TSA Precheck

Everything You Need to know About TSA Precheck

Everything You Need to know About TSA Precheck

If you’ve recently travelled by air, you are aware of how frustrating airports can be. To avoid paying for checked bags, you may have to stuff your items into a small carry-on. In order to prevent your tablet from dying mid-flight, you must quickly locate an outlet. Furthermore, the food at airports is costly and sometimes disgusting.

However, going through airport security is perhaps the toughest aspect about travelling. Even the best airports suggest arriving at least two hours before a domestic trip since it might occasionally take that long to get through security and to your gate.

Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck to avoid having to show up hours before your trip and stand in line.

What is TSA precheck

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that offers low-risk flyers access to a certain airport security checkpoint experience.

TSA PreCheck is a federal program that allows travelers who have been deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a branch of the United States Department of Homeland Security, to skip a more stringent security checkpoint at a few U.S. airports. Typically, fewer than 10 minutes are needed for this type of examination.

Travelers that use TSA PreCheck benefit from things like shorter lines, fewer outfit changes, less comprehensive security procedures, and other things.

Despite the fact that the TSA PreCheck application can be done online, a face-to-face appointment is still required for the background check and fingerprinting. As of 2021, the program has been set to record over 10 million participants since it started in 2013.

Short Nuggets

A U.S. government program called TSA PreCheck gives people access to an expedited security checkpoint experience at airports to low-risk air passengers. Customers that use TSA PreCheck benefit from shorter lines, fewer outfit changes, quicker security screenings, and other benefits.

For the background check and fingerprints, a face-to-face visit is required. Although you may start the TSA PreCheck application online. The $85 TSA PreCheck status fee is always required and the validity of the status is for five years. Although the TSA Precheck program began in 2013, there were nearly 10 million enrolled members by 2021.

Application and Requirements for TSA Precheck Program Status

TSA PreCheck is offered by 79 airlines and more than 200 airports. Accessing the TSA website will allow you to begin the application process; you may choose to do so. However, you must apply in person at one of the more than 380 application centres, where you will be fingerprinted and asked to provide official identity, citizenship, and documentation proving your U.S. citizenship. The online application often takes less than five minutes to complete, but the in-person appointment typically takes 10 minutes.

Foreign nationals must meet particular residency requirements for participation in the program. Once you have been granted TSA PreCheck status, you will then be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your TSA Precheck status will immediately be applied when you contact that number to book a ticket.

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The following items must be required as acceptable identification of citizenship when applying for TSA precheck status.

  • U.S. Citizenship Certificate.
  • U.S. birth certificate.
  • Identification Card for U.S. Citizens.
  • Certification of Birth Abroad Report.
  • Consular Report of a Foreign Birth.
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.

Eligibility for Application for TSA Precheck 

When an application for TSA precheck is done, the authorities immediately run a background check on the applicants. This background check is done to find out if there has been a criminal record on the person, the application will be declined if that is the case. Also only U.S. nationals, legal permanent residents, and U.S. citizens, are eligible to apply for the TSA precheck status.

  • Additionally, TSA may decide that you are ineligible for the following reasons:
  • If you are considered a threat according to Interpol and other international data.
  • You have either been determined to be mentally derailed or have been forcibly admitted to a mental health facility.
  • You are listed on a government wanted list or database for terrorists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens Once Your TSA PreCheck Application has Been Submitted?

TSA aims to respond to your inquiry within 60 days after receiving the data you supplied during enrolment. However, If there were any issues getting your fingerprints during enrollment, this process might take longer. You can always check your status online.

What is the Benefit of TSA Precheck?

Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you must still go through airport security. The procedure is far less complicated than what the general public must go through. It provides access to a designated security lane so you may skip huge queues.

This is the Primary Benefit of TSA PreCheck

Additionally, as a TSA PreCheck member, you may keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag and not have to bother about taking off your shoes or belt.

How do I know the Airline Where the TSA Precheck is Functioning?

