OREANDA-NEWS. September 05, 2016.  Lufthansa German Airlines became the first European air carrier to participate in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre•® program.

As a result of this initiative, Lufthansa customers that are eligible will experience an expedited and efficient screening process at the security checkpoint of participating U.S. airports. The safety of Lufthansa German Airlines’ customers is of utmost importance and is of paramount priority. Following this, the airline’s main focus is on a premium customer experience and quality promise. With TSA Pre•®, both initiatives are addressed in that all program participants are closely vetted and held to high security standards, and once they are part of the program, will undergo an optimized travel experience with faster and more convenient passenger security facilitation at more than 180 airports nationwide.“Lufthansa strives to maintain its role as one of the leading airlines in the aviation industry, and in doing so, continually aims for improvement and innovation advancements,” said Juergen Siebenrock, Vice President, The Americas, Lufthansa Group.

“Together, we are pleased in advancing this important U.S. government trusted-traveler initiative, the TSA Pre•® program.  This is one of several new initiatives that adds to our commitment towards constantly enhancing the quality level of the customer experience on the overall journey with Lufthansa.” If TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, information is embedded in the barcode and the TSA Pre•® imprint will appear on the passenger’s boarding pass.  When TSA scans the barcode at the security checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre•® lane.  Expedited screening may allow passengers to keep on shoes, belts and light outwear, as well as leave laptops and 3-1-1 compliant bags in carry-on baggage.Currently, U.S. citizens, dual citizens, and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply to the TSA Pre•® Application Program, as well as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs such as NEXUS for Canadian Citizens, as well as Global Entry which is currently available for eight nationalities including Germany. TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.

About Lufthansa
One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa, serving 22 North American gateways, currently flies to 203 destinations in 74 countries. The air carrier offers hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. With the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, SWISS and a stake in Brussels Airlines, additional hubs include Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich. The entire Group flew a total of 108 million passengers in 2015. In 2016’s summer schedule the Group airlines offer more than 11,500 weekly frequencies to 301 destinations in 100 countries worldwide. As an industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating one of the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleets in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380— the industries’ two most environmentally-friendly passenger aircraft. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was also the launch customer for the Boeing 747-8. The Lufthansa Group currently has 251 new aircraft on order to be delivered by 2025. This year alone the Lufthansa Group will take delivery of 52 new aircraft, including two new types – the Airbus A320neo and the A350 – for Lufthansa alone. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues to build new or upgrade existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network. Lufthansa’s entire long-haul fleet now features all new onboard products in each class– bringing Lufthansa one step closer to becoming the first five-star airline in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet is equipped with its onboard broadband wireless Internet service, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit LH.com.