MidAmerica St. Louis Airport adds TSA precheck program
MASCOUTAH — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is now participating in the “TSA Pre✓” program, which allows travelers to leave on their shoes and avoid related inconveniences in select checkpoint screening lanes.
The TSA Pre✓ lane will be available during select times based on projected airline passenger volume.
“TSA Pre✓® provides enhanced security while also improving the passenger screening experience,” said John Hursey, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Downstate Illinois. “We are pleased to offer this program to passengers at MidAmerica Airport.”
“Passengers flying in and out of MidAmerica Airport have always appreciated convenient parking right outside the terminal and short lines inside,” noted St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Now this new TSA Pre✓ service lets flyers speed through select security screening lanes, further enhacing the hassle-free experience here at MidAmerica.”
Travelers using the precheck service will be able to leave on light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep most liquids/gels bag in a carry-on.
To be eligible for this expedited screening program, individuals need to apply. The TSA 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 and will have the opportunity to utilize TSA Pre✓® lanes at security checkpoints at approximately 200 participating airports and on 37 airlines including Allegiant.
The quick application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to enroll directly in the TSA Pre✓ expedited screening program.
Travelers are able to go through a five-minute pre-enrollment process online and complete their seven-minute background interview at an application center.
An application center for the TSA Pre✓® program is located at 621 S Belt W, Belleville. There are more than 300 TSA Pre✓ application centers located across the country.
How to apply
1. Make an appointment online and pre-apply here. It typically takes less than 10 minutes to pre-apply.
2. To make an appointment, applicants should type in the location and click on the search button to select the most convenient enrollment site. Applicants can select an appointment time using the drop down menu to choose a date and time. The drop-down menu will show the first open time available, but individuals can choose a different date and/or time using that drop-down menu.
3. Visit the enrollment center at the appointment time or as a walk-in at the application center nearest to you.
TSA says it 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 TSA.gov. (Note: TSA Pre✓ is a registered trademark.)
PHOTO: MidAmerica Airport Director Tim Cantwell; Mike McCarthy, Office of Public Affairs, Transportation Security Administration and St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern discuss the new TSA Pre✓ service now available at the airport.
— The Illinois Business Journal
