Hello Lunatics!!
TSA PreCheck, is it good, great or just meh? If you are in the US, and travel mostly domestically, this post may help you save a little bit of time by getting TSA PreCheck. And of course, there is a story that goes with why I am telling you this. When I got accepted into Georgetown in Washington, DC in 2022, I knew the program was in person. I had to be in DC at least once a month. I was so hyped to be traveling!
I started planning everything as I usually do and it was all fine until I thought about the potential of long lines at the airports. That’s when I started the research since schools was starting in April and it was already February when I was accepted, so time was of the essence!
Why did I think of getting TSA PreCheck? Well, I am naturally running late all the time to almost everything. I knew the chances of me missing a flight because of long lines was pretty high and I didn’t want to risk it. One day I left my passport at home and had to rush back home to make sure I had it with me; another day, I left my wallet in my car at the long term parking and had to rush on the shuttle back to get it.
Also, the thought of running late plus having to take off my shoes, my belt, my jacket, remove the laptop after making a line… not appealing. So, I went for the TSA PreCheck. Late as heck too!
Where to start the process?
Like almost everything these days, go online to the TSA enrollment page and find the “New Enrollment” button if this is your first time applying. You will need to complete the information on the next four screens. Navigation is fairly easy as you complete each panel. If you must return to update an answer, hit the back button on the screen. I recommend you don’t use your browser’s back button just in case something goes wrong.
The first panel of questions and data belongs to your personal information (name, DOB, height, weight, address, etc.) One word of caution is to make sure that your name is listed exactly as it is on your ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and that it’s the same name you use when you book your airfare. They all have to match.
The second panel scans your eligibility based on any previous convictions or crimes. Please be honest. The Federal government will do a full background check and any discrepancy will cost you the chance to get into TSA PreCheck. Answer yes or no and when you’re done, click “Next” so you can get to the next section.
The third panel will ask you to select the documents you will bring to your appointment in person. Select whichever fits your documents from the two dropdown fields. You will be asked if your names match your documents. Read the instructions clearly before answering Yes or No on the form.
A green box will pop up instructing you to bring the two forms of ID to your appointment. You may click next from here.
On the last panel, number 4, you will select the location where to take your paperwork. Enter your zip code in the field box to the left of your screen. A list of potential locations will show up within a close enough radius. Once you select the closest one or most convenient to you, click on the location. You should be able to see how many appointments are available at that location. Click “Next” to create an appointment on the following screen.
Select the date that is more convenient for you from the left dropdown list and the better time for you to go from the right hand side drop down column. Then click “Submit”.
What happens after scheduling the appointment?
After you hit “Submit” on the last screen, you will get a notification in your email confirming your appointment with the location and other details. You may also get a list of any documents you will need to bring.
If something comes up and you cannot make your appointment, you can always go back to the system to update to a new date and time. It’s not the end of the world! I recommend that you do not delete any communications from TSA Pre-Check until after you get approved in case you need to refer back to anything.
On your appointment day:
- Follow all the instructions you get via email from TSA PreCheck.
- Make sure you have any required paperwork and forms of identification.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to your appointment to check in with the person on duty.
- Plan to be there for at least an hour. The process is not long, but sometimes technology may decide to act up and there may be some delays.
- Plan to pay the fee at the location. You may get instructions on payment types that they accept in your email.
- Check your email to get your KTN in a few days.
What do you after you receive your KTN (Known Traveler Number)
Save your KTN in a place where you can access it easily – like on your phone – because you will need it. When you are ready to book your next flight online, you will be asked to enter it in one of the fields. After you have paid for your flight, you will not see anything that says you have TSA PreCheck. Just trust the process.
You have to do this every single time you book a flight. Airlines don’t keep your KTN on file.
How do you know if you have TSA PreCheck?
Once you get the ‘green light’ from your airline to check in online, you can log in to do so. If you’re using an app on your smartphone for any airline to check in, you most likely will get a scannable boarding pass that you can save to your phone. When you get the boarding pass, open it to verify that there is a little TSA PreCheck mark on the pass.
If you do not check in on a smartphone and wait to do it at the airport on your travel day, go to a kiosk or to an agent. They will be able to look up your reservation with your record locator. If for whatever reason you don’t get your TSA Precheck mark on your boarding pass, let them know you have TSA Precheck. They will ask you for your KTN (this is why you need to have it in a safe place) and they should be able to print you a new boarding pass.
Then you should be ready to go on your merry way!
Remember, if you’re traveling with a group or with a partner and they don’t have TSA PreCheck, go ahead and skip the line! You can help yourself to a coffee or a beer while they wait to go through the line. I know I would! Haha!
I really hope this information has been helpful to you and that you will consider TSA PreCheck.
