Written on 3^rd March 2017

Why it is so important to get TSA PreCheck as soon as possible

The TSA PreCheck program (TSA Pre✓® ), an expedited screening program that enables trusted travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 180 U.S. airports, has informed airlines that since February it has “significantly reduced” the number of passengers randomly selected for faster screening.

When normal lines become too congested, the TSA sometimes allows travelers without a Known Traveler Number to pass through PreCheck, but that is about to change. Limiting passengers allowed through TSA Pre✓ signals a “natural progression” in the program, the agency said. In the future, they will only allow enrolled, pre-vetted passengers or those screened by K9s.

Therefore, all frequent flyers (that travel three or more round trips per year) must enroll in a trusted traveler program, such as TSA Pre✓ Application Program or Global Entry to obtain access to expedited screening when going through airport security.

TSA Pre✓® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. In December 2016, 97 percent of TSA Pre✓® passengers got through an expedited screening lane in less than 5 minutes. 

TSA Pre✓®- How it Works

1. Apply Online
Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers. Travelers can apply for TSA Pre✓® for a cost of $85 for five years, or $17 per year.

2. Background Check
A 10 minute, in person appointment, that includes a background check and fingerprinting.

3. Enjoy TSA Pre✓®
Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your ticket and enjoy!

TSA partners with 11 additional airlines to offer TSA Pre✓®

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the expansion of TSA Pre✓® to 11 new airlines, bringing the total number of airlines participating in TSA Pre✓® to 30.

The expansion includes both foreign and domestic airlines operating within the United States. Eligible passengers traveling on Aruba Airlines, Avianca, Boutique Airlines, Emirates, Key Lime Air, Miami Air International, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sunwing, Virgin Atlantic, and Xtra Airways will now have the opportunity to experience expedited screening.

A total of 30 carriers now participate in TSA Pre✓®. The other participating airlines are: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, OneJet, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America, and WestJet.

Other passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓® include members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs, such as Global Entry (for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Colombia, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea citizens and Mexican nationals) and NEXUS (for Canadian citizens). TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.

As always, TSA continues to incorporate unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.

Please contact your dedicated Travel Executive for any further information regarding this matter.