TSA precheck

[n2mm]

To piggie back that in my above post I mentioned step-father-in-law being retired military..well every time he flies which is maybe once a year but sometimes every 2 or so years he is pre-check approved along with his spouse, my mother-in-law..they've never paid for it. That's kinda what we thought that because he is military and because sister-in-law did internship through NASA, which requires a strict background check, is the reason they got pre-check and we didn't.

That's how we were. Both of us are retired USG workers and both held the highest USG clearance available. I got precheck 100% of the time, but I only retired 5 years ago and had a recent clearance update prior to retiring. My husband however, retired 15 year ago from Langley, VA. My husband was only getting precheck randomly now. Last year TSA announced that less and less people will get it now unless they signed up. So last year we both signed up. It was well worth the $17 a year it cost each of us. Since signing up we have flown 10 times and have gotten it each and every time using, SW, Jetblue and United. We know it's not a guarantee, but still well worth the cost. When traveling with the grandkids, they have always gone through with us. When my oldest granddaughter turns 13 we will pay to sign her up too.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

That's how we were. Both of us are retired USG workers and both held the highest USG clearance available. I got precheck 100% of the time, but I only retired 5 years ago and had a recent clearance update prior to retiring. My husband however, retired 15 year ago from Langley, VA. My husband was only getting precheck randomly now. Last year TSA announced that less and less people will get it now unless they signed up. So last year we both signed up. It was well worth the $17 a year it cost each of us. Since signing up we have flown 10 times and have gotten it each and every time using, SW, Jetblue and United. We know it's not a guarantee, but still well worth the cost. When traveling with the grandkids, they have always gone through with us. When my oldest granddaughter turns 13 we will pay to sign her up too.

That's good to know about TSA adjusting their pre-check procedures. I've only gotten it maybe 3 or 4 times since they started Pre-check itself. My husband is currently A-list with Southwest so he just goes through that security line. We'll see if he flies enough this year for work to make it on A-list again. I'll just go through the normal line and in most cases he'll be done before me with enough time to find us some seats. In our home airport security is NEVER more than 15 or 20 minutes with most times being 5 to 10 minutes. That will change though if they decide to rebuild the airport as a single terminal which none of the locals on both sides of the state line want. If that happens and it results in long enough security lines I would likely consider signing up for pre-check if at that time my husband isn't A-list anymore.

 

[drinkme]

I've never gotten preTSA but my kids always get it. Orlando international always seems to have the most ridiculously long lines so now the kids justo through the short precheck line & I end up waiting I the loooong line. My kids are now 15 & 17.

 

[keishashadow]

No one in my family has paid for TSA pre-check though my husband did a program like it for around 4 months as he was traveling a lot (would have been july 2015-november 2015) and his company paid for it.

That being said last time we all flew together (may 2015) my husband, myself and my sister-in-law were on one reservation and my mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law were on another. In-laws including sister-in-law were selected for Pre-check despite being on different reservations.

Stepfather-in-law is retired navy and sister-in-law did a summer intership with NASA..at least to our understanding (which may be totally wrong) the 3 members of the family who got pre-check had been verified through the government already (retired military and working for NASA).

DH was military, More than a few times, I have gotten the 'free' pre check and he hasn't. We've been married a long time, I grab his carryon and meet him on the other side.

over the last few years we've tended to get it offered more frequently. Of 16 flights together in the last year (majority SWA, 4 on Allegiant) only a one-way we didn't get it on SWA.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

DH was military, More than a few times, I have gotten the 'free' pre check and he hasn't. We've been married a long time, I grab his carryon and meet him on the other side.

over the last few years we've tended to get it offered more frequently. Of 16 flights together in the last year (majority SWA, 4 on Allegiant) only a one-way we didn't get it on SWA.

That's very interesting. I know for my step-father-in-law he's gotten it just about every time he's flown. He's been retired military for 15-20 years I believe. I do think SWA, at least in our experience, has the free pre-check more than the other airlines (like Delta, U.S. Airways-now American, Spirit).

Yeah when the in-laws get pre-check they just save us seats (we each carry the maximum carry on allowed so no help there) when they get done. Currently my husband has A-list so goes through the A-list line and saves us a seat. Like I said in my other post I can't justify the cost when I only deal with security lines on my way back home as home airport never has a problem.

 

[keishashadow]

That's very interesting. I know for my step-father-in-law he's gotten it just about every time he's flown. He's been retired military for 15-20 years I believe. I do think SWA, at least in our experience, has the free pre-check more than the other airlines (like Delta, U.S. Airways-now American, Spirit).

Yeah when the in-laws get pre-check they just save us seats (we each carry the maximum carry on allowed so no help there) when they get done. Currently my husband has A-list so goes through the A-list line and saves us a seat. Like I said in my other post I can't justify the cost when I only deal with security lines on my way back home as home airport never has a problem.

no idea as to who or why it seems lol. I mentioned it to TSA in Sanford last trip (usually fly into MCO @ Orlando) as to we were 'lucky' again. He ventured that perhaps they were sofening us up, then we would purchase it once it was taken away. if true, that strategy might just work, it is very nice to be able to breeze thru.

