More than a few frequent flyer members who have enjoyed the perks of TSA’s Pre-Check program have recently been notified via email that their frequent flyer status now amounts to very little as far as the Transportation Security Administration is concerned. Some feel slighted by this revocation, while others simply realize that the game is up.

We should remind ourselves that frequent flyer supporters were never the target demographic for this program. It was put in place for road warriors who took the time to go through the pre-screening process, submitted biometric information, and paid the $85 fee. On September 13, when TSA officially ended its “managed inclusion” protocol, the Pre-Check program began to look, in practice, how it was drawn up on paper in 2011.

There were several reasons that TSA opted to end these managed inclusions. When the program first began, not many travelers were enrolled, so the TSA agents designated for the Pre-Check lines had little to do as far as work was concerned. Enter the managed inclusions, including members of frequent flyer programs. If the Pre-Check lines weren’t being used by pre-screened members, they should at least be used for something, right? Once the program reached approximately 1.5 million travelers, the managed inclusion folks threw a wrench into the gears. Many would still remove shoes, belts, and jackets. Others would remove laptops from their bags, all things that the Pre-Check program was designed to avoid, in an effort to speed up the process. This led to longer waiting times and disgruntled Pre-Check members. There were also some security lapses, where some folks who had no business not receiving a full-blown screening were allowed to breeze through the Pre-Check line.

TSA has also discontinued the use of behavior detection officers, as well as K-9 explosive detection, to determine who will be allowed to use the Pre-Check lines. Those Belgian Malinois’ will still be sniffing at your luggage and your knees, but their findings will no longer factor in to what line you’re directed to.

The good news is that, in order to continue to receive the perks of TSA Pre-Check, those disgruntled frequent flyer members need only apply and pay the fee for the program. Recognizing the potential for an increased interest in this program, TSA will continue to extend the business hours for several application centers, in order to accommodate those who wish to enroll.

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