Expedited Screening Operational Feasibility

Introduction 

The present time has seen an upsurge in people from different backgrounds going through airports, and therefore, the Transportation Security Administration ought to adapt to different people while at the same time security, and this has turned into an important discourse. Created after the September 11, 2001 attack, Transport Security Administration was given the mandate by the United Senate. The role played by security checkpoints screening is of critical importance in ensuring protection in airports and security of passengers. The September 11, 2001 terrorism activity in which aircraft were hijacked by terrorists and used to attack WTC and Pentagon shows the catastrophic effects of terrorism activities. The majority of the United States citizens were in fear after the attack; hence and as a result, there was a requirement to ensure security measures were implemented to ensure enhanced security. 

Consequently, TSA created policies focusing directly on protecting the country’s transportation infrastructure (Cha & Ellingwood, 2012). The focus is mainly on airport security and preventing the hijacking of aircraft. TSA keeps reforming security screening procedures in their attempts to adapt to the increasing number of potential security threats. As a consequence, the reactive aspect of the changes that include policies, which require travelers to remove jackets, liquid, and gel policy, among others, causes acceleration of expenses related to managing alarms for travelers who do not present any threat and inconvenience to passengers because of the long screening periods. 

The TSA screening procedures are based on the evolution of the present security threats, capacity to procure screening technologies meant for security-related issues and changes in airport operations that require unique staffing frameworks. To realize this goal and offer the appropriate agency ways to implement its mandate, TSA needs employees who are adequately skilled to adapt to current information, which results in a lot of TSA’s goal to protect the transportation system in the country (ASAC, 2013. However, in most situations, funds are not adequate, and this results in poor execution of the agency’s plans, which often leads to burdensome restrictions for passengers (Elias, 2009). As a result, expedited screening is proposed as one of the methods that can reduce the inconvenience, long queues, and the many procedures involved in security screening at the airports. 

Purpose 

This report addresses the important question of the feasibility of expedited screening of travelers by TSA as part of its security screening procedures. It determines if the criteria of identifying travelers who have a low risk of security threats and their exemption at some specific security control points without compromising or affecting security are operationally feasible. The study puts into consideration issues such as recognizing of travelers who are registered in a different member state by another, legal effects of simplified security controls, storing of information and its accessibility, and the process used in identification and determination of passengers qualified for expedited screening at the airport. The feasibility reports also address the likely benefits of expedited screening of passengers at airports to individual passengers, airports, security control authorities, and companies involved in air transport. 

Background 

TSA has established vigorous security screening procedures for travelers. The first thing implemented by TSA to ensure and establish control among different passengers is the requirement to present a valid national identity card at the checkpoint before one is allowed to board. The first contact determines an individual’s identity and offers the TSA a chance to run the passenger’s name through a database of known potential threats. Due to many cultural norms in the United States, different kinds of identification that include military identity and passports enable the country’s citizens to travel freely in different parts of the world. This, as explained by the TSA, is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the rights of passengers are upheld (Elias, 2009). To further help the TSA adopt different kinds of travelers is the fact that the names are compared to another long list of travelers hence triggering a need to thoroughly screen passengers. This makes individuals qualify for more screening before being allowed to proceed to the boarding process. These efforts to implement the policy are, however, met with a lot of criticism because the system is considered biased towards different ethnicities (Stellin, 2014). Since its establishment, the TSA has been consistently questioned about its limits and constitutionality in its screening procedures. The question was done because most of the searches and screening procedures conducted appeared unreasonable and in conflict with the basic principles provided for by the United States constitution. The dilemma facing the TSA is further exemplified by the agency’s claims of looking into government and private databases to seek information before arrival. According to most people who do not embrace this process, when TSA accesses past itineraries, law enforcement information regarding an individual, and intelligence information, among other kinds of information related to a traveler, the process can be intrusive and use misleading information (Elias, 2009). 

