US to charge R200 fast-track fee

THE US government is to charge $28 (R200) a year to process background checks on each airline passenger who joins a privately run traveller registry programme aimed at speeding up their way through airport security, reports Reuters. The programme is aimed at frequent flies who want to bypass the long queues and security checks at many US airports. Previous TSA fee estimates of up to $100 (R720) a year had generated a backlash from airports and passengers. According to the report, the Transportation Security Administration said the fee charged to private companies would cover the agency's costs for performing the checks and overseeing the programme. Orlando Airport is the only airport with a frequent traveller programme in place, where passengers currently pay $99,95 (R720) for a one-year membership. Lucy Siebert (lucys@nowmedia.co.za)