The initiative will be tested at the nation’s 30 busiest US airports, including Logan.
“This is yet another step in our ongoing effort to move to risk-based security instead of one-size-fits-all security,’’ said Ann Davis, spokeswoman for the TSA’s Northeast region.
Initially, the program will apply to certain frequent flyers and members of Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs who are US citizens and fly on a participating airline.
If a passenger is determined to be eligible for expedited screening following a TSA precheck vetting process, that information will be embedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass, which will be read at the security checkpoint. From there, the passenger might be directed to a special lane.
It is unclear how many people will qualify for the program or when it will start at Logan. Davis would only say that the modified procedures are scheduled to be implemented before year’s end.
Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, an advocacy group for business travelers, said the measures do not go far enough.
“The major benefit of a well-designed trusted traveler program is to remove the unpredictability of time required for the airport screening process,’’ Mitchell said in an e-mail. “The TSA program is deeply flawed in this respect. Since you do not know until late in the process whether you will be cleared for expedited screening, you are going to default to the worst-case scenario and arrive way ahead of time.’’
Travelers have been forced to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints ever since would-be terrorist Richard Reid attempted to set off explosives hidden in his shoes during a December 2001 flight that was diverted to Boston.
TSA recently relaxed security procedures for children age 12 and under - they no longer have to remove their shoes - and for US military veterans traveling on veterans charters, or honor flights.
In addition, Logan is participating in a test program to provide pilots with enhanced identification that enables them to pass through security more quickly.
Federal officials will also continue to test behavior detection techniques at Logan, which involve speaking with some passengers as they pass through security. They are asked two or three questions, such as “Where are you traveling today?’’ or “How long have you been in town?’’ TSA said the intent is to detect suspicious behavior. Those procedures have been used at Logan since last year.
