Air Canada: First foreign carrier to join TSA PreCheck

Air Canada has become the first non-U.S. carrier to be included in the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program that expedites screening for approved fliers who undergo background checks.

The Associated Press says Air Canada on Tuesday became the first international carrier to start participating in the program. TSA officials say other foreign airlines are expected to join the program soon. To do so, AP writes "airlines need to first update their computer systems to embed extra information in their boarding pass barcodes as well as printing a PreCheck logo."

The TSA's PreCheck program is open to fliers who are willing to submit to a background check. Those who pass get access to security lines in which they do not have to remove their shoes or take out items like laptops or liquids for separate screening.

TSA says waits become shorter for non-PreCheck fliers, too, since business and frequent travelers are moved to their own queue. The agency says it also helps overall security by allowing the TSA to dedicate more agents for the lines on fliers who have not submitted to the background checks. That, in theory, allows the agency to put most of its agents in contact with the highest-risk fliers.

The TSA says opening up the program to the foreign carriers as part of its continuing efforts to ease congestion at checkpoints. But, since those airlines must pay for their own technology upgrades to become compatible with the program, there is "hesitation" among some, according to AP.

Air Canada flies to more U.S. airports than any other foreign airline, serving 49 U.S. destinations, according to AP. Initially, PreCheck will be an option only for Air Canada fliers who check in or reprint their boarding passes at the airport. Eventually, Air Canada's PreCheck program will roll out to include boarding passes on mobile apps and on those printed at home.