Nov 22, 2012, 3:26 am
Last edit by: rustykettel
PreCheck FAQ:
What is PreCheck?
TSA Pre✓ allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, or randomly selected passengers to receive expedited screening benefits during domestic travel. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. (from http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-pre%E2%9C%93%E2%84%A2)
What do I need to do to enroll in PreCheck?
There are two ways to enroll in PreCheck:
1. Be invited by Alaska Airlines, or
2. Sign up for a Trusted Traveler program
At this time, Alaska appears to have only invited a limited number of MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K flyers to use PreCheck. Anyone can sign up for a Trusted Traveler program, though.
See the Alaska Airlines PreCheck FAQ page for good, detailed information on how to ensure you are set to receive PreCheck benefits.
If you are relying on a Trusted Traveler program membership to grant PreCheck access, be sure your name in your "Personal Information" in your "Traveler Profile" (as specified in the link above) is an exact match with what is displayed in your online GOES profile. If it is not, then either contact Alaska to have your profile's name edited, or be sure to edit your SecureFlight data each time you book a new reservation so that your name is an exact match with your GOES profile. A mismatch is very likely to prevent you from being selected for PreCheck.
It is also possible that you have been randomly selected for PreCheck.
If you are randomly selected, you'll see the PreCheck logo displayed on your paper or mobile boarding pass. You'll have all the benefits of PreCheck status for that flight and can use the PreCheck lane in your city of departure.
Should I opt-in with AS or sign up for a Trusted Traveler program?
Opting in with AS is free.
The Trusted Traveler programs have an associated membership fee and interview process but grant additional benefits for international travelers Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership, requires an interview at one of several enrollment centers across the US, and allows expedited re-entry into the U.S. NEXUS is $50 for a five-year membership, includes a complimentary Global Entry membership, requires an interview at one of a handful of selected enrollment centers near the Canadian border, and allows access to expedited lanes when crossing into Canada or the U.S. at a land crossing. SENTRI is similar to NEXUS but works for the Mexican border instead. Once you receive your approval letter, the numbers on the letter are your TSA PreCheck number. When scheduling your interview, it does not have to be the nearest center - so keep this in mind and consider your travels.
Reports are that those using a Trusted Traveler membership program tend to have higher PreCheck selection rates than those who simply opt in through AS. It's possible that elites who have opted in and provide a Known Traveler program number have the highest selection rates of all, although no method guarantees 100% selection for PreCheck.
How to Add Your PASSID to Existing Reservations
If you receive approval for PreCheck via Global Entry, Nexus or another Trusted Traveler program you will receive a card which (typically on the back) contains a PASSID number. For already existing AS reservations, go to the "My Trips" section of the Alaska website. Under each reservation, go to the "Traveler Information" section. On the right side is "Traveler Documentation." Click on the "Enter Required Documentation" link and select the traveler on the itinerary (if there is more than one traveler). Click the "Continue" button and then click on the "Enter Known Traveler/Redress Number" link. In the box for "Known Traveler Number" enter the PASSID that has been assigned. Click the "Continue" button and repeat as necessary until all the existing reservations have been populated with the PASSID.
What airports does AS participate in PreCheck?
See the map on TSA's site or download the PDF guide from TSA's site. Also note, though, if:
a) You are flying on AS, and
b) You have opted in to PreCheck, and
c) the airport has a PreCheck checkpoint (shown on the map or PDF), and
d) TSA doesn't randomly decide to deny you (hopefully not),
then (assuming you qualify for and have opted in to PreCheck) you will receive a PreCheck-enabled BP. Unless the PreCheck checkpoint leads to a concourse that is not attached to the concourse containing your departure gate, you can use PreCheck at that airport. It does not matter if TSA's map or PDF guide do not specify that Alaska participates at that particular airport.
Some airports have a version of PreCheck referred to as "PreCheck Lite." Those airports (either due to space or staffing limitations) modify the benefits of PreCheck --- you may need to remove your laptop and/or remove your liquids. Keep an eye out for signage in the PreCheck lane to see if modifications have been made to PreCheck at your departure airport. You may be able to leave your shoes on (unless they have metal shanks that will alarm) and you may be able to leave light coats and sweaters on.
