Virgin offers passengers chance to queue jump at US airport security
Virgin Atlantic is the first UK airline to participate in the United States’ TSA Precheck programme.
From today, Virgin passengers who have enrolled in TSA Pre can skip security queues when leaving US airports.
The airline said the average customer with TSA Pre spends less than five minutes when travelling through US airports such as JFK.
"With TSA Pre, there’s no need to remove shoes, light jackets, or belts. Laptops and compliant liquids can also remain in hand luggage, making the trip through security at the airport a breeze," said Virgin in a statement.
Qualifying customers who enter a valid Known Traveller Number or Customs and Border Protection-issued PASSID in their Virgin Atlantic reservations and are pre-approved will then see the TSA Pre indicator on their mobile or printed boarding passes.
Eligible customers will then be led to TSA Pre lanes within an airport’s security screen area to proceed through an accelerated screening process.
"We’re thrilled to be the first UK airline to offer our customers the ability to expedite their security screening process in the US using TSA Pre," said Mark Anderson, executive vice president, customer, Virgin Atlantic.
UK customers must join the US Global Entry Service, which costs $100 plus a £42 fee to the Home Office, to be eligible to use TSA Pre.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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