With the increasing security threats throughout the world, a need for improved screening procedures for travelers was identified (ASAC, 2013). Improvements in the screening process were proposed by the Aviation Security Advisory Committee in 2010 because of the diversity of American society, which continues to increase. This caused the need to ensure and sustain aviation security for every person and group. Consequently, procedures such as patting down to enable checking of areas such as waistbands, and inner thighs or imaging by use of full-body scanners were introduced (Elias, 2009). These procedures aimed to minimize any perceived or likely threats and ensure that there is equality in distributing searches for all. The pat-down process, in most cases, involves touching private areas, which have caused a lot of controversies. To ensure that the needs of different people are addressed and address the controversies related to the procedure, pat-down is done by a staff of the same gender as the passenger to avoid any abuse (Elias, 2009). When being subjected to full-body scanners, passengers are made to place their hands above their heads to enable the creation of images both from the front and from the backside. A passenger can still be subjected to a pat-down if the staff operating the scanners perceives a need for the procedure. 

Methods and ways in which passengers transport luggage is another concern that makes TSA adapt and implement decision-related to security. In some situations, the TSA is mandated to disable locks to assess the contents of luggage (Stellin, 2014). TSA, therefore, has the permission to open a passenger’s luggage to ensure that no security threats exist regardless of the traveler’s ethnicity or background. To facilitate the process, the agency has companies that make locks that can be opened and closed using the equipment available at TSA (Stellin, 2014). However, the procedure is criticized because the locks are, in most cases, considered by many as useless. 

As seen from the screening procedures above, every passenger is assigned a number of the existing securing screening procedures based on the traveler’s identified level of risk. The devices adopted by TSA for screening at different control points in airports are based on different levels of perceived threats. They are specialized in detecting different kinds of threats that include guns and explosives, among others. As travelers arrive, their level of risk is determined at the different security controls and then assigned different classes based on risk. The major issue with the allocating traveler’s security classes is that a decision is made as every passenger arrives at each security point without an understanding of future traveler risk. Although the TSA security screening process is meant to ensure aviation security for all those involved, many argue that the process is time-consuming. Also, it causes a lot of inconvenience to passengers and is, to some extent, perceived as a violation of the basic rights of human beings. It is further argued that the procedures involving some of the tools used can cause harm to human health. 

Among the major stress factors experienced in air transport is the time taken to go through the established security screening process. The waiting time is long, and many passengers end up missing their flights, especially during peak periods. Moreover, many flights are often delayed, especially during peak periods because of the ling waiting for lines experienced at TSA security screening points. In its effort to address some of these concerns, the TSA has considered the use of expedited screening for passengers who present a low risk to security. Expedited security screening is faster and helps reduce the lines evident at TSA security checkpoints. Although provided at a fee, the programs under expedited screening give the travelers faster navigation through the security control points. The services provided under the program include TSA Pre-check, Global Entry, and CLEAR, which is a service that is operated on a private basis. The feasibility of the services in ensuring that security is not compromised while at the same time, provide travelers with a better journey experienced is an issue that needs to be addressed. 

Expedited Security Screening 

TSA Pre-Check 

TSA Pre-Check is a United States government program that makes it possible for travelers who are perceived as low risk by TSA to go through an expedited security screening process in airports. As of July 2019, approximately 93 percent of all the TSA Pre-Check travelers spent around five minutes at most to go through TSA security control points. Passengers who qualify for the service are not required to remove belts, shoes, or jackets. In addition, they can have their laptops in their cases. Furthermore, they can carry a bag that abides with the 3-1-1 guidelines on their luggage. Such a bag can have items that have limited amounts of liquid or gel. The program intends to speed up the screening of verified passengers through the various TSA screening points, which are, in most cases, crowded with travelers waiting to board different flights. Normally, travelers who go through the usual screening procedure are required to remove personal items and clothing that might carry hazardous items or materials. Items such as shoes have, in the past, been used in smuggling and detonation of explosives in aircraft. Electronics such as laptops are scrutinized because attempts in the past have been made to conceal some materials inside through removing some parts inside. 

