These are sample “blocks” that indicate that blended lanes are in use. They point out to the TSA X-ray operator that carry-on items within the blocks should be screened as though it was a TSA Pre✓® lane. These specific blocks in the photo are marked “PWM,” which is the airport code for Portland International Jetport. (TSA photo)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now offering the use of “blended lanes” at all six airports in Maine. Blended lanes provides TSA Pre✓® screening to confirmed TSA Pre✓® individuals and their accessible property at smaller airports that do not have a dedicated TSA Pre✓® checkpoint. At the nation’s larger airports, blended lanes are utilized during off-peak hours when TSA Pre✓® passenger volume is too low for dedicated TSA Pre✓® lanes.
By using traditional screening lanes to screen both TSA Pre✓® and non-TSA Pre✓® travelers, blended lanes increases the number of locations where TSA Pre✓® enrollees can receive full benefits of the program, which include:
- Compliant 3-1-1 liquids/gels/aerosols and laptops remain in the carry-on bag,
- Shoes, belts, and light outer jackets stay on,
- Where feasible and space permits, dedicated TSA Pre✓® queues.
Passengers who are enrolled in TSA Pre✓® don’t need to do anything new to participate. When a TSA Pre✓® member arrives at an airport in the state, their carry-on items will be placed between two blocks to separate their property from that of other passengers to indicate that the contents of those carry-on bags are permitted to contain electronics and small liquids. In addition, those passengers will not need to remove shoes, belts, or light outerwear jackets, no matter what time of day or checkpoint they pass through.
TSA initiated the blended lanes program because the TSA Modernization Act requires TSA to limit the use of TSA Pre✓® lanes to individuals with known traveler numbers. As such, the likelihood of non-enrolled passengers receiving TSA Pre✓® on their boarding pass has significantly decreased.
Airports in Maine include Portland International Jetport, Bangor International Airport, Augusta State Airport, Presque Isle International Airport, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Knox County Regional Airport.
Travelers have already been seeing this initiative in action at several dozen small airports across the country, with additional airports planned.
TSA Pre✓® enrollment is easy – take 5 minutes and apply online, then 10 minutes for an in person appointment – and you can receive your known traveler number in less than two weeks. That means you could be flying with TSA Pre✓® in time for the holidays.
For more information, visit tsa.gov, and follow @TSA on Twitter and Facebook. Not sure what is allowed on the plane? Send your questions to @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.