Start up in June

New York Times
The New York Times National

WASHINGTON

PLAN WOULD WAIVE AIRPORT CHECKS FOR FEE The government plans to offer airline passengers nationwide the chance to avoid extra security checks by paying a fee and agreeing to a background check. Kip Hawley, the Transportation Security Administration chief, announced the plan to Congress and said his agency was also studying other ways to reduce security delays. That includes possibly rescinding the post-Sept. 11 prohibition on passengers' carrying scissors and small knives onto planes. Mr. Hawley said the "registered traveler" program would begin June 20 after an overall evaluation of airport security. Officials did not say how much participants would pay, saying private companies selected to run the program would set the fee. (AP)