TSA Pre-Check program is among the first programs introduced by TSA in an effort towards the implementation of a risk-based approach that is by intelligence to ensure security (Forbes Personal Shopper, 2020). Travelers may qualify for the service through the department of homeland security trusted traveler program. In addition, one can qualify for expedited screening through the customs and border protection’s global entry program. With global entry, low-risk passengers who are pre-approved can enjoy the benefits of automated customs and a faster process at the immigration department while entering the United States. Travelers who are registered under global entry are issued with a traveler number, which also gives them access to the TSA Pre-Check process. 

According to TSA, the Pre-Check program applies real-time and intelligence information in the identification of additional travelers who qualify for expedited physical screening based on a trip by trip (Forbes Personal Shopper, 2020). Additionally, there are other risk-related changes under the program, including expedited screening for children below the age of twelve years and adults aged 75 years and above, pilots and attendants, as well as military personnel. In order to expand the eligibility into the program for more travelers who present a low risk, TSA has increased the number of airports that participate in the program. The use of RBS, according to TSA, has increased efficiency and saved $100 million by making it possible for trusted travelers to go through checkpoints swiftly. This has increased the efficiency of standards and security lines. 

Travelers apply for admission into the TSA Pre-Check program directly to the TSA. One has to visit one of the application centers where fingerprints are collected, and information on identity and citizenship is gathered. Travelers who are not registered as United States citizens are required to meet some residency requirements for them to qualify for Pre-Check. The information provided by a traveler during the application process is used to conduct a background screen through various government agencies to establish eligibility (Forbes Personal Shopper, 2020). Information from both the United States and from the international context, such as the one given by Interpol among other international law enforcement agencies, is used to establish a traveler’s eligibility. The fingerprints are retained in the FBI’s biometric database and the automated identification system by the DHS. A traveler can be denied enrollment into the Pre-Check program if he /she, for example, is included on a terrorists watch list, has violated TSA regulations in the past, gives false information, and involved in criminal offenses such as violating immigration laws, involvement in terrorism, violations related to dangerous materials, and espionage among other crimes. TSA also disqualifies some crimes if the individual applying for expedited screening is on indictment and has a warrant issued, among others. 

Canine Expedited Screening 

As part of its expedited screening process, the Transportation Security Administration also uses passenger screening canines. They are trained to identify explosives and related materials at various security control points at airports. They are used as an additional part of ensuring security and are used to help TSA in the expedition of the screening process for passengers at various checkpoints. They are considered as one of the most effective methods of enhancing security while at the same time, reduce lines and waiting time in airports (TSA shortening security lines with dogs, 2016). According to TSA, canines can effectively execute their duties in large crowds and in a busy transport setting to identify the source of an explosive smell. Such security layers used by the Transportation Security Administration are meant to protect passengers and the transportation system in the country. Explosives are considered as one of the main threats to the aviation industry, and canines are effective in detecting them. 

A canine team that comprises a canine and its handler receives additional training and evaluation to assist the team in adapting to an airport context. The teams are usually tested regularly, and they are required to retain certification. Handlers are trained on how to study a dog's behavior in situations where it identifies an explosive odor. When a canine alerts the handler of a suspicious smell, there is a specific process followed to address the issue. 

CLEAR Expedited Screening 

CLEAR is another expedited screening program under TSA. It addresses an issue that slightly differs from the one addressed by the TSA Pre-Check program. Instead of trying to shorten lines and the rime spent waiting for security screening at airports, CLEAR addresses the lines that travelers have to wait when having their identities checked before security screening. Travelers who have CLEAR can get to join a special lane where their boarding passes are checked, as well as their irises scanned, which are considered quicker (Forbes Personal Shopper, 2020). CLEAR replaces the use of a physical identity card with a biometric scan involving an individual's iris and fingerprints hence making it possible for travelers to move quickly for security screening. The biometrics collected are translated into a code that is encrypted. The code is stored in a cloud system that is safe so that when a traveler passes near a machine in an airport, their scanned irises and fingerprints identify them in a matter of few seconds. 

