The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has added five new airlines to its PreCheck expedited screening programme.

The new additions are international carriers LATAM Airlines Group, TAM-Linhas Aereas, LAN Peru and Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador, which offer service to destinations across South America.

American airline Air Choice One was also added to the programme.

With the latest additions, the total numbers of domestic and international carriers participating in the TSA PreCheck reach 82.

TSA PreCheck provides low-risk travellers with a seamless screening experience at more than 200 US airports.

Passengers eligible for TSA PreCheck include members of the three US Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programmes – Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI.

Travellers who enrol in the programme receive a unique ‘Known Traveler Number’ (KTN) once approved.

They can start using TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints nationwide when travelling on any participating airline by adding the KTN to an airline reservation.

Passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food items, laptops and light jackets while screening.

Eligible passengers can avail the service when departing from a US airport or connecting on domestic flights in the country.

TSA noted that a PreCheck five-year membership is available to US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents for a cost of $85.

Last month, 100% of passengers using TSA PreCheck lanes waited for less than five minutes during the screening process.