DFW Airport is testing ‘fast passes’ that let you jump to the front of the TSA security line

By Editor On Sep 22, 2021

The Transportation Security Administration checkpoint line isn’t like waiting for a popular ride at Disney World.

But officials at DFW International Airport take a tip from Mickey Mouse and Co. by letting passengers make appointments where they can skip the queues at the security checkpoint.

DFW Airport is experimenting with a “quick pass” for TSA security lines at one of its checkpoints. The test run enables passengers to make an appointment online, meet a liaison officer at the checkpoint and then bypass the queue to the control area.

The program, which only takes place at the Terminal D Gate 18 checkpoint, is free and the airport even gives $ 5 grocery vouchers to get the program rolling. The program started last week and is currently making appointments up to seven days in advance.

“People want dependability, dependability and predictability, and this is one of those services that gives them that,” said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president of revenue management and customer experience at DFW Airport.

There are many programs out there that allow customers to go through shorter checkpoint lines to get TSA screenings. Programs like TSA PreCheck allow passengers to sign up for a government program and skip some security protocols like removing shoes, belts and jackets. With PreCheck, passengers pay $ 85 for the five-year program and must pass a background check.

Then there are programs like Clear, a privately held security clearance process that allows customers to once again go through an expedited queue and check in via a biometric verification kiosk.

In all cases, passengers must continue to send their luggage and personal effects through control devices.

The DFW program is run by the airport and continues to require passengers to remove shoes and belts. But it makes them skip the wait in line. DFW isn’t the first airport to test expanded reservations for TSA lines. SeaTac International and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport in Canada tested similar ideas.

For the time being, the program is only available in one of the 14 control areas of the security controls of the DFW. And it only runs from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Since it is a process, it is unclear whether the airport will make it a permanent function. DFW hopes to begin expanding to other terminals soon, Buchanan said.

Passengers can register through this website to test the “fast passes”.

In recent years, DFW has had relatively short TSA checkpoint lines that rarely wait longer than 30 minutes, even during the busiest vacation travel times. TSA waiting times at the DFW are also published online.

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