agency's body scanners has cut the need for patdowns by 50%.

When everything is considered, Pekoske mentioned, travelers are spending less overall time at checkpoints equipped with this technology, although a greater share of that time might be spent on the secure side waiting for their bags.

"People may feel it's taking longer, but if you look at the entire process, it's not," Pekoske stated. "We're exploring ways to create a more consistent flow. That’s something we're actively working on."

Future of 3-1-1

Even those travelers who remain skeptical about the advantages of the CT machines may change their minds upon learning about an additional feature they are expected to enable in the future.

Ultimately, with the aid of technology, the TSA aims to lift its long-standing ban on liquids in carry-on bags that exceed 3.4 ounces — outlined in the "3-1-1 rule."

This means that in the future, travelers could potentially pack a full-size shampoo or sunscreen bottle in their carry-on. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has started testing a relaxation of its similar policy, although a government-ordered complete repeal of its liquids regulations faced a recent (though temporary) setback.

For the time being, don't anticipate any loosening of liquids restrictions in the U.S. anytime soon. One reason is that the CT machines necessary for such a change aren't expected to be fully rolled out across the country until 2042, given the agency's current funding levels. Pekoske noted that this year's extended budget process could even jeopardize that 2042 timeline.

Given this context, when can U.S. travelers expect to see any easing of the carry-on liquids restrictions?

"I’m hopeful it will happen sooner rather than later. However, it’s not imminent," Pekoske stated, expressing his desire not to wait 18 years — or even longer — before implementing changes.

"It’s unfair to travelers to have to wait until the 2040s for this when some European airports will be fully equipped with CT technology and will implement changes well before us," he added. "I’m optimistic that we can start making some incremental adjustments along the way."