ATLANTA – Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is now home to the first expedited security screening system in the Southeast.

Airport officials, the Transportation Security Administration and Delta Airlines officials opened the expedited screening program Wednesday.

Airport officials say the program will allow participants to wear their shoes and light outerwear during the security screening process. Those who enrol in the program will also be allowed to keep laptops in their cases and leave travel sized liquids and gels in a bag inside their carry-on.

The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who complete a pre-enrolment process online and visit an application centre to provide basic biographical information. A five-year membership in the program costs $85.

Airport officials say the Atlanta system is one of six being launched nationwide.