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To the dismay of Precheck-enrolled passengers travelling with those who aren’t, the House passed a bill in 2018 that would prohibit most passengers who aren’t enrolled in TSA Precheck from joining accelerated screening lines at airports.
And, while the bill hasn’t yet become law, you may have wondered: Is there anything you can do to sneak someone into the TSA Precheck queue if you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t have TSA Precheck? Your Mileage, on the other hand, is a travel website. This question was recently raised by May Vary, and the quick answer is, probably not.
An airline cannot provide TSA Precheck access to other passengers just because you are travelling together for security and safety concerns. The only exemption is for children under the age of 12 who are travelling with a parent or guardian who is enrolled in Precheck. (Those 75 and older may also have accelerated security rights, albeit this is not “Precheck.”) TSA Precheck access may also be granted at random to a traveller, albeit this is not always under your control.
In other words, you’re forced to choose between leaving your loved one at security and joining them in the “normal” security queue. However, if you’re planning a trip together, there is one thing you can do. If you and the non-enrolled passenger are both on the same reservation and you’ve added your known traveller number, the other passenger might get lucky and get Precheck nonetheless. Otherwise, attempt to get them to enrol right away.
How Does TSA PreCheck Work?
As a federal government programme, PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It’s your ticket to a fast-pass through airport security screening, but it’s not officially recognised.
TSA PreCheck lanes are only open to those who have signed up for the programme, so the wait time is significantly reduced compared to the usual screening process. And there’s no need to remove your coat, shoes, or belt, nor do you need to remove electronics or liquids from your luggage once you’ve entered the room. As a result, the line is moving much more quickly.
With TSA PreCheck, your security line wait will be significantly reduced. The first time you use it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t sign up sooner.
FAQs
How Do I Apply for TSA PreCheck?
There are two ways to sign up, both of which are simple. You don’t have to pay if you have the appropriate credit card. Later, we’ll talk about that.
For starters, you can apply directly to the TSA on the TSA’s website. PreCheck is a simple and quick process. Fill out the form and pay the $85 membership fee for five years. As part of the process, you’ll be interviewed (bring your passport!) and fingerprinted and photographed at the enrollment facility. These interviews are short and straightforward, and typically last no more than 10 minutes. From the time of application until approval, the procedure should take no more than two or three weeks if all goes according to plan.
Will You Always Get PreCheck When I Fly?
The answer is no, sadly. There is no guarantee that you will be able to use the PreCheck lane if you have a PreCheck subscription. We realise this is absurd.
The most important factor here is the airline you’re flying. As opposed to having an all-encompassing security service linked to your ID, PreCheck only works with certain airlines that participate in it.
That’s why you have to input your Known Traveler Number for each airline separately. If you don’t, you won’t be able to use PreCheck at all.
However, even if you fly with a TSA-approved airline, there is no guarantee that the system will function for you. TSA makes a point of emphasising that even for travellers who have paid for the service, it is possible to see variations in treatment.
Why Didn’t PreCheck Show Up on My Boarding Pass?
It’s almost always about your name.
The name on your boarding card and the name on your Known Traveler Number must be the same. That’s how your PreCheck benefit is transferred and the TSA knows you’re trustworthy. So, if you’re frustrated because you didn’t get PreCheck, it’s worth looking into whether there was a glitch.
And, in most cases, there is a simple solution. Directly message the airline you’re flying with on Twitter or Facebook. It’s one of the easiest ways to resolve any flight-related issue.
Which Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?
This is one of the most perplexing aspects of PreCheck. Just because you’ve signed up for PreCheck doesn’t guarantee you’ll always be able to utilise it at the airport.
It goes through your airline, which will print a PreCheck insignia on your boarding pass if you are accepted. Does your airline not participate in PreCheck? We’re afraid you’re out of luck.
All of the main domestic airlines, as well as several of the smaller US carriers, are featured. Each year, more international airlines join the programme. Currently, more than 70 airlines participate in PreCheck.
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