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)
Sep 21, 2013, 1:22 am
#1156
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SEA, PAE, BLI
Programs: WN A-List Preferred, AS, DL Kryptonium
Posts: 1,605
September 18: Success SEA, LAX T4 (AA)
September 19: Success LAS T1, LAX T5 (DL)
Faced with a 15-20 minute wait for the T6-T4 shuttle in LAX, it can be quicker to exit the terminal and re-clear security in T4/T5/T7, provided one knows if they are eligible for PreCheck.
Normal TSA wait times in each location appeared to be 15-40 minutes long and the premium line was likely around 5 minutes. There were 0-2 people in front of me in the PreCheck line.
Note that LAX T4 and possibly T5 PreCheck didn't have any bins for stuff that's in ones pockets. LAS had the large bins and SEA had both the small and large bins.
September 19: Success LAS T1, LAX T5 (DL)
Faced with a 15-20 minute wait for the T6-T4 shuttle in LAX, it can be quicker to exit the terminal and re-clear security in T4/T5/T7, provided one knows if they are eligible for PreCheck.
Normal TSA wait times in each location appeared to be 15-40 minutes long and the premium line was likely around 5 minutes. There were 0-2 people in front of me in the PreCheck line.
Note that LAX T4 and possibly T5 PreCheck didn't have any bins for stuff that's in ones pockets. LAS had the large bins and SEA had both the small and large bins.
Sep 21, 2013, 7:30 am
#1157
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska MVP 75K / SPG Plat (100 Nights) / NEXUS
Posts: 220
Cheers,
Kermee
Sep 21, 2013, 7:33 am
#1158
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA (PPro/3MM/Admirals Club), AS, UA, Marriott (Gold), HHonors (Gold), Accor (Plat)
Posts: 2,602
Sep 21, 2013, 2:14 pm
#1160
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SEA, PAE, BLI
Programs: WN A-List Preferred, AS, DL Kryptonium
Posts: 1,605
Sep 23, 2013, 1:33 pm
#1162
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: Alaska Tanzanite 100K
Posts: 3,858
spoke with a close pal at TSA. If you are GLOBAL ENTRY and TSA PreCheck, you should never have a "fail" - unless, for instance, your name is spelled wrong or you don't use your middle initial (at minimum). He said the system checks the number against your DOB, last name, first name, and middle initial. He said things like MR/MS/MRS shouldn't affect it as the system was written to recognize that... and if you pay into GE or TSA preCheck, if you get a "fail" its for one of those reasons or they have pulled you out of the system entirely.
but today, I didn't have a fail at HNL bound for PDX, and I'm GE. And no arrogant TSA guy like last time. Very smooth & efficient, just had to walk a bit further down than usual (which is OK, I came out at gate 13 and I'm flying out of 14).
but today, I didn't have a fail at HNL bound for PDX, and I'm GE. And no arrogant TSA guy like last time. Very smooth & efficient, just had to walk a bit further down than usual (which is OK, I came out at gate 13 and I'm flying out of 14).
Sep 23, 2013, 8:05 pm
#1163
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AA 2MM, DL D360
Posts: 125
Early this morning (5:15 AM) at SEA they were herding people into the PreCheck line faster than the passengers could possibly understand. Made for a very lucky day for a lot of pax, and at least one very unhappy previously entitled frequent flyer (me). I don't want to share my little slice of extra freedom with people who don't appreciate it. 
Sep 23, 2013, 8:25 pm
#1164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
spoke with a close pal at TSA. If you are GLOBAL ENTRY and TSA PreCheck, you should never have a "fail" - unless, for instance, your name is spelled wrong or you don't use your middle initial (at minimum). He said the system checks the number against your DOB, last name, first name, and middle initial.
Sep 23, 2013, 8:51 pm
#1165
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BLI
Programs: Alaska Million Mile Flyer, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,194
Early this morning (5:15 AM) at SEA they were herding people into the PreCheck line faster than the passengers could possibly understand. Made for a very lucky day for a lot of pax, and at least one very unhappy previously entitled frequent flyer (me). I don't want to share my little slice of extra freedom with people who don't appreciate it.
Good grief, TSA. At least brief the people you select.
