WASHINGTON (March 1, 2024)—On Wednesday, TSA Administrator David Pekoske and TSA officials joined U.S. Travel Association leaders and members of the Seamless and Secure Travel Commission to demonstrate advanced security checkpoint technology at the Innovation Checkpoint at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. 

The commission—which launched in January in response to an eye-opening study on America’s flagging global competitiveness—comprises former government officials and private sector experts tasked with creating policy recommendations for the federal government to modernize the travel experience, increase U.S. competitiveness and facilitate growth.

Seated at table (left to right): commission member Patty Cogswell, TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, commission chair Kevin McAleenan, commission member Seth Stodder. Staff executives joining the tour are standing. Photo by Ronda Churchill for U.S. Travel Association.

The Las Vegas visit was an opportunity for TSA and DHS Science & Technology Directorate to showcase the cutting-edge innovations that bolster transportation security and revolutionize the travel experience. At the tour, commission members flying on a United flight experienced TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and learned about TSA’s commitment to industry collaboration – including current partnerships with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines – in providing Touchless Identity Verification at eligible TSA PreCheck locations.

Commission member Stewart Baker gestures during the field visit to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske is to the right, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman is left. Photo by Ronda Churchill for U.S. Travel Association.

In the coming months, the commission will further engage federal agencies during additional field visits to learn more about best practices, pain points and opportunities to improve and grow travel. The commission’s report will be delivered later this year.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.2 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.