in compliance with FPA

TSA Sets Standards For Private Registered Traveler Programs

JANUARY 20, 2006 -- The Transportation Security Administration today laid out several key elements for the nationwide Registered Traveler program, set to launch this summer. Among the technological and biometric standards of the program—which ultimately will be run by private companies approved by the agency—TSA confirmed the system would be based on smart cards that hold biometric information of prescreened travelers.

TSA said program providers must collect 10 fingerprints from all applicants as the basis of traveler verification and that the smart cards in use must conform to Federal Technical Implementation Guidance standards. TSA said, "All Registered Traveler data will be handled in compliance with the Federal Privacy Act." TSA also is in the midst of setting a system of redress for travelers who fail to gain Registered Traveler status, mirroring avenues of redress used to resolve watch-list issues.

TSA also said the program "will be harmonized with the DHS-State Department PASS System," a passport credentializing system launched this week.

Today's disclosure of several Registered Traveler parameters coincides with the TSA deadline for public commentary and requests for information from companies interested in launching a privately run and TSA-approved program. TSA said it would take into account any commentary to help shape the program that is set to launch nationwide on June 20 (BTN, Nov. 14, 2005).

While TSA said in a statement that it released these standards today "to give industry the opportunity to begin offering Registered Traveler programs later this year," the agency it expects to fully determine the program's standards by late April.

"Security is and will continue to be TSA's number-one priority. We are receptive to innovative private sector ideas to develop a market-based nationwide program that enhances security and offers a more appealing travel experience to program participants," said TSA director Kip Hawley in a statement.

Meanwhile, American Express—the world's largest corporate travel agency—today announced that it is seeking partners to launch a Registered Traveler program for its customer base.