Sep 23, 2013, 8:58 pm
#1166
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,259
Early this morning (5:15 AM) at SEA they were herding people into the PreCheck line faster than the passengers could possibly understand. Made for a very lucky day for a lot of pax, and at least one very unhappy previously entitled frequent flyer (me). I don't want to share my little slice of extra freedom with people who don't appreciate it.
Sep 23, 2013, 10:37 pm
#1167
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
spoke with a close pal at TSA. If you are GLOBAL ENTRY and TSA PreCheck, you should never have a "fail" - unless, for instance, your name is spelled wrong or you don't use your middle initial (at minimum). He said the system checks the number against your DOB, last name, first name, and middle initial. He said things like MR/MS/MRS shouldn't affect it as the system was written to recognize that... and if you pay into GE or TSA preCheck, if you get a "fail" its for one of those reasons or they have pulled you out of the system entirely.
.
.
Sep 24, 2013, 12:28 am
#1168
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SEA, SoCal
Programs: AS 75K, DL Plat, AA, WN, Hertz, HHonors, Marriott
Posts: 1,306
For the return flight, which I booked separately as a one-way literally two minutes later, I left my DL # in for the entire booking process making sure my full middle name was present along with my PASSID, and then swapped it out for my AS number after confirmation and Precheck went through just fine.
In this case, it appears that having my full middle name did matter.
Sep 25, 2013, 12:25 pm
#1169
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6
I think I've conducted a pretty thorough search of the site, but haven't found what I'm looking for yet, so please forgive me if this already exists.
I'm looking for a "tips and tricks" to "ensure" three beeps. I'm MVPG and fly weekly between PDX and SEA. I've been in PreCheck for a couple years now, and have always had much lower clearance rates than I hear from a lot of folks on here (and from talking to people in line, etc.).
Yes, I understand there is a degree of randomness, but from my understanding it should be random that you don't get selected, and it's reasonable to expect greater than 80% clearance. In the past three weeks, for example I am 1/6 (0/3 in SEA) and it's driving me crazy (especially given the state of affairs at SEA)!
I almost always fly the same flights, use the same credit card, book through the same app (a corporate travel portal) and use a digital boarding pass on iOS. I avoid printed BP (as I've heard that can kick you out) and don't have a GE number as well (the only way I'm submitted to the program is through Alaska's process). I've called Alaska and tried to query TSA folks, only to be told, "you know, selection is random."
So, what am I missing? How can I improve my clearance rate? Other things I've thought that may cause problems are booking flights evening before (which I do occasionally) not leaving time for processing?
I've also read on here that it may be an issue with a middle name? I currently have middle initial only in my travel system (to match my credit cards). Could that add variability, or would that bounce me entirely if it were a problem?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I'm looking for a "tips and tricks" to "ensure" three beeps. I'm MVPG and fly weekly between PDX and SEA. I've been in PreCheck for a couple years now, and have always had much lower clearance rates than I hear from a lot of folks on here (and from talking to people in line, etc.).
Yes, I understand there is a degree of randomness, but from my understanding it should be random that you don't get selected, and it's reasonable to expect greater than 80% clearance. In the past three weeks, for example I am 1/6 (0/3 in SEA) and it's driving me crazy (especially given the state of affairs at SEA)!
I almost always fly the same flights, use the same credit card, book through the same app (a corporate travel portal) and use a digital boarding pass on iOS. I avoid printed BP (as I've heard that can kick you out) and don't have a GE number as well (the only way I'm submitted to the program is through Alaska's process). I've called Alaska and tried to query TSA folks, only to be told, "you know, selection is random."
So, what am I missing? How can I improve my clearance rate? Other things I've thought that may cause problems are booking flights evening before (which I do occasionally) not leaving time for processing?
I've also read on here that it may be an issue with a middle name? I currently have middle initial only in my travel system (to match my credit cards). Could that add variability, or would that bounce me entirely if it were a problem?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Sep 25, 2013, 12:41 pm
#1170
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,721
Please note that contrary to reports elsewhere, pre-check is NOT yet available in the SFO international terminal. I think the AS flights from SFO to SJD still depart from Terminal 1 @SFO, so not sure if this matters. CLEAR still provides good value if you are based in SFO.