It is worthy of note that not every airline uses TSA PreCheck. However, as of June 2019, TSA PreCheck was being offered at more than 200 airports with 67 cooperating airlines in the United States.

  • You must fly on an airline that has partnered with the TSA if you want to benefit from TSA PreCheck quicker screenings.
  • TSA operates TSA PreCheck and establishes security checkpoints in collaboration with airlines.
  • To know whether your neighbourhood airport provides TSA PreCheck and to see if your preferred airline is a partner, visit the TSA PreCheck interactive page.

Is it Possible to Get the TSA Precheck Status for Free?

Below are some ways you can get the TSA precheck status for free

  • Randomly issued
  • Credit card benefits
  • Military benefits
  • Redeem awards.

How do I Renew my TSA Precheck Status

After 5 years, the validity of Precheck status expires. Before it does, you will be sent an email by the authorities to tell you how to go about Renewing the status.

Conclusion

Everything you need to know about TSA precheck has been explicitly explained in this article. Carefully read through, and follow the steps to understand how to go about registering for the program.

Hostel in London

15 Best Hotels To Stay In London

15 Best Hotels To Stay In London

With so much rich history and heritage, London is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities you can visit. Being home to some of the biggest tourist attractions in the world including The Buckingham palace, The House of Lords & House of Commons, The Tower of London, The Thames river and one of the world’s busiest airports.

There’s also popular art galleries, hard hitting grime music and home to the world’s most popular football league.

Below are fifteen minutes wonderful places you can stay when in London:

Shangri-La The Shard, London
With hundreds of thousands of online reviews from happy customers, this hotel happens to be one of the most incredible places you can spend spend your time and money on when in London. It comprises of 18 floors with well furnished suites, a restaurant that knows it’s onions, a pool, a lounge and a spa.

2. The Soho Hotel
Located a little distance away from Oxford street, the Soho is a home away from home for thousands of tourists who flock to London. There are fully air-conditioned rooms with mini-bars, there’s also a spa and restaurant services. This luxury hotel offers you a taste of comfort mixed with royal treatment.

3. The Bedford, Balham
Located five minutes away from Balham station, this boutique hotel which comprises of 15 tastefully furnished bedrooms equipped with bathtubs and some of the most picture worthy wall and outdoor decor. You get to be treated to good music and comedy live performances during your stay here. Rooms starting from £130 per night.

4. The Connaught
Located in Mayfair, this luxury hotel comprises of glamorous and classy rooms complete with premium concierge services and affords you that kingly treatment you desire, serving you high end mouthwatering meals washed down with world-class vintage.

5. The Dorchester Hotel
Beautifully positioned to overlook the famous Hyde Park is another Mayfair hotel located close to hotspots like Oxford street and Marble Arch offers you comfortable and spacious bedrooms, French restaurant and barbecue services, fitness and relaxation centers and an on-site bar serving the best wines and spirits.

6. The Ritz Hotel, London
Reputable for serving customers with deluxe and luxury accomodations and hospitality services, rooms consist of beautiful furniture depicting the style of the previous centuries, it also features the famous Michelin star Ritz Restaurant with meals prepared solely from fresh farm picked ingredients, drink up at the Rivoli bar and gamble at the Ritz club casino if you’re feeling lucky.

7. Claridge’s Hotel
This five star luxury hotel located in the heart of London, consists of exquisite and tastefully furnished guestrooms in a theme similar to that of the 1930s. Enjoy over 50 different blends of tea with freshly made biscuits and cookies.

8. CitizenM London Bankside, South Bank
This is a highly digitalized and beautifully positioned hotel situated behind South Bank and a little distance away from the Borough Market. Each room is fully furnished with king-sized beds, stocked with books and apple computers with rooms starting from £140 per night.

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9. New Road Hotel, Whitechapel
Sited in what was once a textile company New Road Hotel is styled with brick walls and windows with metal frames and each room is furnished with king-sized beds, there’s a hot tub and a classic restaurant where you can enjoy a good meal with a view of the tower of London.

