Originally Posted by
BSBD
Speaking of which - it seemed that after a period of frequent PreCheck "random alarms" requiring additional screening, the "random alarms" fell down to a seemingly more "random" low number.
Now, my observations show that alarms are once again increasing in frequency, only they don't call them "random" anymore. I learned yesterday in ATL that TSA now refers to them as "quotas."
The "quota" designation means that they now have a set level of PreCheck pax per day that must undergo additional screening, i.e. hand swab, scanner, or patdown.
I wonder if the advertising for Pre spells all this out: it may not be available at some airports, even large ones like PHX, it may only be offered in modified form (Pre LITE), you are still subject to quota random additional searches, including but not limited to gropes for those who are physically incapable of assuming and holding the position for the NoS.
A family of four that flies once a year could easily spend $300+ and, particularly if they fly out of PHX, never once get a full Pre experience.