COLUMBUS, Ohio – Getting through security at Columbus airports is about to get a lot easier for some frequent fliers.
The Transportation Security Administration is opening a Pre-Check Application Center on the Northeast Side where travelers can pick up documents that will allow them to pass through TSA airport security checkpoints without removing shoes or jackets, among other perks, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The center, at 2700 E. Dublin Granville Road, is the first office in Ohio to accept applications for the expedited screening program.
Citizens and legal immigrants go through a pre-enrollment process online at the TSA’s website, make an appointment and arrive with ID, documentation confirming their citizenship or immigration status. After being fingerprinted, they will be allowed to leave on shoes, jackets and belts and keep their laptops in their cases and the bag holding liquids and gels, like shampoo, in their carry-on bags.
After paying an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership, travelers will be assigned a Known Traveler Number, which allows them to use Pre-check lanes at more than 115 participating airports on nine airlines including, American, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, TSA Administrator John Pistole said.
TSA plans to open 300 centers across the country.
The application center will be open Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Applicants with questions can contact the Universal Enrollment Call Center at 1-855-347-8371 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.