 

[tjmw2727]

no idea as to who or why it seems lol. I mentioned it to TSA in Sanford last trip (usually fly into MCO @ Orlando) as to we were 'lucky' again. He ventured that perhaps they were sofening us up, then we would purchase it once it was taken away. if true, that strategy might just work, it is very nice to be able to breeze thru.

That softening up definitely worked on me!

I was getting pre check consistently until one trip between Philadelphia and Detroit - both airports had ridiculously long lines. The next day I went online and set up my appointment for Pre Check, went that week and had my KTN before my next flight. For me its worth the price as I have already used it enough to bring the cost down to less than $10 per use and I have 4 years left.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

no idea as to who or why it seems lol. I mentioned it to TSA in Sanford last trip (usually fly into MCO @ Orlando) as to we were 'lucky' again. He ventured that perhaps they were sofening us up, then we would purchase it once it was taken away. if true, that strategy might just work, it is very nice to be able to breeze thru.

Totally agree

 

[KCEMOM]

we just returned from a WDW trip. On the way down I had TSA Pre-check. My husband and 15 year old daughter did not. On the way home my daughter had it and we did not. She went through (she is also T1D so had a pump and all the supplies with her) alone and we slogged our way through normal security. Figured it would be a good learning experience for her to handle it all on her own. She did great and had great things to say about the TSA agents. It has always been our experience that the pre-check is random.

 

[tjmw2727]

we just returned from a WDW trip. On the way down I had TSA Pre-check. My husband and 15 year old daughter did not. On the way home my daughter had it and we did not. She went through (she is also T1D so had a pump and all the supplies with her) alone and we slogged our way through normal security. Figured it would be a good learning experience for her to handle it all on her own. She did great and had great things to say about the TSA agents. It has always been our experience that the pre-check is random.

Bolded to clarify; it's not random once you apply for and pay for it!
You can sign up for TSA pre and if you qualify you get it automatically by providing your Known Traveler Number KTN when you book your flight.

More info here:
https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

 

[n2mm]

Bolded to clarify; it's not random once you apply for and pay for it!
You can sign up for TSA pre and if you qualify you get it automatically by providing your Known Traveler Number KTN when you book your flight.

More info here:
https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

Correct! Exactly why we signed up for it last year. We are at 100% now after 8 flights. Of course we know that it's no guarantee!

 

[keishashadow]

Correct! Exactly why we signed up for it last year. We are at 100% now after 8 flights. Of course we know that it's no guarantee!

now, i'm confused

thought if you applied, paid the $85 and were approved you would automatically receive precheck for 5 years.

any idea if it can be added to existing, pre-booked flights?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

now, i'm confused

thought if you applied, paid the $85 and were approved you would automatically receive precheck for 5 years.

any idea if it can be added to existing, pre-booked flights?

Well the idea is yes you would but TSA's website states: "TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no passenger is guaranteed expedited screening." So barring those "unpredictable security measures" which honestly may just mean that going through the Pre-Check line may not be faster than the regular line at certain times due to TSA's procedures, if you entered your KTN during the booking process you should recevied the Pre-Check.

Also according to their website: "If you’re eligible and approved for the TSA Pre✓® program you will be given a known traveler number “KTN” to use when making flight reservations. " So my assumption is if you've already booked a reservation then it can't be added since it states you add it during the booking process though that's their blanket statement idk what each specific airline has a process for.

 

[FCDub]

now, i'm confused

thought if you applied, paid the $85 and were approved you would automatically receive precheck for 5 years.

any idea if it can be added to existing, pre-booked flights?

It's not a 100% guarantee, but out of the 30 flights I've taken since signing up, I've only NOT gotten it once. They're pretty upfront at the interview that you're not guaranteed to get it 100% of the time, but it's about as close to a guarantee as you'll get.

And yep, totally can be applied to existing flights. Some airlines let you do it online, while others make you call to add.

 

[n2mm]

now, i'm confused

thought if you applied, paid the $85 and were approved you would automatically receive precheck for 5 years.

any idea if it can be added to existing, pre-booked flights?

