One of the worst things about flying is getting past the long lines of countless security checks in the airport. While security is of utmost importance, security checks can be a little over the top.
I’ve seen families struggling to get their kids and carry-ons during security checks. But wouldn’t it be nice to breeze through security and somehow convince airport security that you’re a harmless traveler who wouldn't cause them any hassles?
Fortunately, the US government’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck provides travelers with that type of convenience without compromising security. Check out what it is, how it works, how to get it, and the perks of having this privilege.
- What Is TSA PreCheck®?
- A Great Initiative
- How Can You Enroll In TSA PreCheck®?
- Who Can Enroll For TSA PreCheck® Membership?
- Renewing Your Membership
- Better Security
- Expedited Screening
What Is TSA PreCheck®?
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been a frequent flyer, so falling in line for airport security checks had been part of my experience as a traveler.
Passengers like me would know how awful it is to remove light jackets and shoes at freezing temperatures to get past security checks, as well as electronics, liquids, and even some snacks from your carry-on luggage.
Usually, it would take me a good ten to fifteen minutes to get past the routine security check, but things got a bit more tedious after the 9-11 incident, which changed the course of aviation security worldwide.
A Balance Between Convenience And Security
After the 9-11 incident, I noticed that airports all around the world, not just in the US, heightened security measures. Consequently, this caused slower and longer waiting times during the pre-boarding screening.
Airport security had never been as tedious as that, but luckily, the US government saw the need to expedite the screening process for low-risk passengers - usually a good portion of the passengers - through its TSA PreCheck®.
The TSA PreCheck® allows low-risk passengers, basically those who show no reason for suspicion and doubt, and are unlikely to cause danger or harm before, during, and after the flight, to get past security screening faster and easier.
A Great Initiative
The TSA PreCheck® has been regarded as a great initiative by US travelers and frequent flyers, despite some setbacks.
Personally, I’ve been a part of the program since its inception in 2011, long before it was opened to the general public in late 2013, because nothing beats breezing through those tedious checks without having to strip off my clothing.
Now, I see TSA PreCheck® membership as more of a need rather than a privilege. As a frequent flyer, I am aware of the difficulties and struggles of going through security checks, especially when I travel with a lot of stuff.
It is an ingenious initiative aimed to provide convenience and comfort for flyers like me who travel a lot and do not like the hassle of going through airport security.
Available Nationwide
Over 200 airports in the country and 80 airlines provide the TSA PreCheck®, making traveling a whole lot easier for passengers.
TSA PreCheck® is available for domestic flights, in addition to some international flights from certain airlines.
How Can You Enroll In TSA PreCheck®?
Joining the TSA PreCheck® program is simpler now than it was previously.
Prospective members interested in the service can choose from three options: pre-registering online to set an appointment, enrolling on-site as a walk-in customer, or accessing the program via loyalty and rewards programs offered by your airlines or banks.
I suggest using the online application rather than the walk-in option, as it ensures you have a confirmed appointment when you visit any of the 380 enrollment centers across the country.
While the walk-in application is also fine, except that it’ll take longer because they’ll have to do a background check on you to verify your identity and assess the risk/threat you pose as a flyer.
Know Your Known Traveler Number
Once you’ve been approved for the membership, you’ll be assigned a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN).
This can usually take about two weeks after a successful application and background check, so make sure to consider the turnaround time when planning your travel.
I’ve found that providing my KTN during my airline reservation makes my checking-in and boarding process a whole lot easier, too.
Who Can Enroll For TSA PreCheck® Membership?
TSA is undertaking efforts to make TSA inclusive for all. Before opening the program to the general public, it was only available to members of airline loyalty and reward programs. Since then, it is being enjoyed by over ten million US citizens.
If you are a member of any of the three US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs, well, here’s some good news for you!
You are eligible for membership, so take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the TSA PreCheck® now! US Armed Forces service members, such as the US Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard, are also eligible for TSA PreCheck®.
Remember that only US citizens, national, and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) are eligible for membership.
Loyalty And Rewards CardHolders
To date, there are 33 banks and institutions which offer TSA PreCheck® for its clients, such as Capital One, American Express, Citi, MasterCard, United, among many others.
Better Security
With over ten million members, TSA PreCheck® is a more efficient way of handling aviation security. They can focus their resources and efforts on passengers who pose high levels of risk or threat to aviation security.
I feel safer and more secure knowing that airport security can focus on bigger threats rather than wasting time and effort on people who are unlikely to cause harm.
Good For Families
When I was traveling with my entire family to visit my sister in New Jersey, I could only imagine the hassle and stress if we weren't members of the TSA PreCheck®. Luckily, children 12 and under can join their parents or guardians in the dedicated lanes.
Since I was with many nephews and nieces who were fortunately 12 years of age and below, we partnered each traveling adult with a kid to breeze through the security process at the dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck® members.
Needless to say, our time at security was a breeze, and we had no problems whatsoever passing through the security checkpoints!
Expedited Screening
The biggest advantage of being a member of the TSA PreCheck® program is having a dedicated lane for eligible passengers with TSA PreCheck® membership.
A few months after 9-11, it took me at least 20 minutes of waiting at airport security - I was a solo traveler with no carry-on luggage or other items that could be checked for suspicion items. Imagine how it must be for parents and huge families!
It never takes me more than ten minutes to get past the routine airport security with TSA - the shortest time that it took me was around three minutes.
Except for the random body checks that the airport security performed on me - I’ve never experienced waiting in line for more than ten minutes since 2011.
Not A Guarantee
It is important to note that being a member of the program does not guarantee that you will no longer be subject to screening. And that makes sense because this means no one is exempted from security checks.
I’ve seen many people who get irked when they are chosen for random security checks and scream that they are TSA PreCheck® members.
I think it is essential to educate people and passengers that routine security checks and random body checks are needed safety measures and that no one is above the law when it comes to ensuring safety and security.
Renewing Your Membership
You’ll have to pay a once-off fee of $85 to enjoy five years of membership with the program. Members may renew up to six months before the membership expiration date.
Renewing is made easy because you can do it online - all I did was input my KTN and other personal information when prompted to fill in the information on their website.
You may also update your contact information and profile on their website should you need to.
Other Measures
Some members will need to verify their identity and visit an enrollment center for security purposes.
TSA PreCheck® guarantees its members that it has accurate and tight security measures in place to ensure the safety of all its members.
Conclusion
Traveling has never been made easier with programs such as the TSA PreCheck®, which is truly an efficient way to maximize resources and provide the best comfort without compromising top-quality safety for its passengers and flyers.
With TSA PreCheck®, not only do I save time and experience a seamless time at airport security, I am more confident and secure with the people I fly with.
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