Keep Your Shoes On!

What you should know about TSA PreCheck!

Standing in line waiting to go through security, while taking what seems to be, everything off, has to be the most inconvenient part of flying. If you’re anything like us ( Steve and I ), you loath going through that process. There is something about standing barefoot at the airport that has a HUGE gross factor for me, pet peeve of mine, don't judge me. We can't always travel in flip flops, downside of living in the Northeast and traveling in the winter makes things a more difficult going through security. If you want a way to get around these things, TSA PreCheck may be for you. We actually have Global Entry, which comes with TSA PreCheck ( a topic for another day, stay tuned).

TSA offers different options in their Trusted Traveler Program. If you're not a flyer there's an option for that, if you're more of a domestic traveler, TSA PreCheck its the way to go. For international travel, Global Entry might appeal to you. Whichever one you choose, it will save you time during your travels!

In this post I will walk your through TSA PreCheck and how to enroll in it.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck allows flyers expedited screening at the security check points. The benefits may include, leaving your shoes on, your outerwear, belts, as well as leaving your laptop, other electronics and compliant liquids in 3-1-1 in your carry-on bag. Plus the lines at TSA PreCheck tend to be much shorter. I was running bit behind on one of my most recent trips, I was held up at luggage check-in but, I was saved by the short TSA PreCheck line. There were only 2 people in front of me whereas, the regular line seemed to go on for days!

Cost: TSA PreCheck costs start at $78 for 5 years. Apply Here

Apply for Free!

Several credit cards companies reimburse TSA PreCheck fees as a statement credit. The TSA PreCheck benefit appears as a statement credit after that credit card has been used to apply payment for TSA PreCheck application. Check with your credit card first to see if it is something they offer. If they do, no need to call them after that. The credit will be applied automatically.

Process:

First, check with your credit card if they offer the credit. Then go online and fill out your application. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email within couple of days stating that your application has been approved and you have to schedule an in- person interview at your nearest airport. ( Make sure that your airport offers this service). All this information will be in your email.

Once you have your appointment make sure you have documents and your acceptance email ready. Go to your interview and arrive on time! I had to drive 2 hours to the nearest airport because my local one didn’t have any appointments within the time frame I was looking for. Once I arrived at my destination, the entire process took less than 15 minutes. If you are approved you will receive and email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). A few days later your will receive your TSA PreCheck in the mail. I received my email as I was walking out of the airport after my interview. The letter with your KNT will arrive within a few days or as in my case my Global Entry Card.

Skip the long lines and keep your shoes on! Get your vacation started on a good note!

Are you part of the TSA Trusted Traveler Program? If so, which one?

What has been your experience? Let me know in the comments!

Have travel questions? Looking for travel tips? Or suggestions on what topics you want to read about? Email me at info@holabeachestravel.com .

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