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.
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.