10. The Exhibitionist Hotel
Positioned opposite the Natural History Museum, this boutique hotel located in the middle of South Kensington is also a neighbor to Knightsbridge, the Science museum, the Albert Hall among others giving anyone who’s on an adventure the ease of accessing these attractions.

11. The Rockwell, Kensington
Another beautiful location to lodge for anyone who would love to explore attractions is The Rockwell hotel in West London.

Fashioned after the Victorian times style, this hotel is situated close to popular museums and features a restaurant running 24/7.

12. The Pilgrim, Paddington
Sited just across the Paddington station, built in the style prevalent in the Victorian era, this hotel serves as a spot where you can embrace the comfort of the past while enjoying the luxury of the present.

13. W Hotel London, Leicester Square
In the midst of Leicester Square, this hotel comes fully furnished with spacious and classy bedrooms, flat screen tvs, live music events at the bar, large windows ensuring that the rooms are well-lit, massage services at the spa and is just a few minutes’ walk down to Chinatown and Oxford street.

14. Twenty Nevern Square Hotel
If you are looking for a boutique hotel with a touch of luxury, the perfect hotel for you is the Twenty Nevern Square Hotel. Built during Victorian times, rooms come with four-post beds, marble floors and ceilings, premium room service, a lounge and marble floors and ceilings, premium room service and lounge, you can easily hop on a train for the brief trip to the Thames.

15. Motel One London- Tower Hill
This is a stylish designer hotel with low cost lodging that offers you a beautiful get away experience in a location close to main tourist attractions like the tower of London. This is a beautiful budget-friendly option with a touch of luxury.

Conclusion

London happens to be among one of the beautiful and sought-after destination for travellers and students as it is embedded with rich history, arts, music, sports and so much more. It has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions and hotels built in the style of centuries past which makes it perfect for any adventurous traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Area in London to Stay in?

Based on your reasons for travel, that’s what impacts your location of choice. If you’re looking for tourist attractions; Westminster and the South Bank and if you’re on family vacation, then Kensington works best.

What’s the Best Hotel in London for Couples?

Some of the best hotels for romantic getaways by couples include; The Hilton, The milestone hotel & Residences and Shangri-La The Shard.

backpacking Europe

40 Helpful Tips For Backpacking Through Europe

40 Helpful Tips For Backpacking Through Europe

Backpacking happens to be one of the many things that travelers are interested in undertaking especially people seeking for adventure. For those who may not be in the know, backpacking is a kind of travel which involves traveling with all of your necessities in a backpack during a trip while moving from place to place.

However, backpacking is not as easy as it seems and there are so many variables to take into consideration for a smooth and enjoyable backpacking experience.

This article should serve as a guide for anyone interested in making their quest for their quest for backpacking through Europe a success.

1. Get a Backpack

This should be at the top of your travel checklist. A strong, roomy, compartmentalized and comfortable backpack with sturdy and adjustable straps is your best bet.

2. Choose your Destination

It’s unwise to get on the road without properly deciding on all the places you want to visit while on your trip. If you’re on a tight budget, then think of exploring budget-friendly locations and stick to those.

3. Book your Flight

Getting a plane ticket early enough will save you stress and money. Research for the cheaper options when it comes to airfare.

4. Look for Cheap Accomodations

The goal of backpacking is actually the chance of saving some money while traveling. Cheap lodging is recommended if you are looking at saving some coins. Instead of regular hotels, you can opt for Airbnb’s, couch surfing, house-sitting and even outdoor camping.

5. Check Travel Documents

Ensure all your travel documents including your passport, ID, Visas and even plane ticket are all intact. It’s best to conduct a comprehensive research of all documents required for travelers in your preferred destination.

6. Travel Light

Since you’ll be moving around with a backpack, it’s best to pack only the necessary items you’ll be needing during your trip to avoid having too much of a backache.

7. Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a must especially if you are traveling to Europe from a different continent. Insurance is a lifesaver for situations like accidents, illness, misplaced or stolen items.

8. Carpooling

Carpooling with the locals can help you save a lot of money that you would have to spend when trying to get around in your location.

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9. Renting a Ride

Renting a ride is also another cheap alternative to help you get around.

10. Train Travel

This is still by far the cheapest form of public transport in most parts of Europe and it saves the backpacker a lot of coins.

11. Travel with a Refillable Water Bottle

That way, you can easily access free water from fountains which happen to be everywhere I Europe rather than spending money on bottled water.

12. Learn Popular Phrases

Learn some of the popular key phrases in the local dialect of you are backpacking to a place where you don’t speak the language. It’ll help you in making purchases or finding your way if you get lost. You can write out the commonest sentences on paper for ease.

13. Local Dishes

Eating local dishes will save you a lot of money.

14. Free Food

Enjoy free food by eating the samples at farmers markets which are always free.

15. Opt for the Countrysides

Opt for the countrysides if you want to save more money as being stuck in the city results in spending more money than you planned.

16. Visit Museums

Visit museums and tourist attractions on free days. If you’re in Italy for instance, The Vatican museum offers free entry on September 27 commemorating world tourism day.

17. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes if you are going to do some walking around.

18. Shop Operating Times

Be aware that in so many European destinations, shops and supermarkets are all closed on Sundays so plan accordingly.

19. Take your Time

There are a lot of picturesque places to see in Europe so don’t be in a rush but let the beauty of each location you visit soak in.

20. Ease Yourself at Restaurants

Most locations in Europe require that you pay to use the public restrooms so always ease yourself whenever you are at the restaurant, mall or museum.

21. Enjoy Free Events

There are a lot of free events happening in Europe almost every other day, so if you are a concert lover, look up what’s happening around you and pull up.

22. Enjoy Night Life

Europe is fun on a whole different dimension during the wee hours of the night as so many destinations are famous for the bubbling night life.

23. The beach is a great spot for the relaxation of the typical backpacker.

24. Avoid traveling to a location during it’s peak season to avoid any unnecessary price hikes.

25. Sometimes, it’s fun to allow yourself get lost and wander off into new places. You’d be amazed at what you stumble upon.

26. Ensure to travel with a guidebook.

27. A high speed data plan for your phone for your phone and laptop will do you a lot of good during your backpacking adventure.

28. Never trust public WiFi especially if you are going to enter your credit card information.

29. Sadly, not everyplace is as safe as you’d assume, avoid giving away the fact that you are a tourist at all locations.

30. To avoid long queues at museums and other tourist attractions, arrive at least two hours before closing time.

31. Go hiking and stretch those beautiful legs.

32. Spend your money only on the things you enjoy not on what’s popular.

33. A picnic at the local park is loads of fun.

34. Purchase your bus tickets before you get on board. Never attempt to sneak in and out.

35. Be wary of tourist scams.

36. Avoid showing off any expensive possessions that you may have on you. Items including smartphones, jewelry,etc.

37. Never take your eyes off your backpack.

38. Keep photocopies of your travel documents just in case you lose the originals.

39. Padlocking your backpack decreases chances of losing items inside.

40. Making new friends while on a journey is among one of the best memories for the traveler.

Conclusion

Backpacking through Europe is supposed to be super fun and less expensive and stressful once you follow all the tips that apply to you and your destination. Apart from cutting down your budget considerably, backpacking gives you the freedom to live in the edge and see the world on your terms.

Frequntly Asked Questions

Is it safe to backpack through Europe?

Europe is considered very safe as a continent and very accessible to tourists as cities and countries are well linked.

How much money do you need to backpack through Europe?

Depending on where you are traveling from and the part of Europe you intend to visit, make an average daily budget of $150 to $200.

Where do you sleep for free when backpacking through Europe?

A free night’s rest can be gotten in train stations, 24 hour bars and restaurants and camping outdoors.