TSA gives Registered Traveler a vote of confidence

The Transportation Security Administration seems to be warming to the idea that the Registered Traveler program can provide tangible aviation security benefits, not just shorter screening lines.

TSA Administrator Kip Hawley announced Thursday that the agency is lifting the cap limiting participation in the program to 20 airports and eliminating a $28 fee for agency-conducted background checks that has been tacked onto the membership price.

"It's a new step for Registered Traveler that recognizes the security benefits that it has in the [identification] area," Hawley told members of a House Transportation panel Thursday.

"TSA has been talking a lot more about identification verification as a security measure," TSA spokeswoman Ellen Howe said in an interview. "It does matter knowing who's getting on these airplanes."

As recently as early last month, Howe had said in an interview that "because there is no additional security value to this program, it is not a priority for TSA." But she had also hinted at future applications saying, "it does have promise as an ID program."

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Related story: Not so good news for Registered Traveler: Verified Identity Pass loses laptop with customers' info, has to suspend program's enrollment

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"RT helps TSA manage risk," Steven Brill, CEO of Verified Identity Pass, which offers the Clear Card for program members, told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee. "After all, TSA now knows that the frequent travelers going through RT lanes are the only travelers whose identities are assured through biometric verification every time they go through an RT airport."