With approval, passengers can take advantage of an expedited screening program that allows them to leave on shoes, light outerwear and a belt, keep a laptop in its case and retain carry-on approved gels and liquids during the security check for boarding.
There's a pre-enrollment process online at www.TSA.gov. Then applicants have to make an appointment and complete enrollment at the office to verify identity or present documentation to confirm their citizenship/immigration status and provide fingerprints.
The application center at 230 Webster St. in Dayton is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and then from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is an $85 fee to cover the administrative cost of running a background check. The approval is good for five years.
A few applicants trickled into the office by 10:30 a.m. Monday. TSA Spokesman Mark Howell said the rest of the day was booked with appointments.
Expectations are that 50 people a week will sign up. Similar offices are in Columbus and Cincinnati. There are 300 such centers in the U.S.
“If you are even a casual traveler, if you want to get through security even a little more quickly, this is a good opportunity to do that,” Howell said.
About the Author