Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) has announced the opening of a second Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening lane.
Gainesville Alachua County Regional Aviation Authority CEO Allan Penksa says the second lane and its screening equipment will speed travelers through the screening process during peak travel times, and will eventually lead to TSA Pre-Check capability at the busy North Central Florida airport.
“Our passengers and staff have been wishing for the advantages of this second lane for a long time,” Mr. Penksa says. “It will add to the convenience and further enhance the travel experience at our airport. In addition, after an initial evaluation period, GNV looks forward to joining the 200 airports and 53 airlines in the United States who offer TSA Pre-Check.”
To justify additional lanes and screening equipment, the TSA uses a general metric of 250,000 enplanements annually for three consecutive years. Enplanements at GNV have been growing year over year and approaching the 250,000 mark, and existing screening equipment has at times been taxed during busy travel times. In a series of meetings with the TSA and other agencies, over the past year and a half, GNV was able to obtain permission for the second screening lane and accompanying equipment.
“We appreciate the assistance and support of our TSA partners. They looked at a variety of factors to support their decision, and once approved, worked diligently with us to facilitate the install in record time,” Mr. Penksa adds.
Eventually, TSA Pre-Check capability will also be available at GNV to those passengers enrolled in the program. With a five-year, $85 membership, passengers receive an expedited security check without having to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.
