Here’s one of several first-person accounts among TICKET readers who have been selected for the TSA’s special “PreCheck” expedited security line at ATL.
So far, it seems like the frequently maligned TSA has knocked one outta the ballpark with this test. Time will tell if or when we see how far it expands beyond the testing stage. By the time the holiday crowds appear at airports later this year, everyone’s going to want to get into this special program! (Currently only at airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit and Miami.)
>>GET SOCIAL WITH THE TICKET!! Are you signed up for our Facebook page or Twitter feed? If not, why not? We’d love to have you AND you’ll get more breaking news faster. Also, if you like a post, please use the buttons that you see above or below to share The TICKET with your social networks.<<
Here’s how TICKET reader DW described his recent trip through the super special line:
I flew to Ohio this past weekend to visit family and tested the new expedited screening line at Atlanta. From what I had read, I would qualify because I’m enrolled in Global Entry, but I wasn’t clear how they would verify that – so I brought my passport just in case. Turns out I didn’t need it.
The location is at the end of the Delta ticketing area (the “T-South” screening area). They have two lines there, one for regular travelers and one for the expedited line. They scan boarding pass as you approach, so my Global Entry status must have been captured on the Delta boarding pass because they directed me into the expedited line. There was one person in front of me at the ID check station and by the time the agent had confirmed my boarding pass and ID, that person was walking through the metal detector. I walked in, put my bag on the belt and walked through. No hassle. From the time I approached the line to the time I was through the security screening it took a total of less than three minutes.
They don’t need liquids or laptops to be removed from cases, so bags can go direct on the belt and through. And they don’t require that we remove shoes, belts or blazers so I kept all three on. Really very easy – and if they do roll it out and the crowds increase, it’ll still go much faster without all the jockeying at the metal detector to remove shoes and laptops.
The experience was positive enough that my partner and his son are both going to enroll in Global Entry* – not because they travel so much internationally, but because it qualifies them for this lane . . . .
*Note that American Express Platinum card holders get Global Entry free as part of the card’s new benefit package.
What do you think…Are YOU one of the chosen few who’ve tested the new PreCheck line? Please leave your comments below!
***
HELP US HELP YOU! Fwd our URL to friends or share The TICKET via social networking! Tell all your friends to sign up for The TICKET.
Book your trips here:
AIRTRAN: Get the latest, greatest airfare deals from AIRTRAN.COM
DELTA: Click here for the latest fare sales and deals at Delta Air Lines
CHEAPO AIR: Air, hotel car rental and package deals galore from CheapOair.com
HOTWIRE: Great hotel deals and $13.95 per day rental cars with low Hotwire Hot-Rates!
I went thru the tSA check line at 3:00 pm on May 23rd. The line was about 25 deep. The maddillion Priority line was empty but had the body scan on it. The regular security line was a little longer. There where also people that got into the TSA check line that where not eligiable. It seems like the number of people eligiable for TSA Check is considerabe in Atlanta.
I am a Diamond and signed up for Global Entry and have yet to be selected for Pre Check. It has created quite the roadblock process for the double scanning of tickets. The whole thing seems like an inefficient process.
I have to tell you, the GOES (Global Entry) stamp on the back of my passport is the best thing in the world. Just had my husband get one so that I don’t have to wait for him any more. I travel internationaly for business and have had it for almost a year now. I cannot explain to people just what a time saver it is. thank goodness we are now going to be able to use it going out as well as coming into an airport.
I am a 1MM, Diamond with Global Entry. I have been selected for the PreCheck line only once out of seven trips out of ATL in the past 60 days. Dang it! Forget the random, how about some consistency?
Great time saver, when you selected!
I took two flights last months, 2 weeks apart and the first time I was pull into the Pre Check lane and not the second time!!
I asked someone and they had no clue why!
I am platinum, so this is strange!!
Pleasantly surprised on reaching security gates to be directed to tne PreCheck line. Only one person ahead of me in line and easy to get through quickly. The TSA agent who checked my ID said the process would be “like it was 20 years ago”. I thanked a TSA supervisor who was monitoring the process and he asked me to complete the computerized questions just after the entry area. Thanks Atlanta and TSA.
It was great getting through quickly on my way to Vegas. Laptop, shoes, jacket, ziplock bag all stayed where they were. Only needed to put cell in carry-on! Of course on the way back from Vegas I was ‘selected’ for random screening to make up for it!
I’ve been directed into PreCheck for 3 flights but was not directed earlier this week. When I asked why, I was told that it was random. anyone know anything about that?
I’ve had Global Entry for several months, entered my Known Traveler number correctly into my profile as instructed in the invitation e-mail from Delta, and then made 3-4 round-trip flights with no ability to use the PreCheck. After some investigation, I figured out that Delta.com wasn’t automatically importing my Known Traveler number into existing or NEW reservations, so I started cutting-and-pasting it in the TSA Pre-Flight sections. Finally, on my last flight, I was allowed to use the line. Unbelievably better experience! I never use the body scanners and always insist on a manual pat-down, so the 20 second security screening was a real step in the right direction. Thanks–finally–TSA!
So the PreCheck program has a random element. In the last two weeks out of Atlanta I got it twice but NOT the third time. I spoke with TSA and was told you are eligible based on travel frequency (not just FF Level or Global Entry) – but even if qualified it is random if you get it or not for each flight. This really annoyed me after getting it twice and then being turned away the third time.
I thought I was a no go on it, but then realized, it doesn’t work for Int’l. Flew Domestic, and was through ATL south security in less then 60 seconds, 2 minutes in total. Yes, you read that correctly, walked on threw. Was interesting hearing TSA say “keep your watch on sir!”.
