Getting TSA Pre-check Status

Have you traveled with someone recently who was TSA prechecked? While you’re stuck in the TSA line, your traveling partner breezes right through without having to take off their shoes. I bet you began thinking “why wasn’t I prechecked?” “How can I become prechecked?” We are here to break down these common questions for you.

If you could get an upgrade from economy to business class, you'd do that, right? Well, getting TSA Precheck is basically the preflight upgrade equivalent, and it's something that every American citizen who flies often should consider getting.

Here's everything you need to know about TSA Precheck.

Travelers can actually enroll in the Transportation Security Administrations TSA Precheck program Over 4,000 travelers per day now sign up, which enables low-risk travelers to move more efficiently through select screening lanes at 133 U.S. airports. TSA Precheck requires you to pay an $85 application fee and complete an in-person interview at one of more than 330 application centers around the U.S. If you’re approved for TSA Precheck, you’ll be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Within a couple weeks, you’ll receive your official ID card by mail. TSA Precheck status is valid for five years and allows you to keep your shoes, light outerwear and belt on, and to keep your laptop in its case and your 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in your carry-on.

For international travelers, even more of a no-brainer is Global Entry (GOES), which allows you expedited security when returning from international trips. The Global Entry application process is the same as TSA Precheck, except for the application fee, which is $100.00.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply online then visit an enrollment site to provide identification and fingerprints.

Rules:

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and cannot have been convicted of certain crimes. If an applicant has a record of any of the crimes identified in the eligibility requirements, they may choose not to apply, as the application fee is nonrefundable.
• Interested applicants must visit an application center to provide biographic information (name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints and valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. Applicants also have the option to pre-enroll online to provide basic information and make an appointment before visiting an enrollment center.
• Nonrefundable application fee of $85.00.
• After completing enrollment, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via U.S. mail after approximately 2-3 weeks or may check online after five business days.

If you’re truly looking for a more pleasurable, faster travel experience, there are certainly advantages to becoming TSA prechecked. So, plan your travel with confidence and enjoy a more predictable experience.