SHARE

Westchester Airport To Offer Registration For Quicker Security Checks

HARRISON, N.Y. – A program to cut down on long lines at Westchester County Airport will soon allow passengers to register in advance and go through security quickly.

"We’re hoping it’s going to cut down on the lines, which then benefits everybody,” Patricia Chemka, Westchester's deputy commissioner of public works and transportation, said of the Registered Traveler Program. “If you have the money, your business is going to pick up the fee, or it ensures you’re going to make the plane. You don’t have to stand and wait on line.”

The airport received proposals from firms Monday for the program. Chemka said she could not comment on it until the process is complete.

The Registered Traveler Program is part of the Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for screening airline passengers and luggage. The traveler program streamlines the process for participants. 

“There would be some sort of equipment at the airport, and it would be a fingerprint or iris scan to make sure that the person whose name is on the ticket is, in fact, the registered traveler and has been cleared,” said Chemka. “Whatever firm comes in is going to have to be the one who interacts with TSA because TSA still has a role in clearing everybody.”

The program was well received at the airport until 2007, when it was shut down after the operating company went out of business, Chemka said.

Looking ahead, Chemka and other airport and county officials, will go over the proposals. She is hopeful that after an agreement is signed, the program could start by the end of the year. 

to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE