There are 26 PreCheck enrollment centers at airports across the country (Photo: TSA)
When PreCheck first rolled out, it was reserved for a secret society of frequent travelers– primarily a beta test group of high mileage members of Delta SkyMiles and American AAdvantage programs (and eventually United MileagePlus).
Airlines sent special invitations to their high-mileage flyers based in the few cities where PreCheck lanes first emerged in the summer of 2011. All members had to do was “opt in” and like magic, they became part of PreCheck. They did not have to apply or pay a fee to be part of the popular program.
Were you one of the lucky chosen few who just opted in? Many TravelSkills readers were! We remember hearing from you 🙂
If you’ve never applied for PreCheck, never paid a fee and received a “known traveler number” (KTN) then you need to pay attention to this.
This month the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is making changes to PreCheck.
The agency warns that if you are just an opt-in member, and not a full-on, card-carrying, paid member of its trusted traveler programs with a KTN, you will see a decline in how often you are chosen for expedited screening.
The TSA blog states: If you want to keep receiving TSA Pre✓ on a consistent/reliable basis for the next five years, you are encouraged to enroll in one of the four trusted traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
- TSA PreCheck ($85)
- CBP’s Global Entry ($100)
- CBP’s NEXUS ($50)
- CBP’s SENTRI ($122.25)
To learn more about these programs, and to view a comparison chart of the benefits, visit www.dhs.gov/tt.
Bottom line: If you’ve never paid to be part of a trusted traveler program and do not have a KTN on your frequent flyer profile, your chances of getting in the PreCheck line are slim and none.
Did you miss our TravelSkills Weekend Edition? Not a problem! Here are the links:
Delta Aeromexico + Delta dogs + United beer + 787s delayed + Japan Airlines + Remnants of SkyMall
In Case You Missed It…
- How to avoid fees when you want an earlier flight.
- San Francisco looks to the sea to accommodate conventioneers.
- Reader ravages new Marriott, Hilton cancellation policies.
- Chris goes to SFO to see the new British Airways A380 flight.
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YAY! Congrats and enjoy! -chris
Just an update on the interview process. Completed it at SFO yesterday afternoon. In total only took about 10 – 15 minutes. Had appointment but they started process even though I was 20 minutes early. Approved on spot and told I should have ID Card in 1-2 weeks.
Thanks, Sandy! –chris
Thanks, MG! — chris
In my case not long at all. Actually last week I applied for Global Entry on Monday. By Thursday I was conditionally approved and have my in person interview 3 weeks from now. Hope that helps give you a good time frame
Hi SL. I’ve had to meet twice with GE, first when I joined and then renewed. The appts. each time could be booked within a week at the SFO office. The restriction, for me, was my schedule availability.
How long does it take to get an appointment time for the interview once I have been approved? I heard that it may take months? I just tried calling the SFO office and they don’t even answer the phone for appointments. I’m flying to Europe at the end of May.
Thanks for the intel Chris, figured as much. Both are great programs at what I consider a bargain price for the quality of convenience.
Sorry JK and Amelia, but TSA tells TravelSkills that PreCheck and Global Entry are two separate products with separate requirements and there’s no way to “upgrade” your PreCheck status to Global Entry. –chris
Does everyone remember that this was completely free on September 10, 2001?
Checking… but don’t get your hopes up! — chris
Chris – Like Amelia, I too am a paid Pre-Check traveler wondering if there’s a way to upgrade to Global Entry without paying a new $100 fee, or having to do another interview. Any thoughts?
The Nexus program includes all Global Entry benefits and costs $50 rather than the Global Entry’s $100. So why not go for Nexus? Because you can only apply at a Canadian border crossing.
Have noticed that the Pre-check line has been getting longer. So it only makes sense to let those that pay get it and maybe the lines will go down.
I am a paid Pre-Check traveler, best $85 I ever spent with the exception that now I wish I had spend $15 more to do Global Entry. Is there a way to “upgrade” to Global Entry without paying a new fee?
About a year ago, after my getting (as usual) opt-in pre-check for a flight and my wife, who occasionally travels with me, not getting it, I bit the bullet and had both of us sign up. Now I’m reasonably certain of getting it together each time.
Good. Hopefully, now the PreCheck line won’t be blocked anymore by people who get confused about what’s going on, and take out all their things anyway.