TSA Precheck query

How has the program worked for those frequent travelers on the board?

New job has me traveling a little bit, maybe 4-5 days per month. Just enough that the precheck seems like it is worth it, plus company reimburses for the cost, so it seemed like an obvious decision.

At my home airport it doest really matter, but i imagine at large airports like Chicago it would be beneficial, right?

Also, can I bring my wife through Precheck with me if she isnt precheck?

 

I don't have it but my ex-girlfriend did. From what I understand you make an appointment sit down with TSA answer a few questions, they run a background check, you pay an annual fee and you're IN! I traveled a few times with her and was able to go with her as long as she purchased both our tickets so assume your wife would be as well. If I traveled more than a handful of times a year I'd definitely get it, especially if I was traveling a bunch for work and if they are willing to reimburse you why wouldn't you?

 

Don’t give the TSA anymore money just leave 20 mins earlier.

 

I just went through the process for Global Entry, which is basically TSA precheck check and expedited customs entry.
The wife and I travel abroad usually once a year and fly within the county a couple more times a year.
The cost is $100 for 5 years (TSA precheck is $85 for 5 years).
After almost missing a flight to Denver last August because of a 1.5 hour security line I decided it was worth the price. I know what my time is worth and $20 a year to save probably an easy 2-3 hours of my life a year is totally worth it.

 

Seems like an absolute no brainer especially if your company is reimbursing you.

I have both TSA precheck and global entry... I fly internationally at least 6x a year and global entry alone is by far the best $100 I have ever spent in my life. After getting off of a 12 hour flight the last thing I want to do in stand in customs. With global entry, I am through customs and am on the curb for pickup within 10 minutes of landing at my home airport (IAD). To me, Precheck is a huge convenience too. I generally only fly with a carry on and so I always have liquids. Not having to pull out my liquids, laptop or remove my jacket/coat and shoes is worth it. Precheck lines are starting to get busier but still much faster than regular lines. The extra time allows me to get into the cleared section and sit down and have a beer or coffee prior to flight. Worth it.

As far as your wife, I can't remember the scenario and how it played out, but my wife did get precheck one time when we flew together. I am not sure if it's all the time because we have only flown together once.

 

TSA Precheck may be the best 85 dollars I've ever spent.

 

My work did it for me. Yesterday I skipped at least an hour wait to only have one person in front of me. plus no issue with keeping shoes and belt on.

Thankful every time I fly.

 

Yes, so worth it! I get it free with my credit card along with a priority lounge pass. Both make traveling much nicer.

 

At any major airport the precheck lines are much, much shorter.

Your wife needs precheck to go through those lanes, if someone else’s wife got to do that without it then TSA screwed up (shocker). Kids 12 and below can go with you though.

 

Whenever I travel and purchase tickets for my wife and I she always get pre-check.

 

Precheck for free, yes. Wife tag along, unlikely.

Understand precheck is domestic boarding

Global entry is good only returning to US.

If you rarely go overseas, Mobile Passport works well as an option to Global Entry.

But if youre buying the precheck, and go international at least 2x a year, and return to crummy airports like Miami or Ohare, get the Global.

Just read the qualifications. Its not just throwing money at them, they do a decent background. And if you flunk, no refund. And yes, wife will need her own.

And on the precheck, youll sometimes still have to do the belt / shoes / laptop thing. Just depends on the TSA mood of the day at your departure point.

 

Then TSA is breaking their own rules.

 

Guess so, but I won't complain.

 

I've been trying to get Global entry for 2 years, but they are so booked out at Denver (End of July currently) for the interview, I can never make it. I'm finally getting precheck at the end of the month. I travel overseas 3x a year so it would be nice.

 

The fact that you don't have to take your shoes off makes it worth it to me.

 

I don't have anything more to add than what others have already said - just to say it is so worth it. We traveled around Christmas and my GF got the random pre-check for our flight out and I didn't. 2 hours into standing in the TSA line and I was going to miss my flight. Luckily someone a few rows ahead heard me on the phone and agreed to switch places with me.

Flying out of LAX we both lucked out and got the pre-check. The TSA line was longer than any line at Disneyand in the summer. We just walked past, not a single person in the TSA line. That did it for me - made an appointment the day after I got home. It was easy, and at $85 very well worth it. Do it.

 

2x.

 

It’s worth it for me. I fly 5-10 times a month domestic and 6-8 times a year international. I have the Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCk. Whenever my teenage daughter flies with me and she’s on the same record locator (confirmation number), she always has had TSA PreCk too.

 

You can look at other airports to schedule your interview if you happen to be at or near one. Some are far less busy and you could likely schedule an appointment for the next day or possibly even do a drop in. My wife and I went down to Albuquerque as their appointment schedule was wide open. It was much better than waiting 4-5 months for an interview in Denver and not being sure if we would be able to make it.

 

Go Global Entry. Then you get expedited customs clearance and stuff as well a TSA pre-check. Saved my ass a few times coming back stateside and having a short connection window.