PreCheck program Archives - Stuck at the Airport

TSA opens first enrollment center for PreCheck program

Looking to get through airport security faster?

TSA is now letting passengers apply to get into the PreCheck program offering expedited screening, but for now you’ll have to go through Indianapolis International Airport to complete it.

Those using PreCheck lanes do not need to remove shoes, light jackets or belts, and may leave their laptops and bag of 3-1-1 compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on bags.

Travelers can begin the application online by providing basic information and make an appointment to visit an enrollment center to finish the process.

The first enrollment center will be located in Indianapolis International Airport’s concession-filled, pre-security Civic Plaza, between a shop called Cultural Crossroads and the exit from concourse B.

Over the next few weeks, TSA plans to open additional enrollment centers in the New York City area, the Washington, D.C. metro area and in Los Angeles. By the spring of 2014, the TSA plans to have more than 300 enrollment centers open around the country.

Until now, eligibility for the PreCheck program has only been available through programs such as the U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program and through airline frequent flier programs.

“TSA PreCheck is enabling us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, as we look for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way,” TSA Administrator John S. Pistole said in a statement.

According to TSA, travelers will be able to visit an application center to pay the non-refundable $85 application fee and provide required biographic information (name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints and identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. Those seeking to enroll may also begin their application online and make an appointment before visiting an enrollment center.

TSA’s PreCheck program allows qualified traveler to receive expedited checkpoint screening at more than 100 airports nationwide when flying on nine participating airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.

Approval is not immediate: TSA said applicants will be able to check their status online within five days and written responses should take approximately two to three weeks.

If approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number and a five-year membership in the PreCheck program.

(My story on TSA PreCheck first appeared on NBC News Travel)

TSA to extend PreCheck to 100 airports

Good news for travelers who hate taking off their shoes at airport security checkpoints: the TSA plans to extend its PreCheck program to an additional 60 airports and add extra PreCheck lanes to some of the 40 airports that already offer the expedited screening program.

This means that by the end of 2013, 100 airports will have some lanes set aside for pre-approved travelers who will not have to remove their shoes, light jackets and belts at the security checkpoints and who will be able to leave their laptops and little baggies of lotions and gels in their carry-on bags during screening.

The program currently applies to eligible passengers traveling on these airlines:

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Hawaiian Airlines

United Airlines,

US Airways

Virgin America.

Two other airlines – JetBlue and Southwest – are still working out the details to join the program.

In addition to expanding the number of TSA PreCheck lanes, the TSA has been steadily expanding the type of passengers eligible to use the lanes.

Right now, eligible passengers include U.S. citizens in frequent traveler programs who get invited by their airline, U.S. citizens in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program and Canadian citizens who are members of CBP’s NEXUS program. The TSA is also rolling out an application program that allows U.S. citizens to apply for the TSA PreCheck program – for an $85 fee.

Here’s a link to the airports that currently participate in the TSA PreCheck Program and here’s a link to the 60 airports the TSA is planning to add by the end of the year.