WARWICK, R.I. -- T.F. Green Airport is among 60 nationwide that have been selected to join a federal program that allows some travelers to move through security screening checkpoints more quickly.
The PreCheck program, currently in use at 40 airports, will expand to 100 airports nationwide by the end of the year, according to an announcement from the Transportation Security Administration.
Officials at T.F. Green said a date has not yet been set for when the program will begin at Rhode Island's main commercial airport, but that they expect it will be before the end of the year.
Under PreCheck, flyers who have undergone background checks will be able to use special screening lanes where they skip some of the screening procedures to which other travelers are subjected. Approved flyers are allowed to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts. They can keep their laptop in its case. And they can pack liquids and gels in carry-on luggage as long as it complies with the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids and gels to 3-ounce containers packed in 1 plastic zipper bag with a 1-quart capacity.
To join the program, passengers must be U.S. citizens who are members of an airline frequent flyer program or of the Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program or Canadian citizens who are members of Customs and Border Protection's NEXUS program.