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Syracuse's Hancock International Airport selected for TSA's PreCheck program

Ellen Abbott/WRVO

Syracuse's Hancock International Airport is one of the medium size airports that will offer the TSA's new PreCheck program, becoming one of 60 across the country that will be able to take advantage of the expedited screening.

The PreCheck initiative is a frequent traveler screening program that will make it easier for frequent fliers to get through the screening process. Syracuse Aviation Commissioner Christina Callahan says there should be demand in Central New York.

"More than 50 percent of our traffic is business," Callahan said. "We have a million people flying though this airport every year. I think it's going to be a slow process. I think folks are going to want to learn about how do I become enrolled, what's the process, what are the fees and then take it from there."

Callahan says the airport will have tables with information about the program in coming weeks. It'll cost $85 for PreCheck, and allows passengers to leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, as well as keep their laptop in their case and certain liquids and gels in a carry-on bag. Callahan says on the airport's end, it's still unclear how it will work.

"We currently have four lanes," Callahan said. "Whether we expand to a new lane, or dedicate an existing lane, we'll have to work out with TSA on the logistics.  But we will have the PreCheck lane hopefully by the end of the year."

Half of Hancock's traffic comes from business travelers, so Callahan expects people to take advantage of the program locally. All of the airlines at Hancock will be on board with the program by the time it goes into effect, which she expects by the end of the year.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.