TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck (branded as TSA Pre✓) is a Trusted Traveler program initiated in October 2011 and administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that allows selected members of select frequent flyer programs, members of Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, members of the US military, and cadets and midshipmen of the United States service academies[1] to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries.[2] As of March 2019, this program was available at more than 200 airports.[3]
After completing a background check, being fingerprinted,[4] and paying an $85 fee, travelers will get a Known Traveler Number. TSA does not issue an ID card like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI do.[5] Travelers are notified if they have PreCheck by having a indicator printed on their boarding pass that may say "TSAPRECHK", "TSA PRE", or "TSA Pre✓®" depending on the airline and type of boarding pass.[5]
The program has led to complaints of unfairness and longer wait lines.[6] TSA says that PreCheck is not guaranteed every flight, as passengers are subject to random exclusions.[5] Furthermore, passengers may be disqualified or suspended from PreCheck for violations of federal transportation security regulations.[5]
The TSA maintains a list of credit card issuers and loyalty programs that reimburse members' TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.[7]
Participating airlines
As of December 2019, a total of 73 airlines were participating in the program.[8]
References
- "Military Travel". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. n.d. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can benefit from TSA Pre✓® expedited screening at select airports when flying on participating airlines. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations.
- Sharkey, Joe (8 November 2011). "ON THE ROAD; For the Chosen Fliers, Security Check Is a Breeze". The New York Times. p. 9. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- "TSA Precheck Participating Airports". tsa.gov.
- "Stuck in line: TSA PreCheck expansion slowing down frequent travelers". NBC News. February 5, 2014. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014.
- "TSA Pre✓® FAQ". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. n.d. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
- Jeff Plungis (22 March 2013). "TSA Chief John Pistole Gets Into a Knife Fight". BusinessWeek. Bloomberg.com.
- "Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs featuring TSA Pre✓®". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
- "TSA Pre✓® Participating Airlines". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. n.d. Retrieved December 17, 2019.