Trusted Traveler Programs

Current aviation security procedures screen all passengers uniformly. Changing the amount of screening some individuals receive has the potential to relieve the burden of frequent travelers while making the screening process more efficient. Trusted traveler programs exist so that some travelers pre identified as “low risk” undergo expedited screening (Caulkins). This allows security resources to be shifted from low risk passenger to the unknown risk population. However, fears arise that terrorists may exploit these programs to harm the community around us.

Trusted traveler programs are one of the many attempts the United States Customs and Border Protection is using to make the international arrivals process faster and more convenient for travelers (Chow, Dreyer). They simplify traveling by eliminating paper forms, expanding the use of Automated Passport Control kiosks, and incorporating mobile apps for travelers. Mobile Passport Control allows travelers to fill out customs declaration forms and biographic information before the passenger even lands (Drury, Ghylin).

NEXUS is a program offered by both the United States and Canadian Border Protection agencies that allows registered users accelerated clearance when entering the US or Canada. The SENTRI program is also similar to the NEXUS program except it offers expedited clearance within the southern US land port of entries and Mexico. FAST is another program that caters to low risk truck shipments between the US from Canada and Mexico (Perisco, Todd).

All of these programs require applicants to undergo an intensive background check with government databases and intelligence as well as in person interview with a customs officer.

These new programs are growing in popularity with over 350,000 people now belonging to NEXUS and are receiving anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 applicants a month. The SENTRI program is also very successful with over 200,000 people enrolled. By pre screening travelers beforehand, these programs are able to reduce wait times for travelers anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours (Richardson, Cave).

Figure 1: Comparison of Trusted Traveler Programs offered to US citizens.

Figure 2: Graph of Automated Kiosks Usage in US Airports

References:

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Drury CG, Ghylin KM, Holness K (2006) Error analysis and threat magnitude for

carry-on bag inspection. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting. 1189–1193

Persico N, Todd PE (2005) Passenger profiling, imperfect screening, and airport

security. Am Econ Rev 95(2):127–131

Richardson DW, Cave SB, La Grange L (2007) Prediction of police officer

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