By Greg Halbleib
BLOOMINGTON – Security pre-screening is coming to Central Illinois Regional Airport.
The Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check program allows travelers to register and bypass normal airport security. CIRA’s Fran Strebing said all of the airlines flying in and out of Bloomington are now on-board with the program.
“This program has to be accepted by the airlines,” Strebing told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn. “Only recently did Allegiant begin participating, so this is going to help with American, Delta and Allegiant out of CIRA.”
CIRA Director Carl Olson said security wait times are short here, but can be much longer elsewhere.
“It’s not like an extra convenience for our passengers here, but when you come back to Bloomington-Normal and leave from a bigger airport, that expedited screening is a real benefit,” Olson explained.
The TSA Pre-Check allows passengers to bypass the lines that require removal of shoes, belts, laptops and the so-called 3-1-1 clear bags with liquid containers.
CIRA is hosting a temporary TSA Pre-Check enrollment center from May 15 through 19. Fee is $85. Pre-registration is encouraged online at identogo.com/precheck.
The program’s implementation at CIRA is expected by June 1.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].