I believe the TSA website said that there could be times when precheck may not happen. I assume it might be during a high alert or something similar. There are some airports that dont have it and there are some airlines that don't participate (i.e., Frontier that I know of). Other than those issues, I have no regret paying for it. Once we got our numbers I added it to all of my profiles (Jetblue, SW and United). I was also holding tickets for all three at that time. I easily added it through manage my flights on Jetblue right to my upcoming trip. I also had no problem adding it to my United ticket. But, according to the TSA website, SW tickets are different. I actually had to call them and they added it to my upcoming ticket. I had read that sometimes that works and sometimes it didn't. But it worked just fine for me. I did read that if it didn't appear on tickets purchased prior to getting your KTN, you can show your letter to the checkin counter and the agent can fix it. I do carry our letters with us. As I mentioned, I've flown now 8 times since getting my KTN last April and have gotten precheck on every flight. We fly out of BWI, Dulles, and DCA/Reagan. But let me mention that last month we flew home from Orlando after a cruise and the security line was the biggest I've ever seen it. It had to be over a 30 minute or longer wait. Heck, even the precheck line was long, but the agents got it moving faster by walking down the line and double checking everyones tickets and ID to speed up the process (making sure everyone was ready for the agent). I saw a report recently (Rossen report maybe) that the security lines are getting longer and slower because of all of the carry on luggage going through. Maybe it was a push for precheck signup....dunno....I have to say it's the best $17 a year I've ever spent. Also I signed up for my KTN on a Thursday and had my number on Friday. You can check online on the status, so was certainly shocked to get it in 24 hours......(that USG clearance I use to hold probably helped). My husband's number took a week. We got our letters in the mail about 2 weeks later. So if you apply, just keep checking the status online. Once I got our numbers I started updating our profiles and our tickets.

 

[tjmw2727]

now, i'm confused

thought if you applied, paid the $85 and were approved you would automatically receive precheck for 5 years.

any idea if it can be added to existing, pre-booked flights?

Yes you do - and yes you can. There are a few exceptions when you may not get pre check, such as smaller airports that don't offer it, smaller airports with limited pre check hours and smaller airport that offer it but you go via the regular line but don't have to take off shoes etc. It is rare but they have to prepare us for that possibility.

So far in 10 ish round trips I have had one instance in Tampa early morning when the pre check line wasn't open yet but I got "pre check" in the regular line and one in Kalamazoo where they don't have a separate line but by showing your BP before screening you also get "pre -check " and you don't have to take off shoes or take out 3-1-1 bag etc.

And if you get your Known Traveler Number and have trips already booked you can add it! I had to call AA to add it but could add my # online for my SWA trips.

 

[tjmw2727]

I believe the TSA website said that there could be times when precheck may not happen. I assume it might be during a high alert or something similar. There are some airports that dont have it and there are some airlines that don't participate (i.e., Frontier that I know of). Other than those issues, I have no regret paying for it. Once we got our numbers I added it to all of my profiles (Jetblue, SW and United). I was also holding tickets for all three at that time. I easily added it through manage my flights on Jetblue right to my upcoming trip. I also had no problem adding it to my United ticket. But, according to the TSA website, SW tickets are different. I actually had to call them and they added it to my upcoming ticket. I had read that sometimes that works and sometimes it didn't. But it worked just fine for me. I did read that if it didn't appear on tickets purchased prior to getting your KTN, you can show your letter to the checkin counter and the agent can fix it. I do carry our letters with us. As I mentioned, I've flown now 8 times since getting my KTN last April and have gotten precheck on every flight. We fly out of BWI, Dulles, and DCA/Reagan. But let me mention that last month we flew home from Orlando after a cruise and the security line was the biggest I've ever seen it. It had to be over a 30 minute or longer wait. Heck, even the precheck line was long, but the agents got it moving faster by walking down the line and double checking everyones tickets and ID to speed up the process (making sure everyone was ready for the agent). I saw a report recently (Rossen report maybe) that the security lines are getting longer and slower because of all of the carry on luggage going through. Maybe it was a push for precheck signup....dunno....I have to say it's the best $17 a year I've ever spent. Also I signed up for my KTN on a Thursday and had my number on Friday. You can check online on the status, so was certainly shocked to get it in 24 hours......(that USG clearance I use to hold probably helped). My husband's number took a week. We got our letters in the mail about 2 weeks later. So if you apply, just keep checking the status online. Once I got our numbers I started updating our profiles and our tickets.

Just to clarify it has nothing to do with airline but more with TSA and the airport. My dd purchased TSA pre a few months after I did and she has flown Frontier twice r/t and received Pre check both times. Philly to Orlando and Philly to Detriot!

As for adding it to existing reservations that is unique to the airline, you can do it online or by calling.

 

[n2mm]

According to the tsa website, frontier doesn't participate. The agent also told us at Dulles, that they didn't participate too.

The following airlines offer TSA Pre✓®:

• Air Canada
• Hawaiian Airlines
• United Airlines

• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Virgin America

• Allegiant Airlines
• OneJet
• WestJet

• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

• Delta Air Lines
• Sun Country

 

[n2mm]

Why should you join TSA Pre✓®?

• TSA Pre✓® provides trusted travelers with expedited security screening for a better travel experience.
• Plan your travel with confidence and enjoy a more predictable experience.
• It’s a convenient, more efficient security screening process.
• It’s available at more than 150 airports with 12 participating airlines.

No need to remove:

• Shoes
• Laptops
• 3-1-1 liquids
• Belts
• Light jackets

 

[ImagineersApprentice]

My family is flying down to Orlando later this year and half of us have PreCheck while the other half doesn't. Knowing how crazy the lines can be, the other half of my family signed up for a free trial of Clear security. We figure we'll take 20 mins to register when we land and can breeze through security on the way back home.

The trial is good for 3 months, so it's a one time run through to keep the family together.