TSA Expands PreCheck to Neighbor Island Airports

Kahului Airport. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Kahului Airport will be added to a list of airports with TSA PreCheck service, enabling low-risk passengers to move more quickly through checkpoint screening, officials said.

US Senator Brian Schatz made the announcement today saying that in addition to Kahului, the TSA is also expanding the program to Kona International Airport on Hawaiʻi Island, and Līhue Airport on Kauaʻi.  The number of PreCheck lanes at Honolulu International Airport will also expand, officials said.

Sen. Schatz said the PreCheck Program’s expansion to three island airports will allow for more efficient interisland travel.

“As an island state, Hawaiʻi has unique travel needs. By making it easier for the 16,000 to 18,000 passengers who travel daily between the four major islands to commute, we are allowing room for economic growth and expansion,” said Schatz in a press release announcement.

He continued saying, “After communicating with Administrator Pistole on this issue, I am glad that TSA has chosen to expand this program in Hawaiʻi, making it easier for visitors and commuters to fly.”

Senator Schatz said he sent a letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole in June requesting the inclusion of interisland flights in the PreCheck program.

In addition to expediting the checkpoint screening for low-risk passengers, state officials say the program will help to promote the state’s tourism industry and strengthen its local economy.

According to the TSA official website, the program is for select frequent flyers of participating airlines, and members of US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs.

Passengers participating in PreCheck lanes are not required to remove shoes and outerwear or laptops from bags, and will be allowed to keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags, according to the TSA.

Officials did not specify when the service would be implemented.