Here is a list of airports and checkpoint locations confirmed by FlyerTalkers to work for AS flyers:
Others listed on TSA's site as PreCheck airports but that FlyerTalkers have not verified. If you are familiar with any of these, please edit this wiki and move them to the above category!
-IAH (terminal C south)
-LIH (main terminal)
-MSP (checkpoint 4)
Links to other PreCheck-related threads on FlyerTalk
Airports with no Pre whatsoever:
GST
What is PreCheck?
TSA Pre✓ allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, or randomly selected passengers to receive expedited screening benefits during domestic travel. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. (from http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-pre%E2%9C%93%E2%84%A2)
What do I need to do to enroll in PreCheck?
There are two ways to enroll in PreCheck:
1. Be invited by Alaska Airlines, or
2. Sign up for a Trusted Traveler program
At this time, Alaska appears to have only invited a limited number of MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K flyers to use PreCheck. Anyone can sign up for a Trusted Traveler program, though.
See the Alaska Airlines PreCheck FAQ page for good, detailed information on how to ensure you are set to receive PreCheck benefits.
If you are relying on a Trusted Traveler program membership to grant PreCheck access, be sure your name in your "Personal Information" in your "Traveler Profile" (as specified in the link above) is an exact match with what is displayed in your online GOES profile. If it is not, then either contact Alaska to have your profile's name edited, or be sure to edit your SecureFlight data each time you book a new reservation so that your name is an exact match with your GOES profile. A mismatch is very likely to prevent you from being selected for PreCheck.
It is also possible that you have been randomly selected for PreCheck.
If you are randomly selected, you'll see the PreCheck logo displayed on your paper or mobile boarding pass. You'll have all the benefits of PreCheck status for that flight and can use the PreCheck lane in your city of departure.
Should I opt-in with AS or sign up for a Trusted Traveler program?
Opting in with AS is free.
The Trusted Traveler programs have an associated membership fee and interview process but grant additional benefits for international travelers Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership, requires an interview at one of several enrollment centers across the US, and allows expedited re-entry into the U.S. NEXUS is $50 for a five-year membership, includes a complimentary Global Entry membership, requires an interview at one of a handful of selected enrollment centers near the Canadian border, and allows access to expedited lanes when crossing into Canada or the U.S. at a land crossing. SENTRI is similar to NEXUS but works for the Mexican border instead. Once you receive your approval letter, the numbers on the letter are your TSA PreCheck number. When scheduling your interview, it does not have to be the nearest center - so keep this in mind and consider your travels.
Reports are that those using a Trusted Traveler membership program tend to have higher PreCheck selection rates than those who simply opt in through AS. It's possible that elites who have opted in and provide a Known Traveler program number have the highest selection rates of all, although no method guarantees 100% selection for PreCheck.
How to Add Your PASSID to Existing Reservations
If you receive approval for PreCheck via Global Entry, Nexus or another Trusted Traveler program you will receive a card which (typically on the back) contains a PASSID number. For already existing AS reservations, go to the "My Trips" section of the Alaska website. Under each reservation, go to the "Traveler Information" section. On the right side is "Traveler Documentation." Click on the "Enter Required Documentation" link and select the traveler on the itinerary (if there is more than one traveler). Click the "Continue" button and then click on the "Enter Known Traveler/Redress Number" link. In the box for "Known Traveler Number" enter the PASSID that has been assigned. Click the "Continue" button and repeat as necessary until all the existing reservations have been populated with the PASSID.
What airports does AS participate in PreCheck?
See the map on TSA's site or download the PDF guide from TSA's site. Also note, though, if:
a) You are flying on AS, and
b) You have opted in to PreCheck, and
c) the airport has a PreCheck checkpoint (shown on the map or PDF), and
d) TSA doesn't randomly decide to deny you (hopefully not),
then (assuming you qualify for and have opted in to PreCheck) you will receive a PreCheck-enabled BP. Unless the PreCheck checkpoint leads to a concourse that is not attached to the concourse containing your departure gate, you can use PreCheck at that airport. It does not matter if TSA's map or PDF guide do not specify that Alaska participates at that particular airport.