The aim of CLEAR is to avoid queuing for identity checks; hence one has to undergo the usual physical security screening. After a traveler is scanned through CLEAR machines, he/she is escorted by a CLEAR agent to a screening line for security screening. Travelers can have both CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check, which can save them more time. Signing up for clear is considered much easier than TSA Pre-Check. Individuals can sign up for the service at airports that support the program or directly to the CLEAR's website. Requirements for enrolment for CLEAR include a traveler's ID, which can be state-issued, a driver's license, passport, military ID, or a permanent residence card. CLEAR offers two types of memberships for its members, which include a sports membership that is free and a standard CLEAR membership plan, which allows members access to airports and stadiums at a fee of around $180 annually. 

Criteria for Expedited Security Screening 

Security measures are usually based on identifying travelers who are a high risk to aviation security. Different ways and criteria that include checking the passengers against a watch list and a database for high-risk individuals, assessing a traveler's immigration status, and profiling travelers are implemented and considered effective. However, when the same methods and criteria are used in identifying travelers who present a low risk can increase the possibility of errors, and the likely outcomes could be severe (Krouse, 2010). Travelers who are not perceived to be high risk in aviation security should be considered as presenting very little threat to aviation security as to be enrolled for a security screening process that is expedited (Elias, 2010). According to a different control, authorities consulted in a report on registered passenger concept, absence of a clear profile of a terrorist and the adaptable manner of terrorists in the current world translate to difficulties in foreseeing when expedited programs could give security linked privileges without having to compromise the safety of other passengers (Elias, 2010). 

Low-Risk Travelers Assessment Criteria 

Several reviews conducted to examine if expedited screening can exempt some passengers who are considered a low risk without compromising security indicate that security is most probably compromised. Although some control authorities are of the idea of expedited screening majority are against it for security compromise reasons. Even though airports and the different airlines would want to witness a reduction in the number of random security checks conducted, an inaccurate definition of lower risk travelers still presents as a challenge. This, in turn, makes expedited screening questionable, and the development of low-risk levels has several effects. The critical and most dangerous of the effects of expedited screening among travelers is the development of a weak link in security related to the air transport security chain, which presents adverse consequences. According to most control authorities, an area that is more feasible for changes without having to compromise security is the acceleration of checks by combining a variety of enhanced technology and procedures and improved capacity of screening points and personnel. 

According to control authorities, the likelihood of identifying and definition of low-risk criteria in expedited screening for travelers is that establishing a traveler's identity does not change the person's level of risk from a traditional perspective of aviation security (Matthew et al., 2016). Enrollment of travelers on programs such as TSA Pre-Check does not guarantee that the enrolled person may not become a threat to aviation security between the period after admission and prior travel. As a consequence, it is not feasible to have such travelers exempted from certain security control points at airports. Present criteria used in the identification of travelers who are high risk are not transferable in identifying those who are a low risk with total certainty that would be needed for exemption from some TSA security checkpoints. 

During admission into an expedited screening program such as TSA Pre-Check program, the process involves ensuring that an individual is not listed in a watch list and other different types of database that include criminal records among others, intending to prevent travelers who are considered high risk from being enrolled for expedited screening. After passing this first inspection during enrollment for expedited screening, and all the required information such as biometric and other identification data is collected, the next step involves assessment of the risk possessed by the traveler. Some of the programs do the assessment immediately in programs such as those involving immigration, such as Global Entry under Pre-Check. They use the immediate security checks that exist in databases from the location of the application. Others send data to specific central processing centers. 

The criteria are not adequate in assessing travelers for enrollment as low-risk passengers because the fact that an individual's name does not appear in a watch list or other databases cannot be considered as a definitive indicator of low risk. Besides, it could be that the individual applying for expedited screening should be on the watch list but is yet to be added, or a different identity is used for enrollment. Furthermore, some travelers might be sleeper criminals/terrorists whose clean records indicate that they are not on watch lists and other assessed databases for criminal records. Still, they possess every intention of conducting terror-linked actions (Matthew et al., 2016). Moreover, travelers who are innocent and have a clear record could be coerced or even duped into carrying prohibited and dangerous items or materials. 

