TSA Pre-Check is something I have considered investing in for a long time. Last time I was considering pulling the trigger was in 2020 when I had planned to take a trip every month for 12 months straight. Unfortunately you know how 2020 turned out.
Well fast forward to 2022 and I have a jam-packed summer coming up. I have 8, possibly 10 flights within a 2 month period and last thing I want to do is spend extra time in security lines at the airport.
So last month, I made my appointment to get TSA Pre-Check and I was surprised how easy the process was; I did not even have to go to the airport!
If you are unfamiliar with what TSA Pre-Check is, it is a government traveler program which provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. The program is good for 5 years and allow you to wait in a separate line at security where you will not have to take off your shoes, belts, jackets, or unpack you bags at security. For $85 the benefits far out way the cost, especially if you travel at least a couple times a year.
So now that I convinced you that your $85 will be put to good use, here is what you should expect from the application process.
You will first start with an online application through https://www.tsa.gov/precheck . Here you will fill out personal information that will be used for a background check as well as to make an appointment for your finger printing and interview. Recently, TSA has been offering off-site mobile locations for these interviews, so no more having to deal with the airport. I was able to do my appointment at my local AAA.
Once you have your appointment you will want to bring 2 forms of identification. I brought my driver’s license and passport, but a birth certificate will also work. At the interview the TSA representative will scan your identification forms, take your finger prints, as well as a photo. Here is where you will pay the $85 fee, so be sure to have a credit card with you. My appointment from start to finish took no more than 10 minutes.
A few days later you will receive a confirmation email if you were approved for TSA Pre-Check followed a few weeks later by an email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number will be used when booking flights. It is important to note that there is no separate id card for TSA Pre-Check. When booking flights, you will use your KTN to notify the airline you have been approved for Pre-Check and it will show up on your boarding pass. If you have already booked flights before receiving your KTN you can simply log onto the airline’s website, pull up your reservation and add your number to your ticket. Simple as that!
Overall the process for TSA Pre-Check was smooth and simple. I am looking forward to far shorter airport lines for my upcoming summer adventures!