Registered Traveler

Background

Registered Traveler is a public-private sector initiative overseen by the TSA, supported by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), sponsored by airports and airlines, and implemented by service providers. Airports, in conjunction with airlines, decide on an individual basis whether to participate in RT.

RT allows frequent travelers, having undergone biographic background and biometric duplicate checks, to utilize an expedited and presumably more convenient security checkpoint process at airports. Future RT deployments may include an FBI criminal background check as part of the enrollment process. Biometrically-enabled smart cards that store fingerprint and optional iris templates are issued to participants and used to authenticate the enrollee at security checkpoints.

Implementation

RT is currently operational at the Orlando International Airport; an additional ten to twenty airports are likely to implement the program by the end of 2006. This expansion will be known as the Registered Traveler Interoperability Pilot (RTIP). Verified Identity Pass (VIP) is the service provider at Orlando, while Unisys and the FLO Alliance - Saflink, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson Controls, Smiths Detection and ID Technology Partners - are also competing for future rollouts.

Finally, Central Identity Management System (CIMS) services will be provided by the American Association of Airport Executive's (AAAE) Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC).

Latest News

As of November 2006, VIP's Clear is the first service provider to receive approval by the TSA. Other companies are currently going through the approval process. VIP expects to launch programs by the end of 2006 at New York's JFK International Airport, along with airports in San Jose, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Finally, VIP aims to have twelve to twenty airports operational before 2008.

In addition, it was announced in November 2006 that the TSC's CIMS will utilize technology from Daon, LG Iris Technology Division and Motorola.

IBG Analysis

This program has been burdened by various delays. The latest snag came in September 2006 when the TSA announced that the agency would charge $100 per person to cover the cost of background checks and screener fees for the year. This $100 fee did not include the service provider cost, which is currently the total cost of enrollment at Orlando - $79.95. Consequently, there was concern that total cost for enrollment would be close to $200.

As of November 2006, the TSA has reduced their fee to $28. This results in a total enrollment fee of approximately $100 for future participants in the program. VIP has specifically stated that the cost of their enrollment will be $99.95.

Higher than expected cost for membership plus the lack of defined benefits of the program could potentially hamper enrollment and interest in RT.