What the Heck is TSA Pre-Check?

TSA Pre-Check

After taking 22 flights in 2017, I realized it was time to make my airport experience a little easier. I’m sure many of you have seen or heard about the TSA Pre-Check program if you are currently based in the United States. I recently went through the process of obtaining my TSA Pre-Check membership and thought it might be helpful to share my experience with others who are looking to do the same.

What is TSA Pre-Check?

Having a TSA Pre-Check membership as a traveler allows you to go through a separate security line at the airport. You don’t have to remove your shoes, liquids, jacket, belt, or laptop. You simply put your luggage on the scanning belt and walk through the detector. It’s generally a much shorter and easier process than going through a traditional security line. According to their website, in December 2017 93% of TSA Pre-Check passengers waited less than five minutes to get through the security line.

How do you get it?

It’s a pretty painless process! To be eligible for pre-check, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. There are three steps to applying for this program:

  1. Submit an online application and schedule an appointment at your nearest enrollment center (many airports have these.)
  2. You will then go into your nearest enrollment center for a 10 minute appointment. Here you will have your fingerprints scanned and will answer a few questions for a background check.
  3. After a short waiting period (mine took a little over a week) you will receive both a confirmation email and letter in the mail if you’ve been approved. Once you are approved they will provide you with something called a Known Traveler Number (KTN) which you will use whenever you book a flight from that point on. When booking a flight you will see a space to fill in your KTN. When it’s time for your trip, your TSA Pre-Check status will automatically show up on your boarding pass.

A few things to note:

  • The TSA Pre-Check application process costs $85 dollars which is good for 5 years. Once your five years is up, you will have to go through the process again.
  • Depending on your airport, they will allow you to bring a companion with you through the TSA pre-check line, though your companion will go through a regular screening.
  • Not ALL airports are currently set up for TSA Pre-Check. You can take a look before you travel by searching to see if your airport has it here.

So far, I’m loving the ease of getting through the airport. I’m glad I got it! If you have any questions about the process please let me know and I will be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge. You can visit the TSA website to learn more about this program.

Want some other tips to make your travel less stressful?

Happy Traveling!

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