I don’t think it has anything to do with Global Entry. I applied to Global Entry and got rejected previously but I’ve gotten selected for the Pre line 3 times. And man, it is wonderful!
I’ve been through the expedited lines several times now – and it is indeed screening the way it used to be. I was pre-selected via an e-mail from Delta (I’m a lowly Gold Medallion) but had forgotten about it until I was pre-screened on the first day of the program. The only drawback I see is that travelling companions still have to go through the regular lines.
I echo the comments of the previous writers. I am Gold Medallion on Delta and fly almost every week of the year (business or pleasure)and welcome the Global Entry program. But I have not joined yet. I did “Opt In” when I got the Email from Delta weeks ago and have always stored my data in my profile on the website. I REALLY wish “Clear” would come back to cities other than just IND & DEN, but that’s another post. I (and my spouse who has no elite status) had no problem paying for the expedited entrance.
This is great for frequent travelers who have status is a frequent flyer program or who have paid a fee to join Global Entry. For the rest of us, it means longer times to get through security since lanes have to be made available and staffed for the fortunate few. Because I fly only six or eight times a year, I am being treated as a second class citizen. I pay the same security fees with my airline ticket as the elite fliers and yet am not treated equally. There is something inequitable about a government run program that gives special preference to certain classes of people.
I have my approved global entry number entered in my delta profile–going on nealy 1 month now, and have never been allowed to use Pre-Check in the last 4 flights from Atl. Not sure how they’re processing the information at TSA vs. CBP and Delta.
I traveled to White Plains last weekend and was tagged for the expedited line. Had done nothing to deserve it…simply gold medallion! Was a delight. Heading to Chicago tomorrow. We’ll see!
It took an extra week for my number to come up. The issue MAY have been that my Sky Miles profile had “Jim” and my ticket had “James”. Once I changed my profile, I got through on my next trip.
I went through at ATL earlier this week, and felt like I had won the lottery. This is reasonable screening.
About time!
I’m excited about this although I am not a Global Entry member. Yesterday while coming back from Memphis on Airtran, the A Concourse line only had one of two security lines open at 5:30pm with about a 15 minute wait. However, I counted FOURTEEN TSA people – at least 7 of them standing around. Very frustrating. I talked to a gentleman who came through about 30 minutes later and he had experienced the same thing – still only one line.
Was selected by TSA for the quick lane for security – I think they call it Pre Check- and man was it fast, the only thing I had to do was take my phone out of my pocket- that’s right, did not have to pull out computer, iPad, belt, wallet, or liquids, also kept shoes on – wow was that cool – maybe flying can be efficient again – thx TSA — at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
I have been directed thru the line twice for Delta regional flights from Atlanta and loved it ! Still had to remove shoes for metal, but bag and laptop and me fully dressed with jacket flew thru. Love it ! However, on other end at Miami, still have to “do the dance”. But anything is a plus for Atlanta speed. Thank you TSA.
I went through this at Detroit on October 16. It was absolutely unbelievable. I was completely blown away – it reminded me of the old days of travel! I just hope and pray that no terrorist is going to slip through with any weapons.
I am not a member of Global Entry, although I am Diamond Medallion.
+1 to those guys. As a Diamond Medallion I was selected at check-in two weeks ago and it was a dream come true. I had received an email from Delta about a month ago stating I could opt in on the website where you prefill your full name, gender, and birthdate. I also received a mail for my wife yesterday (who is Gold Medallion) and she promptly opted in as well. Can’t wait to fly, but it’s only in ATL and one other airport now, hopefully soon to be implemented at more.
I too went and signed up for the Global Entry program and have been waiting for my interview date (which TSA said was required in order to be approved). I travel out of Atlanta and usually use the T concourse security entrance. The first time I went through about 2 weeks ago TSA scanned my ticket and they told me I was approved to use the pre-check lane – What a surprise! Went through the line with my shoes on, my computer in my bag and liquids tucked away in my suitcase. The second time I went through the same security check point, I was told that it’s not guaranteed everytime and I had to go through the regular line! When I told them I went through the Pre-check lane the prior week the TSA agent said it was a random process and that you are not going to get access to the pre-check lane every time. Makes no sense to me.
My wife is Gold and I am Diamond. She was pulled for expediting and I was not. Agent didn’t care that we were together. Took me 20 minutes longer.
I fly weekly between Atlanta and Detroit and am Diamond on Delta – the PreCheck screening is nothing short of amazing.
I still take my shoes off, as most of them have a metal shank, but that is of little consequence to me as the rest is such a breeze.
Perhaps it’s my imagination, but I feel that I am treated with respect as opposed to being treated like a would be terrorist.
I was pleasantly surprised to be pulled into the expedited lane and had the same fast experience. I felt like I had been taken back in time. Well done Delta and TSA!
I am not a member of Global Entry or anything like that, just a platinum member that travels way too often. On my most recent trip I checked a bag, went to security and when I showed the TSA woman my boarding pass she sent me to the “PreCheck” line (I didnt even know that line had a name. My laptop bag was not opened, no shoes were removed and I was thru security in about 90 seconds (there were lines though not extrememly long at the normal security lines). I had no idea why I got chosen, but was happy I was. When I get on a plane next week it will be interesting to see if I get picked again, you would think I would, right?
Richard Siegel
Same experience as DW on a recent flight to STT, only had no idea I would be pulled as I am not Global Entry (DL Platinum/2MM). It was one of the few pleasant security experiences I have had anywhere. Didn’t have time to engage my usual cynicism at the system and could have slept another hour, but since it is random and not assured, you can’t take that chance.