Some airports have a version of PreCheck referred to as "PreCheck Lite." Those airports (either due to space or staffing limitations) modify the benefits of PreCheck --- you may need to remove your laptop and/or remove your liquids. Keep an eye out for signage in the PreCheck lane to see if modifications have been made to PreCheck at your departure airport. You may be able to leave your shoes on (unless they have metal shanks that will alarm) and you may be able to leave light coats and sweaters on.
Here is a list of airports and checkpoint locations confirmed by FlyerTalkers to work for AS flyers:
- ANC (main [B/C] checkpoint)
- ATL (south checkpoint)
- AUS (central checkpoint to the left of the AS check-in counter)
- BLI (see post 1450 re removal of liquids)
- BNA (north checkpoint for concourses A/B)
- BOI (all passengers use one checkpoint)
- BOS (The C40-C42 area that AS now uses only has PreCheck Lite)
- BWI (C checkpoint, although A checkpoint also has it and it operates consistently throughout the day)
- BZN (single checkpoint, right side)
- DCA (south pier)
- DEN (both north and south checkpoints)
- DFW (Terminal E, near gate E15)
- EAT (PreCheck Lite at the only checkpoint)
- EUG (PreCheck Lite only)
- EWR (Terminal A3) Confirmed full-scale PreCheck, at least for the morning flight
- FAI (PreCheck Lite only)
- FLL (terminal 1, concourse C--open late afternoon to accommodate AS #33)
- GEG (Terminal C, left side of existing checkpoint, sporadic hours - see post 1403 for times)
- HNL (checkpoint 5-between Delta and United, lobbies 7 and 8)
- JNU (common upstairs checkpoint) PreCheck Lite.
- KOA Gate 7 - (AS) PreCheck Lite for the 11:55PM Redeye. Also had PreCheck Lite for the 3:00 ish flight to OAK.
- LAS (Terminal 3 (AS) next to F/elite line, Terminal 1 (AA/DL))
- LAX (T6 [where Alaska departs from]; it is also possible to use the PreCheck checkpoint in T4 [American], T5 [Delta], or T7 [United]; all are connected behind security)
- MCI (PreCheck Lite)
- MCO (Far side of terminal away from AS baggage claim/checkin counters)
- MFR (only one checkpoint in airport) PreCheck Lite. (Note: checkpoint completely closes at certain hours of the day. Very small airport.)
- MRY (PreCheck Lite)
- MSY (Concourse C)
- OAK (far right side, along exit pathway, well signed)
- OGG (right side as walking from AS check-in area)
- ORD (terminal 3, checkpoint 8)
- PDX (A/B/C checkpoint; PreCheck lane closes in evening, can use D/E PreCheck lane and airside walkway connector back to A/B/C)
- PHL (D/E checkpoint has TSA Pre✓; Pre✓ also typically available at B [far side of AA counters from AS gates] but not C [near side of AA counters]; all of PHL is connected behind security)
- PHX (First class TSA entrance in Terminal 2 is now for precheck and first)
- PSC (PreCheck Lite available at the central, and only, checkpoint)
- PSP (Left side of the TSA entry point. Note, they also send a lot of wheelchairs through there, so not always faster than the premium line.)
- RDU (Terminal 2)
- SAN (Terminal 1, far left lane)
- SEA (south checkpoint 2, central checkpoint 3 [the one leading to the central food court] and north checkpoint 5)
- SFO (International Terminal, A pier): enter at the center, the line dragon will point you to a separate line to the left if you have PreCheck on your boarding pass. Normal PreCheck.
- SIT (Central checkpoint, Gate 1: PreCheck Lite)
- SJC (terminal B)
- SLC (use Terminal 2 checkpoint, All connected airside)
- SMF (far left, terminals A and B)
- SNA (terminal 1, lane 1)
- STL (Alaska Terminal & Checkpoint, Right side)
- TPA (Airside A)
Others listed on TSA's site as PreCheck airports but that FlyerTalkers have not verified. If you are familiar with any of these, please edit this wiki and move them to the above category!
