Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - TSA Pre-Check Mechanics and Statistics?

My first use of the Global Entry card at DTW customs went smoothly. The second use, MSP Pre-Check went flawlessly.

The next time at MSP, the GE card got me into TSA Pre-Check but then without realizing it I was steered into the regular security line. It was rather embarrassing, as I hadn't realized it wasn't the "breeze-through" line, and had to pass through the inspection several times, each time showing/removing more items. When I questioned the agent what happened, he said "it didn't show on your boarding pass."

At SEA, I asked a SkyClub agent what shows on your boarding pass and he didn't know any such indicator. After I left the airport and re-entered at TSA Pre-Check, I was directed by the screener to go to the regular line, not the "breeze-through" line.

Is this normal statistics? What determines acceptance/rejection? Is there supposed to be a flag on your boarding pass?

It's encoded in the barcode of your boarding pass, so you can't tell. Reports here have varied as to what percentage of the time it actually "works".

I went to the Pre-Check line at SEA o. July 4th. They scanned my boarding pass and told me no go. But they put me over in the regular fast secutiry line.

The Pre-Check person told me it was a matter of chance who gets through and who doesn't.

What is the big deal about Pre-check? I got it at ORD a few weeks ago, and I have artificial hips and always set off the WTMD. When I approached the checkpoint, I still had to take my shoes off, belt off and the only benefit was that I could leave my computer in the bag. When I set off the WTMD, I had to get patted down like everyone else . . . Please forgive my missing the point, but what does this do for me??

Please forgive my missing the point, but what does this do for me??

Nothing I guess. :rolleyes:

ORD pre-check must not be doing it correctly. At DTW the only thing they told me to do was to take out my cell phone and put it through the machine.