There seems to be some confusion about expedited screening (Pre-Check) and priority access to the front of the TSA screening line. Changes by Homeland Security are ending a pilot program in which some US based airlines participated in Pre-Check acceptance prior to arrival at the airport. The pilot program allowed frequent flyers from these airlines to volunteer to participate in pre-check by authorizing additional pre-flight background assesment. The asessment was performed by TSA using information about a passenger's prior activity with the airline and other publicly available information. Homeland Security is ending this program because it is uncomfortable with the strength or reliability of the information available through this method. Now, Pre-Check designation prior to arrival at the airport will require enrolling in a program sponsored by TSA (e.g., Global Entry, DoD/military) where the individual undergoes a background investigation, finger-print authentication and an in-person screening interview. The priority access program is run by the airlines and allows those on a premium level of service to bypass the line to arrive at the level of screening TSA is offering at that time; some will be selected for full-screening where others will be allowed the expedited screening equivalent to pre-check. However, these assessments are made by TSA when you are in line and depend on a number of factors. People who stand in the regular TSA line may also be selected for the expedited screening. I hope this clears up some of the confusion..but it is a safety thing that we should be glad is changing.