TSA Precheck approval process- our timeline

[kylenne]

It took me about two weeks to get mine in August, but I opted for Global Entry since it was only $15 more than just Pre, and I know I’m going to be traveling internationally multiple times in the next five years so it just made more sense. I was able to get a same day appointment at JFK when they sent me the email to schedule the interview. It actually took me longer to park than to do it.

I would strongly suggest to anyone considering Pre to look into Global Entry even if you’re even considering international travel. You get all the benefits of Pre plus expedited customs processing.

 

[n2mm]

For those heading into renewals of their PreCheck, such as myself, you can do it completely online. No re-visit to airport or wherever you originally had it done necessary. Filled in a form (have passport handy for passport number and issue and expiration dates), sent in the $85 by CC, and had my new expiration date in about 1 hour. I also got to keep the same KTN, which saved me having to go back and re enter it on various airline sites.

Thanks for posting. I’ll need this info soon.

 

[tnolan]

Thanks for posting. I’ll need this info soon.

Here is the website to visit. Just go here and click renewals button and they will take you through the process.
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

 

[charmed59]

I have Global Entry, and was renewing it. It can all be done online, no interview required for a renewal. It did take 6 weeks. You have a year to renew Global Entry, I’d suggest start earlier than I did. (I assumed it would take two weeks, and then was stuck 4 weeks without TSA Pre!!!)

My American credit card refunded the application fee when it was charged to the card. I didn’t have to contact them.

 

[mcjw2011]

I read this thread the day after I went in for my appointment, lol. I had no problem using the regular TSA lines going from RDU to MCO until last year (it was less than 10 minutes), but then leaving MCO last time... I waited 30-40 minutes in line. (Of course, it was a Saturday afternoon in which lots of families were leaving or arriving.) I swore never again.

Southwest Rapid Rewards allows you to trade in a number of points for a TSA precheck code that waives the $85 entry fee, so I used that. And looking at other people's history and timing of getting their KTN, I expect to get my email confirmation on Friday.

 

[n2mm]

Here is the website to visit. Just go here and click renewals button and they will take you through the process.
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

Glad I ran across this post again. I did check my expiration date and I can renew late September and expires March 2020. Again, always worth the price!

 

[n2mm]

For those heading into renewals of their PreCheck, such as myself, you can do it completely online. No re-visit to airport or wherever you originally had it done necessary. Filled in a form (have passport handy for passport number and issue and expiration dates), sent in the $85 by CC, and had my new expiration date in about 1 hour. I also got to keep the same KTN, which saved me having to go back and re enter it on various airline sites.

Quick question. I checked my expiration date today which is March 2020. It said I can renew starting September 2019 (6 months earlier). If I renew when my window opens, will my new expiration date be September, or will I keep my March expiration plus 5 years 2025. I don’t want to waste the last 6 months of my membership by renewing early. Hope that makes sense.

 

[tnolan]

Quick question. I checked my expiration date today which is March 2020. It said I can renew starting September 2019 (6 months earlier). If I renew when my window opens, will my new expiration date be September, or will I keep my March expiration plus 5 years 2025. I don’t want to waste the last 6 months of my membership by renewing early. Hope that makes sense.

Your new expiration date will be March 2025. With mine, the original expiration was Mar 2019 and when I renewed it updated to Mar 2024.

 

[n2mm]

Thanks. I tried FAQ on their website with no luck. I didn’t want to cheat myself out of 6 months for renewing when the window opens!

 

[Jules123]

I read this thread the day after I went in for my appointment, lol. I had no problem using the regular TSA lines going from RDU to MCO until last year (it was less than 10 minutes), but then leaving MCO last time... I waited 30-40 minutes in line. (Of course, it was a Saturday afternoon in which lots of families were leaving or arriving.) I swore never again.

Southwest Rapid Rewards allows you to trade in a number of points for a TSA precheck code that waives the $85 entry fee, so I used that. And looking at other people's history and timing of getting their KTN, I expect to get my email confirmation on Friday.

Where can I find how to cash in rewards points for that code?

 

[EACarlson]

From Interview to receiving KTN was 9 days. For anyone interested, the Navy Federal Credit Union Flagship Rewards card offers TSA Pre or GE reimbursement for not only the card holder but all Authorized Users as well. I believe this is the least expensive card that offers this and the only one I'm aware of that doesn't charge for AUs. The Annual Fee is only $49.

 

[mcjw2011]

Where can I find how to cash in rewards points for that code?

https://www.1.awardhq.com/24468SWANCMSWARRNCM/product/tsa-precheck/_/A-05128?Ntt=tsa precheck&skuId=

Only for new applicants only, can't be used to waive the $85 fee on renewals.

 

[mcjw2011]

I got my confirmation email earlier today.

Still surprised at the quick turnaround.

 

[G719]

We had our interviews Monday. I got my email confirmation yesterday (Thursday) and my husband and daughter got theirs today. Super fast turn around!

 

[MillauFr]

https://www.1.awardhq.com/24468SWANCMSWARRNCM/product/tsa-precheck/_/A-05128?Ntt=tsa precheck&skuId=

Only for new applicants only, can't be used to waive the $85 fee on renewals.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't have that restriction. It pays upto $100 ever four years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fees.

 

[EACarlson]

Correct, PP was specifically referring to using Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points for reimbursement. To the best of my knowledge this is the only program that has this restriction.

 

[mzozzietj]

I filled out the application online and scheduled the appointment on 9/11/19. Our appointments were for Wednesday 9/18/19. Appointment took less than 10 mins. Eligibility was determined on 9/19/19 and I received the email with the KTN on 9/21/19. It was about 3.5 days after the interview. Very surprised at how quick the process went.

 

[gharter]

I filled out the application online and scheduled the appointment on 9/11/19. Our appointments were for Wednesday 9/18/19. Appointment took less than 10 mins. Eligibility was determined on 9/19/19 and I received the email with the KTN on 9/21/19. It was about 3.5 days after the interview. Very surprised at how quick the process went.

Similar timeline. Very surprised how fast the process was.

 

[FCDub]

As inefficient as a lot of the government is, this is one aspect that’s really working smoothly!