-IAH (terminal C south)
-LIH (main terminal)
-MSP (checkpoint 4)
Links to other PreCheck-related threads on FlyerTalk
- The United PreCheck Thread (the most extensive wiki and discussion on the topic)
- The Delta PreCheck Thread
- The AA PreCheck Thread
- Questions about Global Entry are best served in the Practical Travel Safety Issues forum
- The Air Canada NEXUS thread
Airports with no Pre whatsoever:
GST
TSA Pre✓ (PreCheck) on Alaska Airlines - Questions and Experiences (2012-21)
Feb 4, 2016, 6:23 pm
#1921
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Got my first ever boarding pass without Pre 
. I checked my secure flight data and somehow my KTN fell off. I added it and checked in again and havePre. Seems to be one off for me since my other 3 reservations have the KTN populated.
. I checked my secure flight data and somehow my KTN fell off. I added it and checked in again and havePre. Seems to be one off for me since my other 3 reservations have the KTN populated.
Feb 4, 2016, 6:33 pm
#1922
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SEA
Posts: 17
At HNL yesterday (Feb 3) they were running TSA Pre✓ Lite. They made you take laptops out, but that was it. Strange experience.
The regular lines were very long. It took my travel companion over 30 minutes to get through. The TSA Pre✓ line was long too, but moved fairly quickly. Somehow people who weren't Pre were getting in the Pre line and TSA did not make them move, however, they did not let them through the metal detector. They had to use the full body scanner.
The regular lines were very long. It took my travel companion over 30 minutes to get through. The TSA Pre✓ line was long too, but moved fairly quickly. Somehow people who weren't Pre were getting in the Pre line and TSA did not make them move, however, they did not let them through the metal detector. They had to use the full body scanner.
Feb 6, 2016, 11:38 pm
#1923
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Izamal, Yucatan
Programs: Previously 5 year AS Gold 75, UA MM Lifetime Gold
Posts: 787
At HNL yesterday (Feb 3) they were running TSA Pre✓ Lite. They made you take laptops out, but that was it. Strange experience.
The regular lines were very long. It took my travel companion over 30 minutes to get through. The TSA Pre✓ line was long too, but moved fairly quickly. Somehow people who weren't Pre were getting in the Pre line and TSA did not make them move, however, they did not let them through the metal detector. They had to use the full body scanner.
The regular lines were very long. It took my travel companion over 30 minutes to get through. The TSA Pre✓ line was long too, but moved fairly quickly. Somehow people who weren't Pre were getting in the Pre line and TSA did not make them move, however, they did not let them through the metal detector. They had to use the full body scanner.
Feb 7, 2016, 12:30 pm
#1925
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
I actually like the precheck lite stations better than the ones with a dedicated lane. Goes much smoother since everyone is experienced in taking off shoes, take out laptops and liquids.
BOS (only Pre light) & SAN (always closed when I'm there) haven't really had any long lines for TDC since i dont go through security until closer to boarding. The problem though is after you put your bags on the belt, if you are not precheck, is what seems like a mile long line of people waiting to be scoped and/or groped. I also have not received the random beep from the WTMD in Pr-light *knock on wood* so i think its worth the hassle of taking liquids and laptops out. I was consistently getting selected for body scanners in the regular pre lanes
BOS (only Pre light) & SAN (always closed when I'm there) haven't really had any long lines for TDC since i dont go through security until closer to boarding. The problem though is after you put your bags on the belt, if you are not precheck, is what seems like a mile long line of people waiting to be scoped and/or groped. I also have not received the random beep from the WTMD in Pr-light *knock on wood* so i think its worth the hassle of taking liquids and laptops out. I was consistently getting selected for body scanners in the regular pre lanes
Mar 22, 2016, 10:24 am
#1926
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 943
I'm pretty new to Pre. I've only had one flight and it was on WN and it went fine. I've added my KTN to my AS profile but now I'm getting confused at check-in. There's an option to add my KTN again. Can someone enlighten me on that? Also, the Wiki says you need to opt-in for Pre with AS. I don't get that either. 
Mar 22, 2016, 10:34 am
#1927
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
I'm pretty new to Pre. I've only had one flight and it was on WN and it went fine. I've added my KTN to my AS profile but now I'm getting confused at check-in. There's an option to add my KTN again. Can someone enlighten me on that? Also, the Wiki says you need to opt-in for Pre with AS. I don't get that either.
