Free TSA precheck???

[kandb]

The last time we flew down to MCO from Newark (family of 5, 2 adults, 3 children), some of us got free TSA precheck. We fly JetBlue. Going down, myself and 3 children got FREE TSA precheck. Coming home, myself, daughter and 8 year old son, got free TSA precheck. My husband did not get it either way (he is a law enforcement officer, you would think he would get it first) and my older 14 year old son only got it on the way down. We flew back from Tampa, going down to MCO.

My question, what is the chances of getting it again? Does it usually repeat itself? It was wonderful getting it. I could pay for it but for 5 of us, it would be expensive.

 

[FCDub]

No way to know in advance.

 

[blondietink]

We seem to always get the free TSA precheck. I think it has to do with how far in advance you purchase your tickets and how much information you put into the system when you purchase. Also, if you are a frequent flyer on the airline helps I believe. We also fly with US passports as ID. I think that helps.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Not sure how frequently or how often or why it’s given to some, not others and sometimes, but not other times.

There was actually a TSA Pop Up that came to our town recently and our family just did it. It was $85. For 5 years, per person .. worth every penny. Got an email response within days confirming and given number.

Safe travels!

 

[Jimsig]

You can always check to see if any of your credit cards/loyalty programs cover or help with part of the cost of Pre-Check to save some money.
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/credit-cards-offer

Also any child 12 and under get it free when traveling with a parent or guardian who has it. So at least you would not have to pay for it for your 8yo son and possibly your daughter depending on her age.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you ever get closer to Canada and you all already have passports, consider getting NEXUS. $50 for adults, free for minors. The main point of it is easier transit to Canada, but you also get global entry and precheck. Thiugh it’s a bit of a longer process.

 

[n2mm]

I use to always get it, but my husband got it sometimes. We fly jetblue about 12 times a year. Because of the inconsistencies and we really wanted it, we both signed up for it. Worth every penny. Even now when I buy tickets for us and grandkids, the grandkids don’t get it on their passes, but went with us. Now one turned 13 last month, so we’ll pay to get her registered. There is no rhyme or reason. We are ALL true blue members, all have passports, and I buy my tickets with my jetblue ELITE credit card. Buy others on my itineraries never get precheck. Btw, OP, my son in law, who is in law enforcement-K9 handler, never got precheck either for free. He also signed up and paid to get it after getting left in the security lines, while we had lunch.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Been getting it free for years. I'm older than dirt, though, fly the Newark Orlando route several times a year and always need the scanner for my knee replacements. Don't use a passport, just my license. Guessing they have decided I'm OK to go LOL

 

[cedricandsophie]

I’m a gold card holder on United. I’ve been getting it for years when flying United. Four of us got it flying internationally last year. And if I buy tickets for family or friends on my reservation they all get it too. As well as free bags. So I always buy all tickets and get reimbursed. I’ve been waiting for it to go away but it didn’t. We rarely fly American but my husband did last year by himself and got it. He’s 72 now so maybe that’s it. I treasure tsa precheck. It makes a huge diff at Ohare and Orlando.

 

[daisyx3]

I am 54 and never, ever got the "random" precheck. DH and I signed up for it and got it the first time last week; it was great and a real time saver. I have a friend who "always" gets it so she refuses to pay for it, but since I was never blessed in that way I went ahead and paid for it.

 

[AngiTN]

No way to know when you'll get it or when you won't
It's cheap. Just buy it