Faster Pre-Screening Program Coming To SFO Security

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) - The head of the Transportation Security Administration said more travelers around the country will be eligible to enroll in a test program so that they can get through airport security with less hassle by the end of this year.

John Pistole has said the Obama administration's test run of a program that screens certain travelers based on the risk they pose will expand to 35 more airports around the country. Among them are San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Boston's Logan International Airport, the last three of which were where the 9/11 hijackers departed from in 2001.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

Passengers approved to participate in the program would not have to take off their shoes and belts when they go through security as often as they do now.

"I think that would make it a lot easier," said frequent SFO flier Morgan Wichman. "The lines aren't usually too bad, but it would be nice to not have to worry about taking off boots and jackets and sweaters. I would definitely volunteer information for that."

The TSA pre-check program is already in a test phase at seven major US airports.

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