Using identity and different security assessments during enrollment for expedited screening assists in ruling out high-risk travelers. Still, it also leaves a large number of passengers registered for expedited screening who require further assessment as low risk. The level of assessment is not adequately robust to enable travelers to benefit from reduced amounts of security checks at the airport without compromising security. Another main challenge with expedited screening enrollment is the use of a detailed staff security expedition to a wide traveler market. The capacity to conduct the checks and assessments at the needed speed for enrollment is a major issue in this. In reality, conducting a detailed security assessment process for travelers applying for expedited screening takes long periods, and the resources needed for coping with the process are somehow limited. In case programs such as TSA Pre-Check assist in enhancing the current security clearance procedures and timelines, their existence provides benefits to all the stakeholders who are involved. However, vetting and assessing travelers using various checks and interviews is expensive and consumes a lot of time. 

Use of Criminal History in Determining Low-Risk Travelers 

One of the most commonly used criteria in the identification of low and high-risk travelers is an assessment of criminal records. One of the advantages of doing criminal records assessments is that cases in which an individual has taken part or been linked to terrorism-related activities both directly or indirectly are readily identifiable. An individual may, for example, conspire to commit a terrorist activity or assist a terrorism group either through financial support or other means of support. Therefore, a person's absence from criminal records may not necessarily indicate that the traveler is adequately at a low risk to benefit from expedited screening. There have been situations in which individuals who have no past records of crime have taken part in terror activities. 

Criminal record assessment is critical in ensuring that any high risk traveler is not enrolled for expedited screening and likely membership re-evaluated by the involved authorities/agencies. However, current research propose that a direct link between a crime history and terrorism intentions is still a matter of debate. If this relationship is true and valid for high risk travelers, application of criminal history assessment among low risk travelers is also a questionable matter (Matthew et.al, 2016). A traveler may have, for example, been involved in a certain crime but was never caught by law enforcement agencies, may have been involved in crime. Still, the database is yet to be updated or may have already served a sentence given and from the society's perspective have served a sentence. In addition, they may have been involved in a crime and updated in a database, but the crime committed is not associated with aviation security, such as failure to pay a parking ticket. Such kind of situation gives insights into the unreliability of using criminal records in identifying low-risk travelers. 

Operational Effectiveness of Profiling Method 

The operational effectiveness of using the profiling method in identifying travelers who are either high or low risk is widely debated. Although it is argued that there is no properly defined terrorist profile, profiling is widely used as an essential aspect of security assessment in the aviation industry. Terrorists are constantly changing and adapting, and as a result, the number of terrorists with atypical backgrounds has increased. The profiles which are also used in identifying low-risk travelers during enrollment for expedited screening are based on aspects such as race, religion, and gender. Once a profile is generated, testing is done and worked around. However, in the case of security in the aviation industry, terrorist groups may send different travelers possessing different profiles in an attempt to see if they could be identified as likely risk and continue modifying travelers' backgrounds and information in trying to develop a profile for a low-risk passenger (Fletcher, 2015). A considerable amount of controversy exists on the aspect of profiling in identifying low-risk passengers for expedited screening not only because of effectiveness concerns but how information is collected, applied, stored, and accessed also. In the United States, the creation and advancement of profiling systems have become a concern among data privacy experts and those involved in civil rights groups. However, the combination of the methods such as using a watch list and profiling among others can be effective in the identification of those passengers who pose a high risk to security hence exclusion from expedited screening without compromising security in the aviation industry. 

