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)
Apr 22, 2012, 8:40 pm
#196
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Wirelessly posted (beckoa's PWP wondrousdevice3.0: Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9810; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.11+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/7.0.0.261 Mobile Safari/534.11+)
Yes, I have a PASS ID and I did put in the rez. Have been Global Entry since mid-Feb. Not sure if that makes me generally eligible or what. All I know is it worked.
--mcz
Global Entry is your *get out of jail free card* Enjoy 
Originally Posted by mczlaw
--mcz
Apr 23, 2012, 1:35 am
#197
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
The general rule has been if two airlines (in the past only AA and DL) share a security checkpoint and PreCheck is active at that checkpoint, fliers from both airlines can use PreCheck at that checkpoint.
Since AS has clearly activated PreCheck in their system (as evidenced by people getting LLL at SEA even though the line isn't active yet), it doesn't surprise me that people would be getting it at other airports as well.
Apr 23, 2012, 1:36 am
#198
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
If you qualify through Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI, you need to enter the PASSID either in your profile on the Alaska site or when booking an individual reservation.
Apr 23, 2012, 8:12 am
#199
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Programs: AA ExPlat, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 909
This would make sense since @ ORD Term 3, AS shares with AA.
--mcz
--mcz
Not strictly wrong, just a slightly refined definition.
The general rule has been if two airlines (in the past only AA and DL) share a security checkpoint and PreCheck is active at that checkpoint, fliers from both airlines can use PreCheck at that checkpoint.
Since AS has clearly activated PreCheck in their system (as evidenced by people getting LLL at SEA even though the line isn't active yet), it doesn't surprise me that people would be getting it at other airports as well.
The general rule has been if two airlines (in the past only AA and DL) share a security checkpoint and PreCheck is active at that checkpoint, fliers from both airlines can use PreCheck at that checkpoint.
Since AS has clearly activated PreCheck in their system (as evidenced by people getting LLL at SEA even though the line isn't active yet), it doesn't surprise me that people would be getting it at other airports as well.
Apr 23, 2012, 3:45 pm
#201
Join Date: May 2006
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVPG 1MM, SPG Gold, HH Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz PC, TR Seven Stars, Mlife Noir, TSA Pre
Posts: 160
Just went through the AS Pre line at LAS. It wasn't available to AS passengers the last time I went through McCarran in late February.
Very sweet indeed,
Very sweet indeed,
Apr 23, 2012, 6:18 pm
#202
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K UAL Premier Exec
Posts: 126
Apr 23, 2012, 6:28 pm
#203
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
Apr 24, 2012, 6:58 am
#204
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 15
TSA Adds AS to Pre✓™ Program
Am I really the first one to post about it here?
Got to the airport this morning, and discovered there was a folding table with a couple AS representatives in front of the MVP checkin area. They said hi, gave me a cookie and directed me to the North checkpoint.
At the north checkpoint, you goblin the same line as the regular elite line, and at the desk you either get the triple beep and head right down the hallway or the regular beep and left with the unwashed masses.
Head down the hall to another check station. They check your ID and BP again, and if you pass send u thru the precheck line.
There were a ton of official looking people standing around watching the process congratulating (?) everyone that came thru the line.
Put my laptop bag and phone on the belt, walk thru the magnetometer, collect on the other side.
At no point did I have to even stop moving, and I was thru security completely in less than 1 minute. Very convenient.
Got to the airport this morning, and discovered there was a folding table with a couple AS representatives in front of the MVP checkin area. They said hi, gave me a cookie and directed me to the North checkpoint.
At the north checkpoint, you goblin the same line as the regular elite line, and at the desk you either get the triple beep and head right down the hallway or the regular beep and left with the unwashed masses.
Head down the hall to another check station. They check your ID and BP again, and if you pass send u thru the precheck line.
There were a ton of official looking people standing around watching the process congratulating (?) everyone that came thru the line.
Put my laptop bag and phone on the belt, walk thru the magnetometer, collect on the other side.
At no point did I have to even stop moving, and I was thru security completely in less than 1 minute. Very convenient.
Apr 24, 2012, 8:54 am
#205
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP, 1.5MM, AC
Posts: 230
Used pre-check today thru my Nexus card at Sea-tac. Really fast and easy. Surprised that my American Airlines Pre-check participation wouldn't qualify me for today but they said AS elites only. Glad I've got Nexus.
Apr 24, 2012, 8:57 am
#206
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP, 1.5MM, AC
Posts: 230
If you get iinto your profile on the website, go into My Account, Profile, Settings and Preferences and then the Traveler Profile, under International Travel Information pick Edit My Info and you'll find the space to enter your TT number.
Last edited by Kinsale; Apr 26, 2012 at 2:54 am Reason: More explicit info
Apr 24, 2012, 9:00 am
#207
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Plat, Hyatt Glob, AA 1MM. Former UA 1K, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 311
Dear UA,
I'm as qualified as I can be and I've done everything I can do to be ready for Pre Check at SEA. I'm 1K with you and I'm MVPG with AS. I have both NEXUS and Global Entry cards. I've entered my PASSID on both my UA and AS profiles. The TSA is ready. SEA is ready. AS is ready. But I got to the airport this morning and had to truck down to a different security gate because you're not ready. Understand, it's not just that I missed out on Pre Check; it's that my security line experience was actually worse because they weren't allowing anyone but AS Pre Check pax into the N security premium line.
I love you guys. You've been great to me this year -- I'm 16 of 17 so far on upgrades. But you need to get your act together on this one.
Love,
-- seaflyguy
I'm as qualified as I can be and I've done everything I can do to be ready for Pre Check at SEA. I'm 1K with you and I'm MVPG with AS. I have both NEXUS and Global Entry cards. I've entered my PASSID on both my UA and AS profiles. The TSA is ready. SEA is ready. AS is ready. But I got to the airport this morning and had to truck down to a different security gate because you're not ready. Understand, it's not just that I missed out on Pre Check; it's that my security line experience was actually worse because they weren't allowing anyone but AS Pre Check pax into the N security premium line.
I love you guys. You've been great to me this year -- I'm 16 of 17 so far on upgrades. But you need to get your act together on this one.
Love,
-- seaflyguy
Apr 24, 2012, 10:10 pm
#209
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
I may actually do that myself. Living in Los Angeles (especially working near LAX), it was easy for me to sign up for Global Entry, but very difficult to sign up for NEXUS (without first visiting Canada or one of the US cities that has an enrollment center), although I'll probably add NEXUS next time I'm near an enrollment center.
Apr 26, 2012, 12:30 pm
#210
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: SNA
Programs: AA 1MM, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, SPG Gold, Avis Pres Club, Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 297
If I got the Precheck confirmation email from AS am I good to go? Will anything specific print on my BP or do I just need to let someone scan it at the North entrance in SEA to see if I get the triple beep?
thx
thx