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 27, 2013, 9:47 pm
#856
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SEA, SoCal
Programs: AS 75K, DL Plat, AA, WN, Hertz, HHonors, Marriott
Posts: 1,306
Feb 27, 2013, 10:41 pm
#857
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,195
Someone want to take a crack at the rationale for this rule? Or is purely arbitrary?
If I'm headed to country A [a nice safe western democracy] from PDX via LAX, why would I pose any higher degree of risk for TSA purposes than the person who is simply flying PDX-LAX?
Not only that, but if I were intent on circumventing this stupidity so I can take advantage of Precheck, how hard would it be to book my int'l itin from the gateway city and the domestic segments separately. And of course, if I were a real America-hating scoundrel, I would naturally do it this way and conceal my ultimate int'l destination in country X (evil authoritarian regime).
So, what am I missing here?
--mcz
If I'm headed to country A [a nice safe western democracy] from PDX via LAX, why would I pose any higher degree of risk for TSA purposes than the person who is simply flying PDX-LAX?
Not only that, but if I were intent on circumventing this stupidity so I can take advantage of Precheck, how hard would it be to book my int'l itin from the gateway city and the domestic segments separately. And of course, if I were a real America-hating scoundrel, I would naturally do it this way and conceal my ultimate int'l destination in country X (evil authoritarian regime).
So, what am I missing here?
--mcz
Of course, what that ignores is that many countries' screening procedures are practically identical to the PreCheck procedures--laptop stays in bag, shoes stay on, etc.--and it completely sidesteps the issue that, since PreCheck and non-PreCheck passengers mix in the sterile area here in the U.S., any non-PreCheck passengers are easily "contaminated" by PreCheck passengers who may have sneaked something through security that would have otherwise been caught.
But it wouldn't surprise me if that was some TSA bureaucrat's rationale for why it shouldn't work on international itineraries, anyway...
Feb 28, 2013, 6:58 am
#858
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS Million Miler since 2011, Lifetime MVPG
Posts: 853
I wonder if pre-check will survive if sequestration occurs and the TSA cuts personnel. It's not the most efficient use of manpower to have 4 TSA agents (boarding pass scanner, x-ray monitor viewer, metal detector guard, and finger wiper at the end) servicing the occasional passenger. Especially in a location such as ANC where is seems nobody but me is pre-check. I hope it doesn't happen, we'll find out soon.
Feb 28, 2013, 8:20 am
#859
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SEA, SoCal
Programs: AS 75K, DL Plat, AA, WN, Hertz, HHonors, Marriott
Posts: 1,306
Previous discussion on this issue (may have been on this thread or probably in the more extensive UA version of this thread) has either speculated or reported from a semi-official source that the reason is that the new procedures don't follow international agreements the U.S. has with other countries' security agencies--that is, PreCheck screening is sufficiently "lax" compared to regular screening that other countries don't consider it to be to the same stringent standards and would thus consider PreCheck passengers to not be sterile, which would necessitate re-screening upon arrival before those passengers could continue on.
Feb 28, 2013, 5:34 pm
#860
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/7.1.0.694 Mobile Safari/534.11+)
#fail ex-DCA this afternoon. In fact after being diverted to the regular line and waiting I had an additional 15 minute wait for my opt out 
after my bags went thru the scanner.
#fail ex-DCA this afternoon. In fact after being diverted to the regular line and waiting I had an additional 15 minute wait for my opt out
after my bags went thru the scanner.
Feb 28, 2013, 7:10 pm
#861
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
Success at PHL last week. AS has a tiny little ticket counter (2 computer stations and 2 kiosks nestled at the end of the DL area) in the E terminal. This is somewhat counter-intuitive because they fly out of the D terminal, but the two are close enough to not make much difference. They even advertise PreCheck with little flyers at the ticket counter.
However, there is no PreCheck lane at the D security checkpoint. If you exit the terminal and walk outside to the C terminal, there is a PreCheck lane there, and your AS BP will work just fine at the scanner.
Note: Since PHL is not a mobile boarding pass-enabled station, you cannot check in on your phone and retrieve a boarding pass. You'll need to check in online and print your own BP, or retrieve one physically from the AS counter/kiosk in E terminal.
However, there is no PreCheck lane at the D security checkpoint. If you exit the terminal and walk outside to the C terminal, there is a PreCheck lane there, and your AS BP will work just fine at the scanner.
Note: Since PHL is not a mobile boarding pass-enabled station, you cannot check in on your phone and retrieve a boarding pass. You'll need to check in online and print your own BP, or retrieve one physically from the AS counter/kiosk in E terminal.
