PHOENIX - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the start of TSA Pre✓® operations at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA). TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that allows select flyers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels in a carry-on bag.

Gateway Airport is now one of more than 160 airports in the country where TSA operates a dedicated TSA Pre✓® lane. The participating airline at IWA is Allegiant Airlines.

"Over the past few years, TSA has moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security to a risk-based approach," said Jose Salinas, TSA’s federal security director. "We’re pleased to expand TSA Pre✓® at Gateway Airport where a designated lane will be open during the busiest times of the day."

"With the busy summer travel season upon us and our passenger counts growing each month, TSA's decision to add a TSA Pre✓® security lane at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport could not have come at a better time," said J. Brian O'Neill, A.A.E. the airport's interim CEO and executive director. "We appreciate TSA's efforts to ensure our passengers safety, while working hard to keep Gateway Airport 'just plane easy.'"

Travelers who are interested in becoming eligible for TSA Pre✓® on a consistent basis can enroll with the Department of Homeland Security as a Trusted Traveler. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can begin the process by pre-enrolling online at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov. Click on the words, "Get Started" and follow the prompts to set up an appointment to visit an application center. Walk-ins are accepted, but will be enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis around scheduled appointments.

More information on the application process is available at https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply. To enroll, applicants must bring a current U.S. passport or a driver license and certified copy of a birth certificate.

Applicants are required to make an in-person visit to the application center to verify citizenship or immigration status, as well as to provide fingerprints. There is a nonrefundable application processing fee of $85 and Trusted Traveler status is good for five years.

There are three application sites in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Interested travelers can enroll in TSA Pre✓® at the following locations during the days and hours listed below:

Once approved, passengers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) making them eligible to utilize TSA Pre✓® lanes on a consistent basis at security checkpoints at airports nationwide. Children 12 and under are permitted to use the TSA Pre✓® lane when traveling with a TSA Pre✓®- eligible parent or guardian.

All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard, are eligible for expedited screening without enrolling in TSA Pre✓®. They do not need to be in uniform and they can use it while on personal or official travel. Members of the Armed Forces should use their 10-digit Department of Defense number located on the back of their Common Access Card as their KTN when making flight registration.

Nationwide, TSA screens an average of 2.1 million passengers per day through airport security checkpoints. TSA projects this summer will be the busiest on record with about 2.4 million passengers screened through security checkpoints each day now through late August.

Enrolling as a Trusted Traveler allows passengers to expedite their screening process and TSA officers are better able to focus their efforts on passengers who present an unknown risk to aviation security. Travelers are encouraged to enroll in TSA Pre✓® so they can enjoy expedited screening when departing from a U.S. airport on a participating air carrier.

As always, TSA continues to incorporate random and unpredictable security measures both seen and unseen throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.

To learn more about TSA Pre✓®, visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. For more information on the Department of Homeland Security’s four Trusted Traveler programs – including Global Entry and SENTRI – all of which provide TSA Pre✓® eligibility, visit dhs.gov/tt.

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The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov