Hey friends! Here’s another carryover topic from last year. You’ve probably heard about TSA Precheck before, but might not know what it’s all about. Well, you’re in luck. I know all kinds of stuff about it and am going to share it with you.
What is TSA Precheck?
Essentially, TSA Precheck is the fast lane through airport security. You don’t need to remove laptops, liquids, belts, shoes, or light jackets. According to TSA, 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
This program is for domestic travel only. It will not get you through customs, so keep that in mind.
Do I need it?
Well, that depends on how you travel. For me, it is. I travel with my medical equipment and it makes things easier. It might be for you too, if you:
- Travel frequently in the United States
- Have a disability that makes the long security lines or having to take off shoes difficult
- Have children–under the age of 17 can use the line for free as long as they are under your reservation…you need to be their parent/guardian.
- If your child is traveling alone
- Just plain don’t want to wait the long, time consuming line
NOTE: When I traveled with my POC, I did get stopped by security each time so the could swab/inspect. It does tack on some time, but since I didn’t have to wait in super long lines beforehand it wasn’t a huge deal. A little annoying, yes, but I still has plenty of time to get where I needed to go.
How do I get TSA Precheck?
You have a few options. TSA has three enrollment providers: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and TELOS. They are three separate companies, so if you’re doing something for multiple people be sure to be one the same pages. There are different costs for each provider, so make sure you find the one that works for you.
I have experience with IDEMIA, so I can only speak to that. To get TSA Precheck for the first time or to renew if you let it expire, do the following:
- You go to the website linked above
- Click on TSA Precheck, then New Enrollment
- Answer all the questions. Be sure to read them carefully. If you’re missing necessary documentation, you could be turned away.
- Choose your location, then click next
- Choose a date and time from the dropdown menus
- Click Submit. If you don’t, you won’t have an appointment.
- From there, you will need to show up for the appointment to review the application, take your photo, and get fingerprinted.
If you need to renew your existing TSA Precheck, you go to the website linked above; click TSA Precheck, then renewal; Answer all of the questions; Pay, then Submit.
Other helpful links
How to use your TSA Precheck benefits
Do you have TSA Precheck? Plan to get it for your upcoming travel? Shout it out!
Be safe out there! REMEMBER YOUR MAPS AND PASSPORT STAMPS!! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
English 