Get TSA PreCheck & Breeze Through Security With Ease
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Ever see those photos of airplane cabins in the mod 1970s? Spacious seating, real food served on actual plates with genuine silverware, and on-time departures and arrivals?
Unless you’re super-wealthy, the days of gracious air travel are long gone. The indignity of it all starts before you ever squeeze yourself onto the plane: the TSA drill. You know how time-consuming and annoying it can be.
That’s why you should sign up for TSA PreCheck. Once enrolled, you enjoy access to dedicated lines at participating airports. Keep your shoes, belt, and jacket on. Leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. Skip the traditional security lines and breeze through the concourse to your gate.
Signing up for TSA PreCheck is pretty straightforward, but here are a few things to expect:
Sign Up
If you’re a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident 18 or older, you can apply. You don’t need to be a frequent flyer or have special status, so it’s available to most travelers. But note: if you have a history of serious criminal convictions, chances are you won’t be eligible.
An online form asks for your basic info – name, address, date of birth, and a few questions concerning your history. It’s not complicated. You’ll be done in a matter of minutes. The TSA PreCheck application form is here.
Mark Your Calendar…
After completing the application, you’ll schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. There are more than 380 centers across the U.S. The TSA locator will help you find the nearest one.
TSA PreCheck requires a non-refundable fee of $85, which covers a five-year membership. You pay it when you apply. It’s eminently affordable, far less expensive than many other expedited travel programs…and worth every penny.
Bring identification documents (passport or driver’s license) to your appointment. They’ll take your fingerprints for a background check. In a couple of weeks, you’ll receive an email letting you know if your application has been approved or denied. If you’re approved, you’ll get your very own Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when you book your flights.
Using TSA PreCheck
Now that you’re officially enrolled, it’s time to check out the benefits of the program.
- Add Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to Your Airline Profile
Most airlines allow you to add your KYN when you create your account, but you can also add it later through your booking process or the airline’s website. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck application to avoid any mismatches.
- Airlines Participating in TSA PreCheck
Many major airlines are part of TSA PreCheck, including:
○ American Airlines: You can add your KTN to your profile or enter it during booking Booking.com Booking.com.
○ Delta Air Lines: Delta allows you to add your KTN to your frequent flyer account to ensure PreCheck is applied every time you book. Check out more on Booking.com.
○ United Airlines: For United flyers, simply add your KTN to your MileagePlus profile. For more information, visit Booking.com.
○ JetBlue: With JetBlue, you can add your KTN when booking or through your TrueBlue account. More details can be found on Booking.com.
- Checking In…
Whether you checked in for your flight in-person or online, look for the TSA PreCheck symbol on your boarding pass. It says you’re eligible to use the PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoint. If you forget to enter your KTN or there’s an error, you won’t see the TSA PreCheck symbol and you may have to go through the standard line. Sorry – 😕
- This Way Please!
Look for the TSA PreCheck lane when you reach the airport. These lanes are generally shorter and move faster than the regular security lines. Not every airport offers TSA PreCheck, so make sure to check before you fly.
- How Sweet It Is…
TSA PreCheck is all about convenience. No need to remove shoes, jacket, or belt, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. TSA PreCheck allows you to get to your gate with less stress, which means more time to relax before your flight.
Booking Your Flight with TSA PreCheck in Mind
Booking your flights through services like Booking.com is a terrific way to streamline the process. Many airlines listed on Booking.com also offer TSA PreCheck benefits. Don’t forget to have your Known Traveler Number added to your reservation before booking – otherwise you might not find yourself zipping along those dedicated lanes.
Worth It?
Travel regularly for business or for pleasure? If you fly more than a couple of times a year, the TSA PreCheck $85 fee ain’t. The five-year membership gives you plenty of time to get your money’s worth.
Up, Up And Away…
TSA PreCheck can make your travel experience much more enjoyable. The application process is easy and the fee is reasonable. Travel is stressful enough as it is. Do yourself a favor and make it that much easier. No wonder this program has become a favorite among frequent travelers.
Ever see those passengers who just zoom through security while a hundred others are groaning and moaning about how endless the line is? Remember thinking, “I wish I could do that.”
Now you can.