As for the KTN at check-in issue, AS probably didn't apply your KTN to your existing reservations if you made them before adding it to your profile.
Mar 22, 2016, 10:56 am
#1928
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayden Lake, ID
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, DL Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 102
I'm pretty new to Pre. I've only had one flight and it was on WN and it went fine. I've added my KTN to my AS profile but now I'm getting confused at check-in. There's an option to add my KTN again. Can someone enlighten me on that? Also, the Wiki says you need to opt-in for Pre with AS. I don't get that either.
Also a side question - on the mobile app check in - the KTN field is a line of "Xs". I assume that means my KTN is there but hidden, but I dont know for sure so I re-enter it each time. Does someone know if the Xs are there that the number is also?
Mar 22, 2016, 12:22 pm
#1929
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,639
I have the same experience with web check in asking to enter my KTN, even though it is in my profile (and was well before booking).
Also a side question - on the mobile app check in - the KTN field is a line of "Xs". I assume that means my KTN is there but hidden, but I dont know for sure so I re-enter it each time. Does someone know if the Xs are there that the number is also?
Also a side question - on the mobile app check in - the KTN field is a line of "Xs". I assume that means my KTN is there but hidden, but I dont know for sure so I re-enter it each time. Does someone know if the Xs are there that the number is also?
Mar 22, 2016, 12:42 pm
#1930
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
TSA requires that your KTN not fully display. Some carriers will display only the last few digits (the same as with CC's) and others display a all x's. If you see either version, that means your KTN is entered and you should see Pre-Check.
If you don't, the first thing to do is to reenter your KTN or have that done for you.
If you don't, the first thing to do is to reenter your KTN or have that done for you.
Mar 22, 2016, 2:27 pm
#1931
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Sorry if this is somewhat OT, but ...
I could swear that I'd entered my KTN in the PNR itself at time of booking a Delta ticket at Delta.com weeks ago; the site automatically linked my DL# which at the time I left alone, figuring I could always switch to AS before check-in. I did so just before doing DL app check-in, with a no Pre-Check result. Airport agent added the number manually, with Pre-Check appearing on the new paper boarding pass. I'm left wondering whether switching frequent flyer credit after booking, as a reservation "change", displaces the KTN as a glitch - in other words, be sure to switch credit prior to the 72 hour KTN blackout to be able to verify and re-enter the number?
I could swear that I'd entered my KTN in the PNR itself at time of booking a Delta ticket at Delta.com weeks ago; the site automatically linked my DL# which at the time I left alone, figuring I could always switch to AS before check-in. I did so just before doing DL app check-in, with a no Pre-Check result. Airport agent added the number manually, with Pre-Check appearing on the new paper boarding pass. I'm left wondering whether switching frequent flyer credit after booking, as a reservation "change", displaces the KTN as a glitch - in other words, be sure to switch credit prior to the 72 hour KTN blackout to be able to verify and re-enter the number?
Mar 22, 2016, 4:27 pm
#1932
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 86
Not given Pre on AS at JFK
I used to always get Pre. Recently, not a 100% success rate.
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Mar 22, 2016, 4:29 pm
#1933
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,811
I used to always get Pre. Recently, not a 100% success rate.
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Mar 22, 2016, 4:40 pm
#1934
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
I used to always get Pre. Recently, not a 100% success rate.
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Alaska 7:20 am JFK departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open. Pre not on boarding pass but directed to a priority line, which is a little shorter than the regular line but funnels to the regular screening.
Alaska 6:30 pm San Antonio departure. Couldn't see if Pre was open but if it was closed, I didn't get Pre-Lite, which is shoes on but a shorter line and eventually funneled to the regular line.
Any ideas? No Pre? Bad luck and not sent to Pre?
Mar 23, 2016, 6:53 am
#1935
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BLI
Programs: Alaska Million Mile Flyer, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,194
I've asked AS about it, and they say it's in the queue to be fixed (it should say something like "KTN entered" but does not). If your KTN is already in your web profile, you should be fine. I have been.