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TSA to test risk-based screening in Twin Cities

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Nov 10, 2011 at 9:57 am

WASHINGTON (AP) - Testing for a new program aimed at getting certain travelers through airport security with less hassle is expanding to Minneapolis/St. Paul and other airports over the next few months, the government said Wednesday.

The expansion will not have an effect on travelers during the busy Thanksgiving travel season. But it shows that the government has seen positive results in the first round of testing for the Obama administration's attempt at moving toward a more intelligence-driven security check at airports.

The policy shift comes after months of complaints from the public and state lawmakers about intrusive pat downs for elderly travelers and children that TSA critics say defy common sense.

Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole told the Senate transporation committee yesterday he hopes to eventually test the program at all airports around the country, but that might take a few years.