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.)
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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!
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