Used to getting TSA Precheck? Not so fast...

subtchr · Sep 24, 2015

n2mm said:
You can go online and check for your number before you get your letter in the mail. I logged on the next day after applying and was already approved and got my KTN. Then you need to update your airline profiles.

As for those who get it randomly, that perk is ending.

Exactly this. I applied Monday, checked yesterday (Wednesday) online, and my number was there. I updated all my airline profiles with the number, and I'm all set. I have four flights over the next 3 months, so I'll report back.

I was one of those relatively frequent fliers, not constant but 8-12 flights per year on differing airlines, and I was getting PreCheck about 80% of the time. Frankly, I am glad they are changing the system, because it was very annoying waiting for people to "figure out" how to go through the PreCheck screening. I'm a very patient person, but that was definitely defeating the purpose.

tjmw2727 · Sep 24, 2015

Thanks n2mm and Sue I was able to go online and get number this morning!

I didn't realize I could do that and with 4 flights in the next 3 months I am glad I can get started adding my KTN. I am going to go online to update my profile and probably call as well.

n2mm · Sep 24, 2015

Remember, if you guys are holding tickets already, some airlines (Jetblue and United) will let you add your KTN to your existing tickets your self online, while SW you have to call and the rep will add your KTN to that existing ticket. I had to do that with 3 different tickets after getting my KTN. It worked perfectly for all of those existing tickets too. Also if you travel with little ones 12 and under, they can go with you through the TSA precheck line.

cedricandsophie · Sep 24, 2015

I'm a lifetime gold premier card holder on United even though I'm retired because I had a million miles before I retired. I've always gotten tsa pre check and now it seems that anyone traveling with me gets it too. We tend to travel mostly United and travel frequently
so it's great. Hope it doesn't go away! But I can also go through premier checkin line if someone I'm with doesn't have it and when the attendant checking boarding passes sees it I don't have to take off shoes. Hope it doesn't go away.

tjmw2727 · Sep 24, 2015

Ok so I updated my profile in my frequent flyer accounts to include my new KTN and then called to be sure it would be listed on the flights I already have booked.

The agents had to add it to the SWA and US Air flights manually but it had already populated through from the website on all my AA Flights.

Thanks again for the advice!

Shelly F - Ohio · Sep 25, 2015

We got it a few months ago and have used it 4 times since and love it. No more long lines, taking off shoes, pulling out electronic or 3-1-1 Well worth the $17 a year.

goofy4tink · Sep 25, 2015

Have applied for mine...just have to go in person now.

Muskrat191 · Sep 25, 2015

For anyone that travels to Canada, or is close to the border for the interview, NEXUS is a little cheaper ($50 for 5 years) and includes Global Entry, Pre-Check and expedited entry to Canada. It does take somewhat longer to get through the application process, and both Canada and the US have to approve you.

Unas · Sep 26, 2015

Just nuts. $17 a year gets people the security screening that should be the standard screening for all travelers. There is no reason for the shoe and 3-1-1 drill. The anything for safety politicians and security bureaucrate lack the guts to make this sensible change.

bookgirl · Oct 12, 2015

Ok you guys changed my mind. I've filled out my application and now need to go in for my fingerprinting. It's set for 5 days before my trip so not sure it'll do me any good this trip, or on my charter flight next month but heck I'll try.

goofy4tink · Oct 13, 2015

Unas said:
Just nuts. $17 a year gets people the security screening that should be the standard screening for all travelers. There is no reason for the shoe and 3-1-1 drill. The anything for safety politicians and security bureaucrate lack the guts to make this sensible change.

The way I figured it? I fly Jetblue a lot. And I usually pay addtl to get speedier security...usually about $10 or so. So, if I fly just twice with JB a year, the $85 is a bargain! Saves me $15! Of course, there could well be times that I have to go through the 'regular' line, but it won't happen too often, hopefully.
And as far as the silliness of the TSA/security rules go? Yep, they are silly. But as long as they are in effect, we have to deal with them.

philharmagic fan · Oct 13, 2015

bookgirl said:
I actually do get precheck about half the time now, but I'm really fond of early morning flights and the TSA pre check isn't open at my airport then.

I'm just not bugged too much by the lines.

However I am open to changing my mind and if it starts to bug me then I probably will go ahead and precheck.

My home airport has limited Precheck hours, but not knowing what to do, I went to the Precheck line entrance even though it was technically closed. The TSA agent in the regular line called me up to the front, and I was directed to the metal detector rather than millimeter wave scanner and didn't have to remove shoes, jacket, 3-1-1 bag, etc. Maybe a polite letter to the administrator at your airport will get them to implement similar service.

DebbieB · Oct 13, 2015

I flew PIT-DFW last week and was surprised I got it on the return trip. My neighbor said she got it both ways on her trip to Italy last week (she had to reclear security at JFK on the way home).

rwdavis2 · Oct 13, 2015

Oddly enough I got it my last 2 flights from Providence, RI to Baltimore and I only signed up through United about 4 years ago when it was first offered. My wife also got it this trip and never signed up for it.

goofy4tink · Oct 13, 2015

I used to get it all the time...pretty much the only one in my family. But my last few flights it hasn't been offered. So, decided to just buy into the program and forget about it.

bookgirl · Oct 13, 2015

My mom gets it consistently. She's 72. My stepdad gets it sporadically (he's 65) as do I (49). The more I thought about the more I decided it couldn't hurt and I'm trying to put together a UK trip next year and will have to connect/ or fly though a bigger airport so a quicker TSA could be helpful.

NH-to-FL · Oct 13, 2015

We had been getting, and enjoying, TSA Precheck through Southwest very consistently. But not on my flight last week. I guess it is time to apply.

DVC-Don · Oct 13, 2015

philharmagic fan said:
My home airport has limited Precheck hours, but not knowing what to do, I went to the Precheck line entrance even though it was technically closed. The TSA agent in the regular line called me up to the front, and I was directed to the metal detector rather than millimeter wave scanner and didn't have to remove shoes, jacket, 3-1-1 bag, etc. Maybe a polite letter to the administrator at your airport will get them to implement similar service.

At our Albany, NY airport, when the Precheck line is closed we get a yellow (or is it orange?) card that you present at the xray and we can keep our shoes on. Still have to take computers, jackets off, etc when the Precheck is closed.

Unas · Oct 13, 2015

goofy4tink said:
The way I figured it? I fly Jetblue a lot. And I usually pay addtl to get speedier security...usually about $10 or so. So, if I fly just twice with JB a year, the $85 is a bargain! Saves me $15! Of course, there could well be times that I have to go through the 'regular' line, but it won't happen too often, hopefully.
And as far as the silliness of the TSA/security rules go? Yep, they are silly. But as long as they are in effect, we have to deal with them.

TSA's solution is to go the "virtual bribe at the border" route rather than employ sensible and effective security practices.

Throughout the thread there were references to getting a KTN in 24 hours. Just what kind of background check can be done in that time? And isn't that quick check just the reason why we are required to submit personal information when we purchase our airline tickets? It's stupid and makes no sense.

Ranger111 · Oct 13, 2015

Unas said:
TSA's solution is to go the "virtual bribe at the border" route rather than employ sensible and effective security practices.

Throughout the thread there were references to getting a KTN in 24 hours. Just what kind of background check can be done in that time? And isn't that quick check just the reason why we are required to submit personal information when we purchase our airline tickets? It's stupid and makes no sense.

Gee. A reasonable, logical comment. Guess we have not all turned into "sheeple." Agree with you totally.

And, the thing is, how could anyone who really wants flight security, disagree?

Used to getting TSA Precheck? Not so fast...

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