Benefits of Expedited Screening 

Passengers 

Expedited security screening offers a number of important benefits. It reduces inconveniences and the amount of time spent on the security screening procedure. Travelers who are considered a low risk to aviation security do not have to go through some of the TSA security checkpoints. Those enrolled for TSA Pre-Check, for example, as previously stated, do not have to remove their shoes or belts and are not required to undergo the pat-down process which is inconveniencing. In short, expedited security screening improves the traveler's experience because of reduced security screening procedures at the airport. According to GBTA (2016), expedited screening such as the one offered through the TSA Pre-Check program increases the number of business travelers who feel satisfied with travel experience by approximately 12 percent. Also, the media time spent waiting for security screening reduces to around 2.4 minutes for travelers enrolled for TSA Pre-Check program (Matthew et al., 2016). The enhanced screening takes typically approximately 8.9 minutes, but with expedited screening, the amount of time is significantly reduced. In a study conducted in an airport at Orlando, it was identified that expedited screening minimizes the amount of time spent waiting by almost four minutes. 

Airline Industry 

Expedited security screening also offers some economic benefits. TSA Pre-Check, for example, reduces security screening expenses by more than $110 million annually (DHS, 2016). There are high financial gains for airlines when there are efficient and quicker screening procedures that minimize wait times due to increased satisfaction among the passengers. The reduction of waiting time by five minutes increases the market share of an airline by approximately one percent in the United States (Holguin-Veras et al., 2012). This translates to an estimated $2 billion saved (BTS, 2016). Expedited programs such as Pre-Check focus attention to regular clients; hence it is most probably very appealing to travelers that are treasured by airlines. Delays caused by security screening inflict high costs on the country’s economy. 

Travelers value time at approximately $40 for every hour (Treverton et al., 2008). In addition, they place a lot of value in their time spent when checking in and during security screening at an estimated amount of $32.70 for every hour. Looking at the economic/financial benefits from a cost-benefit analysis perspective, if expedited screening such as Pre-Check reduces the time spent on waiting by around five minutes and fifty percent of all the travelers enrolled for the program. The amount of money saved would be approximately $965 million every year, alongside an increase of around $2 billion in the revenue generated by airlines (Landau et al., 2015). 

In case scenario where fifty percent of travelers are under Pre-Check, and an IED attack is successfully implemented, a loss of approximately $25 million would be incurred, assuming the possibility of a major attack at twenty percent per year. Annual risk reduction benefits from an economic perspective in a lone wolf attack would be around $ I million while that of a terrorist organization would be an estimated $3 million. If we assume that each of the threats would happen each year or an attack would lead to a loss of an estimated $100 million, the annual benefits will increase by $5-14 every year (Stewart & Mueller, 2016). In a worst-case situation where travelers are randomly assigned the lines to go through or there are no increases in the rates of interference for enhanced security screening, TSA Pre-Check levels of deterrence would be halved. The rate of interference in expedited screening goes down by approximately fifty percent, while the annual benefits turn into a loss of an estimated $2 million to $13 million. 

Airports may enjoy several benefits from the expedited screening that include increased traveler satisfaction as well as retention, improved revenue as previously stated, protection of revenue, and improved public relations. An increase in satisfaction among passengers as a result of expedited screening, as explained in the benefits for passengers, reduces waiting times and enhanced technology, and a quicker process. Programs such as Canine expedited screening, TSA Pre-Check, CLEAR, and Global Entry ensure a quicker and convenient screening, and journeys that are in time and predictable for passengers (Forbes Personal Shopper, 2020). More throughput of travelers can cause more retail income at airports because more time is spent waiting for security screening, hence less time left to spend money in the retail stores found in airports. Expedited screening also can help protect revenue by enabling an airport to meet its target and turn into an attractive point of flying to other places. Furthermore, expedited screening can assist in public relations because it can be perceived as a proactive strategy of dealing with the current security problems. 

Benefits that are specific to carriers include improved service, reduced costs, public relations, and distinctive selling point. Frequent flyers that are at the core of the airline aviation industry are the main target clients of an expedited screening program (Mathew et al., 2016). After registration in such a program, passengers sue less time at security checkpoints and experience reduced inconvenience. From a theoretical perspective, this assists in maintaining and improving the demand for air transport. It also helps in boosting the attractiveness of traveling by air. Expedited screening programs could also cause more increase in business and frequent flyers as a result of controlled cost and expenses, which can lead to carriers charging less. The identification number provided after registration in programs such as TSA Pre-Check to enable passengers to have a fast security screening process can assist in driving competition among different airlines in operation. 

