Travelers who qualify for the program can leave their shoes and belts on and keep their laptops in their cases.
EWING -- Trenton-Mercer Airport now offers TSA PreCheck, the expedited screening program that pledges shorter wait times for air travelers, Mercer County officials announced Thursday.
Travelers who qualify for the program, which is run by the Transportation Security Administration, may leave their shoes and belts on, keep their laptops in their cases and forget about the liquids in their baggage.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes touted the development as another positive step forward for the county-owned airport.
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"This is more great news for Trenton-Mercer Airport, which is building a reputation as a far more convenient alternative to the metropolitan mega-airports," Hughes said in a statement.
PreCheck currently costs $85 for a five-year membership. Anyone interested in applying can do so on the TSA's website: www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck.
Approved users receive a Known Traveler Number and can use the service at security checkpoints at more than 180 participating airports and 19 participating airlines, officials said.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.