Airport security

Lauderdale to get PreCheck program

A holiday gift for some frequent fliers: the Transportation Security Administration in mid-December plans to start its trusted-traveler program at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Called PreCheck, it funnels preapproved passengers into an express lane, allowing them to go through security without taking off shoes or pulling out laptops.

For now, it is eligible only to Delta Air Lines frequent fliers, and they can participate only if they pass strict background checks — and are invited to join.

The TSA won’t say specifically how many passengers are eligible for PreCheck in Fort Lauderdale, but says that nationwide 3 million passengers have been screened under the program so far.

PreCheck already is open to American Airlines frequent fliers at Miami International and to Delta frequent fliers at Orlando International. In all, it’s in place at 26 airports, with a goal of 35 by year’s end.

It’s one of a growing number of trusted-traveler programs. Also available in Fort Lauderdale and Miami is Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program, which allows international travelers to quickly clear Customs after deplaning.

Ski trips

They’re making snow in Maine

Western Maine’s Sunday River ski resort says it’s made it first snow of the season.

The Newry ski area said it made snow on one its trails last weekend to get an early start to the season.

Dana Bullen, president and general manager, said Sunday River is committed to making snow when the temperatures make it possible.

He said the resort has opened for limited skiing before Halloween for five years in a row.

Airlines

Another perk

for premium class

American Airlines has announced new program for its elite travelers: allowing first and business class passengers to review in-flight menus and order their meals before take-off.

The entree reservations program is available now only on flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles and flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and New York LaGuardia.

American plans to expand the program to all domestic flights by the first quarter of 2013 and to all international flights by the second quarter of 2013.

Tourism business

Olympic bounce

never materialized

Statistics show that the Olympics failed to bring a surge in visitors to Britain, but those who did come spent more.

The Office for National Statistics says 3 million people came to Britain during August, 5 percent down on the year before. But earnings from visitors were 9 percent higher than in August 2011.

The Olympic Games ran July 27-Aug. 12, and the Paralympics Aug. 29-Sept. 9.

Many businesses complained of slow business during the games, and blamed predictions of crowding and travel chaos for scaring off visitors.

Miami Herald

wire services