Feb 28, 2013, 7:30 pm
#862
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
Feb 28, 2013, 8:11 pm
#863
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
If you get the magic 3 on the LAS-BLI leg, make sure you go to Terminal 1 and not Terminal 3. There is no PreCheck lane at Terminal 3. If you're taking a cab/shuttle, tell them you're flying Delta. Just follow the signs for D gates and PreCheck.
Obviously this only works if you have a mobile BP and no bags to check...
Obviously this only works if you have a mobile BP and no bags to check...
Feb 28, 2013, 9:35 pm
#864
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,195
Yes, there is an elite line at the D/E security checkpoint, and they did let your friend through the elite line during the period in question. There were still 4 or 5 people in front of him, though. (The regular line probably had 10-15 people in it.)
Mar 1, 2013, 12:47 am
#865
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MM, MVPGold100k, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,475
One of the very good things about any Pre check lane is that once you are cleared to enter it the people in front of you actually KNOW what to do and going through the line is quick! It was always amazing to me to be in the supposedly experienced traveller line (premium or elite tier) line and be behind so many people that act as if they have not had to go through screening before. (meaning they do not know to remove shoes, belts, items in pockets, laptops, coats, etc. - and I purposely did not include the 311 bag as many airports are not obsessive about that as some) I am very thankful that when this was implemented I was a 75k (and still am). I just wish that at SEA, the precheck lane was not so far out of the way! I would even accept it being at checkpoint 3 if it was on the north side of checkpoint 3. After all, isn't AS the largest carrier at SEA? Why does WN and AA get easy access and not AS? sigh
Mar 1, 2013, 12:54 am
#866
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,606
One of the very good things about any Pre check lane is that once you are cleared to enter it the people in front of you actually KNOW what to do and going through the line is quick! It was always amazing to me to be in the supposedly experienced traveller line (premium or elite tier) line and be behind so many people that act as if they have not had to go through screening before. (meaning they do not know to remove shoes, belts, items in pockets, laptops, coats, etc. - and I purposely did not include the 311 bag as many airports are not obsessive about that as some) I am very thankful that when this was implemented I was a 75k (and still am). I just wish that at SEA, the precheck lane was not so far out of the way! I would even accept it being at checkpoint 3 if it was on the north side of checkpoint 3. After all, isn't AS the largest carrier at SEA? Why does WN and AA get easy access and not AS? sigh
Mar 1, 2013, 2:07 am
#867
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,195
Really, they need two PreCheck checkpoints: one in the central area for AA, DL, UA, and the other carriers at SEA, and one where it was (at the D checkpoint) as that was by far the most convenient to AS, especially for people heading to the N gates. Unfortunately, I doubt AS/the POS/TSA/whoever pays for PreCheck would be willing to fund that set-up.
Mar 1, 2013, 7:47 am
#868
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MM, MVPGold100k, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,475
I brought this point up in the UA PreCheck thread and almost got my head bit off by several members who claimed that AS did not represent even close to a majority of people who qualify for PreCheck at SEA.
Really, they need two PreCheck checkpoints: one in the central area for AA, DL, UA, and the other carriers at SEA, and one where it was (at the D checkpoint) as that was by far the most convenient to AS, especially for people heading to the N gates. Unfortunately, I doubt AS/the POS/TSA/whoever pays for PreCheck would be willing to fund that set-up.
Really, they need two PreCheck checkpoints: one in the central area for AA, DL, UA, and the other carriers at SEA, and one where it was (at the D checkpoint) as that was by far the most convenient to AS, especially for people heading to the N gates. Unfortunately, I doubt AS/the POS/TSA/whoever pays for PreCheck would be willing to fund that set-up.
I based my assumption on wiki info: "In 2012, the airport served over 33.2 million passengers,[3] making it the 16th-busiest airport in the United States.[3] It ranks 23rd in total aircraft operations and 21st in total cargo volume.[3]
The top-five carriers at the airport in number of passengers carried in 2012 were Alaska Airlines (36.3%), Horizon Air (14.1%), Delta Air Lines (12.0%), United Airlines (10.8%) and Southwest Airlines (8.5%).[4]"
Which makes it hard for me to understand why the Port of Seattle decided to move the Precheck lane directly behind WN (lowest of top five airlines) and AA (not even in the top five) and furthest from AS.
Mar 1, 2013, 7:49 am
#869
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MM, MVPGold100k, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,475
Mar 1, 2013, 8:26 am
#870
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,195