Expedited screening also helps carriers in becoming unique selling points. This attracts clients to carriers in airports that have expedited screening programs. Airlines can act as a marketing front for the expedited screening programs and provide them as distinct benefits to flyers. The benefits are experienced explicitly in airlines that have control of terminal buildings, such as the ones in the United States and large parts of Europe. Reduction in costs for carriers is caused by the removal of the need to have a fast procedure funded by an airline for premium travelers. Some of the fast path settings are implemented and managed based on cost and recovery, and airlines pay airports for using the paths. 

Expedited screening benefits for control authorities include improved security, improved passenger experience, facilitation of movement, and quick and reduced cost increase. Expedited screening programs can offer improved technology together with the certainty of the fact that travelers who are enrolled for the service are not on the various watch lists during the time of use (Mathew et al., 2016). Moreover, it can help ineffective use of the available resources, which include targeting the limited available resources to travelers who are potentially high risk. An identity check at security controls that uses biometric information such as the one used by CLEAR can help in obtaining a stronger identity check because it cannot be forged like in paper documents. More benefits for control authorities can be realized if the expedited screening program helps in acceleration of how security checks are conducted. The benefits for control authorities also include reputation for the leadership, agencies, and governments involved. They are seen as guiding and leading in helping passengers have a better experience in air transport. Moreover, the facilitation of movement as a result of expedited screening leads to benefits for the economy as a whole. 

Operational Feasibility of Expedited Screening for TSA Screening Procedures 

Security screening of passengers at different security controls is an essential factor in protecting travelers, carriers, and airports from terrorist attacks and threats (Fletcher, 2015). Expedited screening offers a number of important benefits to all the stakeholders involved, including travelers. Although the number of staff needed to conduct security screening in airports can reduce because of a reduced number of passengers who have to go through the security control points, more skilled staff are required in handling and overseeing the process and identify any issues that may warrant further action despite enrollment for expedited screening. 

As previously explained in this paper, thorough checks required for expedited screening enrollment require longer periods, which may not always happen. In addition, changes may occur in travelers who are considered as a low risk the period between after enrollment for expedited screening and before travel. Therefore, low-risk passengers should not be considered as not presenting any threats at all to aviation security. However, a combination of different methods in the determination of low risk and high-risk travelers can be effective in ensuring that security is least or not compromised. 

Based on the operational feasibility conducted, although expedited screening can cause some weak links in aviation security, the likelihood of severe consequences is limited, and the benefits are immense. It is feasible to implement an expedited screening program such as TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR, among others in Transport Security Administration screening procedures. However, the use of updated information from different databases and watch lists, among other methods, should be an important factor for consideration to avoid weak links in aviation security. Expedited screening provides more benefits to the aviation industry. It can effectively address the problem of the amount of time spent on waiting queues, inconvenience to passengers, and increased operational costs. 

However, if expedited screening is implemented as part of the transport Security Administration’s screening procedures; the effects on operations might be marginal based on a staffing view. Members of the security staff would still be needed to carry out the few checks. Funding for the expedited screening programs such as TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR is separate from the usual security budget (Fletcher, 2015). Travelers who want to be enrolled pay a certain amount that covers a specified period. In addition, the staff used in expedited screening at airports are an addition to the current security staff. Therefore, there are benefits to the total security resources that are available. Based on the procedures used in expedited screening enrolment, the risks involved, and the possibility of any adverse consequences, operational management of the staff involved is required to ensure that employees and security staff understand the concept of expedited screening and all the essential operational procedures involved. This would ensure that employees are not only aware of the reduced checks but also understand the likely response from the registered passengers for expedited screening if they happen to stop to conduct a random search in a checkpoint. Therefore, if incorporated into the TSA screening procedures, the identified benefits are practical and can be realized. 

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