TSA Precheck: Get Out of the Unpredictable Security Lines

By Kristen Richard

When you’re about to enter an airport, many of us get that sinking feeling when we see the long line at security.

But wait, what is that shorter line, the one where you don’t have to take off your shoes and you can leave your laptop in your bag. That’s the line everyone wants to be in–and you can get in it randomly, or you can pay and try to get it more often.

Airport security is vital to keeping the airline passenger’s safe. However waiting in line for an unpredictable amount of time, while watching a passenger walk back and forth through a metal detector while wearing every piece of metal jewelry they own, can be frustrating.

Though being able to pass through the shorter and much easier TSA PreCheck line cannot be guaranteed, it’s worth applying for because even a few times, saving time at the airport never gets old.

The TSA is encouraging travelers to apply to be a TSA Precheck member. This is a trusted traveler program that will allow members to have an efficient traveling experience by skipping the regular security lines. It is currently being used by 14 airlines and is found in 150 airports.

How it Works

All United States citizens, United States nationals, and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply.
Travelers who want to become TSA Precheck members fill out an online application and pay a non-refundable $85 fee. If one is accepted the $85 gives one membership for five years.

After filling out the application, applicants need to schedule an in-person interview. For the interview, applicants will be expected to bring proof of identity and citizenship, a current U.S passport or driver’s license, a birth certificate, and answer a few questions.

There are locations for in-person interviews all over the United States. Visit UES Locator to find one nearest you. The experience is draining in some ways because there are limited slots available–our advice is to pick a less-visited location, as we did, in Rhode Island, instead of the busier airport locations for the interview.

If you are Accepted
Applicants will be notified in about two weeks as to whether or not they were accepted into the program.

Accepted applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number, otherwise known as KTN. TSA Precheck members must enter that number into the KTN field when booking their next flight. It will be printed on one’s boarding pass. If someone has bought tickets for you, be sure to tell them to enter your Known Traveler Number into the reservation, or you won’t be able to get into the shorter TSA Precheck lines.

Now, instead of waiting in an unpredictably long security line, TSA Precheck members will be directed to designated shorter security lines. Most of the time, that is.

Alongside the benefits of a shorter security line, passengers do not need to remove their shoes, belts and light jackets can stay on, 3-1-1 liquids can stay in bags, and laptops can stay in their bags as well.

What if I am Traveling Outside the United States?

TSA Precheck is often available to travelers when leaving the United States to another country. TSA Precheck members can also be eligible for Precheck when connecting to a domestic flight after they arrive in the United States. Often, though, travelers taking flights overseas will be told they cannot use the Precheck lines, despite what the TSA says in the literature.

A GoNOMAD staffer who recently flew to Amsterdam from JFK on KLM was told he could not use the Precheck line despite the fact that he has a Known Traveler Number as well as a Global Entry account. If the flight is operated by a foreign carrier, you’re out of luck.

If you are an avid traveler or simply do not like waiting in long lines TSA Precheck allows members for a much more efficient and predictable traveling experience.

Kristen Richard writes from Massachusetts. When she is not writing she enjoys photography, running, biking, horseback riding, and finding new places to travel.

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