Tsa precheck

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

Anyone go through this process? is it a pain? worth it?

thanks

wolfie_cr · Jul 21, 2014

which one are you talking about specifically ? you mean the one that allows you to keep your shoes on and have a lesser invasive process ? (which is NOT guaranteed btw, they can just ask you to do the standard stuff)

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

yeah, I just filled out the application online https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/

going in next friday for the interview or whatever

is there another/better one?

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

i have seen "clear" in san jose, CA but seems like it isnt in most airports

TheComputerGroup · Jul 21, 2014

What country are you flying to?

wolfie_cr · Jul 21, 2014

I have seen global entry in quite a few locations , mainly Houston and Miami , but like you said its not everywhere so which one to get , depends on your flight patterns

Also , if you fly a lot with a specific airline and have status with them , they might give you a credit towards getting Global Entry

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

The Computer Group said:
What country are you flying to?

nowhere specific...I travel a fair amount domestically and international a couple times a year usually (last year mexico, anguilla and el salvador)

Betallsports · Jul 21, 2014

DNoonan said:
nowhere specific...I travel a fair amount domestically and international a couple times a year usually (last year mexico, anguilla and el salvador)

if you do more International go with Global Entry. Wife has it and it's pretty good.

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

i am usually with the wife and kids when international, so would it not be worth it unless everyone did it?

Betallsports · Jul 21, 2014

DNoonan said:
i am usually with the wife and kids when international, so would it not be worth it unless everyone did it?

yes All should do it.

unfortunately for me I couldn't do it because of my past working in the Sportsbook business. Traveling International, I need to get there 3 hours before, instead of 2 hours so they can give me a hard time with stupid questions.

Betallsports · Jul 21, 2014

the other thing I will add is that you get to go on special lines, where there's almost nobody on them. Only other global entry people and Airline personal.

It's great when you see a line 3 deep, and you just go to a different area and walk right up.

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

Betallsports said:
yes All should do it.

unfortunately for me I couldn't do it because of my past working in the Sportsbook business. Traveling International, I need to get there 3 hours before, instead of 2 hours so they can give me a hard time with stupid questions.

I got flagged right from ticketing coming back from Mexico for some reason...had the "SSSS" on the boarding pass that sends you directly to secondary with supervisor and separate line, then separate pat down again at the gate....my wife was like...honey - do we need to talk? maybe it is all the random places ive visited?

no issues on anguilla trip which was after so hoping one time deal

wolfie_cr · Jul 21, 2014

the SSSS deal is a totally random thing.

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

by the way, little known fact - you dont really need an ID to get on a plane...they give you the "SSSS" and ask you a ton of questions, etc. but i was able to travel both times I forgot or lost my ID

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

wolfie_cr said:
the SSSS deal is a totally random thing.

ahh cool, I knew right away i was in for extra when I saw it "SSSS" given my past experience flying (domestic) without my license or passport with me

DNoonan · Jul 21, 2014

they even call you out loud at the first screening "quad S here"

wolfie_cr · Jul 21, 2014

You know , you can get the SSSS EVEN IF you have global entry etc, its not a 100% guaranteed "you will be let through without issues" , of course the probability of that is very very small but just saying

DNoonan · Sep 1, 2014

Just reporting back that TSA Pre was a breeze to get (my known traveler number was available within 3 days online) and has already been a huge time savings the two times I've used it. Since there is a dedicated security line it is already shorter and then it moves quick as noone has to take off shoes, belt, take out liquids, pull out laptop....highly recommend it. My wife flew with me to a wedding and when she saw how easy it was she signed up right when we got home. Also with kids, if you have it, they can come in the TSA Pre line with you as long as they are <12.

HarryCaray · Sep 1, 2014

DNoonan said:
Just reporting back that TSA Pre was a breeze to get (my known traveler number was available within 3 days online) and has already been a huge time savings the two times I've used it. Since there is a dedicated security line it is already shorter and then it moves quick as noone has to take off shoes, belt, take out liquids, pull out laptop....highly recommend it. My wife flew with me to a wedding and when she saw how easy it was she signed up right when we got home. Also with kids, if you have it, they can come in the TSA Pre line with you as long as they are <12.

So what do I have to do to get this? I travel international 2 or 3 times a year and domestic at least a half dozen. Worth it?

DNoonan · Sep 1, 2014

100% worth it. I think it is only domestic though. You fill out initial info online and then schedule an appt to go in. Then they say you will hear back in the next 3 weeks or something but I got mine within 3 days. You can also just print out the info and walk-in but may have to wait (office i went to was dead...I was the only one there). They basically just fingerprint you, take a picture and you verify all of the information they have and you are out of there. Earlier you join the bigger the benefit (as I am sure more will be enrolling after watching others fly thru security in the pre line).

https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/