Show
Make Air Travel Easier: Apply for TSA Pre-Check StatusHaving “TSA Pre-Check” printed on your boarding pass makes air travel so much easier, allowing low-risk travelers to speed through airport security with fewer hassles. Here’s what you need to know so you and your family can benefit. What Does TSA Pre-Check Provide?With this special status, you’re eligible to go through expedited security lanes, eliminating many of the inconveniences that have become typical of air travel. Generally, you don’t need to take off your shoes, belt, or light jacket to walk through the metal detector. However, you will need to remove these items if any have significant metal parts—you still need to make sure the metal detector doesn’t beep. Depending on the airport, you can usually keep your laptop and liquids inside your bag when you send them through the x-ray machine. Keep in mind that random security checks still apply, so you might be asked to comply with the usual security measures. How To Apply for TSA Pre-CheckInitially restricted to frequent flyers of certain airlines, the general population has been able to apply since December 2013. You must be a law-abiding U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or a Lawful Permanent Resident to be eligible. In order to apply, you need to provide the kind of information that allows the TSA to perform a background check on you. The required information includes your name, address, gender, date of birth and social security number. The TSA's website provides a list of valid identification documents, such as an unexpired passport or unexpired enhanced US driver's licence. You’ll also need to visit a TSA enrollment center to provide fingerprints and have your identification verified. The website also has an enrollment center locator tool so that you can find the closest location to you by entering your zip code, your city, or your airport. To speed things up, submit your information via the online form available on TSA's website. You’ll also save time by making an appointment at an enrollment center because walk-ins are processed on a first-come first-served basis. There is a nonrefundable $85 charge to apply, and the TSA Pre-Check status is valid for a five-year period. You may pay the fee with a credit card, money order, company check or certified check. The TSA's website provides links to credit cards and loyalty programs that reimburse cardholders for all or part of the application fee or that allow you to use reward points to pay the fee. These programs change frequently, but cards that have offered this service include the Citi Executive Mastercard with AAdvantage Elite Travel Benefits, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. After you’ve provided the TSA with all the necessary information, it should take less than four weeks for your application to be processed and for you to receive your Known Traveler Number. Add that number to your frequent flyer accounts and provide it to the airline when you buy your ticket. This helps ensure that your boarding passes indicate you are eligible to use the expedited TSA Pre-Check line. Kids and the TSA Pre-CheckYou don’t need to get your kids under 12 their own TSA Precheck status; they’re allowed to enter the fast-track lane with their parent/guardian who has the status. If they’re traveling with someone else, however, your benefits don’t extend to them. There is no age restriction on applying, so your kids can get their own status if you prefer. In any case, they will need their own status once they're 13 to join you in the special security lanes. References Writer Bio Johanna Read is a Canadian freelance writer and photographer specializing in travel, food, and responsible tourism. Writing for a variety of Canadian and international publications, she likes to encourage travel that is culturally, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Links to all her travel stories are at www.TravelEater.net. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEater and on Instagram @TravelEaterJohanna. The answers to your common TSA PreCheck questionsIf you’re searching for time-saving shortcuts at the airport, look no further than the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. This special privilege gives you access to shorter security screening lines that do not require you to remove articles of clothing or the contents from your carry-on bags for X-ray scanning. Because of the program’s immense popularity, the application process wait time has increased since the PreCheck’s 2013 inception. Plan early, however, and you may be enjoying the benefits of an expedited screening process on your next trip. Q: How long does the TSA PreCheck application process take?A: The application process for TSA PreCheck is relatively painless, but you should give the agency plenty of time to complete your request. Keep in mind that TSA is swamped with demands during the holidays and summer months. The actual application process begins online, and it takes only approximately five minutes to fill out the form. You’ll also have to submit a non-refundable application fee and schedule an in-person interview with a TSA agent at an enrollment center. On the day of your interview, you’ll be fingerprinted, and the agency will begin a background check. The whole interview should take no more than 10 minutes, but don’t be surprised if it begins after your scheduled appointment time as the office is typically very crowded. You can speed up the process by making sure you bring all the necessary documents, including your passport. If you don’t have a passport, make certain you bring two forms of ID: a photo ID and a document that shows you meet the program’s citizenship requirements. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you should receive news on your application status two to three weeks after your office visit. Q: How long does the Global Entry application process take?A: Global Entry is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s own expedited processing system. Normally, once you depart from an international flight, you are required to speak with a customs agent and declare and pay duties on any eligible goods. Global Entry lets you skip the long lines and in-person interview. Instead, you’re able to declare your items, pay duties, and scan your passport and fingerprints via an electronic kiosk at the airport. You can submit your application and pay the non-refundable application fee online for the Global Entry program. Typically, within a few days or weeks, you’ll be contacted to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry office. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will start a background check on you prior to your arrival at their office. As a result, most in-person interviews only last around 15 minutes, and they consist primarily of basic personal questions and a quick fingerprinting and photo session. As with your PreCheck interview, you can expedite the process by bringing all of the required documents: a passport or resident card and a secondary form of ID. If there are no red flags during your background check or interview, you should get your Global Entry card in the mail in a matter of weeks. Q: What is the cost of signing up for either or both programs?A: As of April 2017, the fee for the TSA PreCheck application is $85. The Global Entry application fee will run you $100. If you qualify for Global Entry, however, you are also eligible for PreCheck credentials. In other words, for just $15 more, your Global Entry fee covers the costs of both programs. Q: How long is my TSA PreCheck and Global Entry status valid?A: After successfully completing the application and interview process for one or both programs, your PreCheck and Global Entry status are both good for five years from the date of approval. References
About the AuthorRelated Articles |
How long is the process for tsa precheck
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 nguoilontuoi Inc.
