Syracuse Airport rolls out blended lanes at passenger check-in

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has added “blended lanes” to the Pre Check benefits at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).

Through the use of “blended lanes,” Pre Check passengers will still be able to receive program benefits when the dedicated Pre Check lane is closed, the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) said in a news release.

“Already a success at larger airports,” Hancock Airport is using blended lanes when TSA Pre Check passenger volume is “too low” for a dedicated Pre Check lane.

TSA initiated the blended lanes program because the TSA Modernization Act requires the agency to limit the use of TSA Pre Check lanes to individuals with known traveler numbers, per a TSA December news release.

Those enrolled in the TSA Pre Check program enjoy benefits that include compliant 3-1-1 liquids/gels/aerosols and laptops remain in the carry-on bag; shoes, belts, and light outer jackets stay on; and when dictated by passenger volume, dedicated TSA Pre Check queues, per the SRAA.

Jason Terreri, executive director of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, explains that it “all boils down to creating a better customer experience.”

“With the introduction of blended lanes at [the airport], our TSA Pre Check travelers are now able to enjoy those benefits from the very beginning of their journey,” Terreri said in the news release.

TSA Pre Check enrollment takes about five minutes online at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck; then another 10 to 15 minutes for the scheduled in-person appointment.

On average, new TSA Pre Check enrollees receive their “known traveler number” in two weeks, SRAA said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com