TSA precheck

[buzzrelly]

Hey everyone. I am applying for the TSA precheck program and I have a couple of questions. I filled out the online paperwork and I scheduled an appointment to go and pay the $85. The earliest I could schedule my appointment was for October 24th. If Southwest releases new flights on 10/28, will I have my number already so I can add it to my flight? I am just wondering how it works, and if I have to wait a while after my appointment to get my number. If I don't get my number before I book the flight, does it matter? Could I add it after? Any other tips about the TSA recheck? Thanks!

 

[n2mm]

Hey everyone. I am applying for the TSA precheck program and I have a couple of questions. I filled out the online paperwork and I scheduled an appointment to go and pay the $85. The earliest I could schedule my appointment was for October 24th. If Southwest releases new flights on 10/28, will I have my number already so I can add it to my flight? I am just wondering how it works, and if I have to wait a while after my appointment to get my number. If I don't get my number before I book the flight, does it matter? Could I add it after? Any other tips about the TSA recheck? Thanks!

I've been selected to use precheck several trips recently. Just random. I've found out a couple of things. If there are children in your party they can go with you even if they don't have precheck. However, if you're traveling with another adult that does not have it, that adult has to go in the regular line while you go in the precheck line. I don't know why we seem to get it randomly, but it's always nice when it happens. We don't travel enough to pay for it. We only take 4 trips to wdw or cruise a year.

 

[MaleficentRN]

Hey everyone. I am applying for the TSA precheck program and I have a couple of questions. I filled out the online paperwork and I scheduled an appointment to go and pay the $85. The earliest I could schedule my appointment was for October 24th. If Southwest releases new flights on 10/28, will I have my number already so I can add it to my flight? I am just wondering how it works, and if I have to wait a while after my appointment to get my number. If I don't get my number before I book the flight, does it matter? Could I add it after? Any other tips about the TSA recheck? Thanks!

It will take a couple of weeks for your card with the number on it to come after you have your appointment to have your photo taken and biometrics done. You can book your flight and then call Southwest to add the Known Traveler number to your information after the card arrives.

 

[houseofduck]

My experience was a little different because I applied for Global Entry. But, I got the number almost immediately. It was in one of the forms sent to me by email after I filled out the application. The email said that the number would be the same as the one on the card. So, you might want to check the emails to see if the number is there already.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have Global Entry as well and they gave me my Known Traveler Number after my interview (same day). I do not know if it's the same for TSA Pre.

You do need the number, which you add to your account information on your airline's website. If you don't add it, you aren't getting TSA Pre, unless you get it randomly.

To a previous poster, children under 12 can accompany you through the TSA Pre line. Kids 12 and older cannot if they don't also have TSA Pre.

 

[MaleficentRN]

My experience was a little different because I applied for Global Entry. But, I got the number almost immediately. It was in one of the forms sent to me by email after I filled out the application. The email said that the number would be the same as the one on the card. So, you might want to check the emails to see if the number is there already.

You may have a number, but you aren't approved. They still have to verify your citizenship. If you add the number before you are approved, you won't get Pre Check on your boarding pass.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You may have a number, but you aren't approved. They still have to verify your citizenship. If you add the number before you are approved, you won't get Pre Check on your boarding pass.

This wasn't my experience with GE. They told me I was approved at the interview. Again, I have no idea about just TSA Pre.

 

[DVC-Don]

I got my letter with the Known Traveler Number about 2 weeks after the interview and fingerprints.

Edited to add: When I applied the earliest I could get an appointment was a month ahead, so I just walked in and only had a short wait to get in.

 

[bumbershoot]

This wasn't my experience with GE. They told me I was approved at the interview. Again, I have no idea about just TSA Pre.

Same for DH with Global. He knew at the interview.


If you are approved you can add the number later to the account and flight.

 

[buzzrelly]

Thank you everyone. Maybe my best bet would be to go this week and walk in. I wonder how busy they could be. I thought I read on the SWA site that I need to add the number before I book , so I want to make sure I have it in time.

I only fly about once a year, but I HATE taking my shoes and coat off, taking out the laptop, etched. I think this will be so much easier and worth the $85! I was laughing at one if the responses that said they don't fly enough, only 4 times per year! I guess we all have our things, right?!! Haha! Thanks again!