Are you planning to travel? Looking for a way to pass the screening lines at the airport? You’ve come for the right information! A TSA precheck will help you skip the airport security lines. Now how do you apply for it? It’s not as hard as you think. Read on to learn how to apply for a TSA PreCheck!
What is a TSA Precheck?
A TSA Precheck refers to a precheck that provides travels with a separate lane for low-risk travelers. With the help of a TSA Precheck, a traveler is able to skip the security screening lines in the airport. It allows for faster and less stressful screening and is easily available for eligible applicants.
Steps on how to apply for a TSA Precheck
Step 1: Consider if you are eligible to apply for the TSA Precheck.
In order to apply for the TSA Precheck, the candidate must first qualify as a “low-risk traveler.” This implies that the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the country. Qualifying as a “low-risk traveler” also means that the individual does not have a criminal record for certain crimes. The TSA Precheck membership does not come with any fee attached.
Note: To know about the crimes, visit the TSA official website for eligibility requirements.
While applying for a TSA Precheck, it is important to go directly through the Department of Homeland Security at TSA.gov. The report has it that the Better Business Bureau has issued a scam alert for third-party websites that seem similar to the DHS site. They claim to assist travelers with the process, only to defraud them of their application fees and steal their personal data. So, it is wise to be careful and apply directly to the official website of the TSA Precheck.
Step 2: Ensure to visit the TSA Application Center
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next move is to visit the application center. To locate the application center, kindly visit ‘can find a center near you’ on the TSA website. If you’ve found one, schedule an appointment online, or you can call 855/347-8371 or simply walk into the office.
When you get to the application center, you will be required to provide information like:
Name
Birthdate
Address
Fingerprint
A valid form of identification etc.
To save more time at the application center, consider pre-enrolling online. To process your TSA precheck application for the very first time, there is a TSA charge of $78. This fee is non-refundable. Membership is renewed at a fee of $70 for digital processing. At the same time, in-person renewals cost $78.
Step 3: After the TSA Precheck is accepted, what next?
Within a few days after your application, you will receive news of the acceptance. But while waiting for that, you can check your application status online. If it has the description a “Known Traveler Number,”. This is valid for five years.
Step 4: Next, Book a flight with TSA Precheck.
After you have confirmed your status to be “Known Traveler Number”, the next step is to book your flight. When making reservations, ensure that you are flying with an airline that works with Precheck. When booking the flight, call the airline reservation office or enter your ‘Known Traveler Number’ in the space provided for the online booking. The space is usually found on a separate page for passenger information. Ensure that your name on the plane ticket matches your ‘known traveler number” so there is no issue of confusion at the airport.
After you’ve successfully linked your ‘known traveler number’ to your flight ticket, your boarding pass will then be marked with the TSA Precheck. This is to ensure that your security inspection will be quick and easy.
With the above four steps, you can successfully apply for a TSA Precheck and subsequently avoid the long lines in the airport.
Frequently Asked Question
How can i get a TSA Precheck for Free?
If you want to get a TSA Precheck for free, follow the following steps:
Use Points or Miles
There are many loyalty programs that allow members to get TSA Precheck for free. You just need to find the right program and cover the necessary points for it. Note that the redemptions generally offer poor value, but they can help you reduce the cost if you have issues qualifying for credit cards. Below are the programs that offer points for TSA Precheck Credit:
United MileagePlus
Marriott Bonvoy
IHG Rewards
Radisson Rewards
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Simply Get a Credit Card with a TSA Precheck credit
Another good way of getting TSA Precheck for free is obtaining a TSA Precheck credit card. Many credit cards reimburse the TSA Precheck application fee. This is only if you use it to pay upfront. Below is a quick review of the credit cards that offer TSA Precheck credits:
Credit Cards with no annual fee
- The Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card
- U-S Based HSBC Premier Credit Card
Credit cards with an annual fee of less than $100
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business
- United Explorer card
Premium credit cards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
- Delta Skylines Platinum Business American Express Card
What If I don’t want to pay to get TSA Precheck
For persons who are paying for the TSA Precheck out of their pocket, the reduced $70 online renewal fee is exciting news. Though, travelers are able to sign up or renew TSA PreCheck for less out-of-pocket by employing the right credit cards or some loyalty program points and mines.
You just need to consider which travel credit card is best for you, depending on the situation.
Conclusion
Obtaining the TSA Precheck is one of the easiest ways to ensure easy and quick screening in the airport. So, if you qualify for the TSA Precheck, consider applying for one. With the detailed steps on how to apply for a TSA Precheck, you are sure to be successful in your application. It is essential to meet the eligibility requirements and provide all required documents. For more information, kindly visit commutepassport.com.
