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)
Mar 21, 2013, 10:39 pm
#901
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
I agree. One thing I noticed the other day as I was walking around SFO, the UA PreCheck lane was closed early--like 630p--and everyone was funneling (slowly) through three open lanes at the main UA checkpoints.
Mar 25, 2013, 10:07 am
#902
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,291
Whether the airport or terminal has Pre-Check is, however, a good point. I am hoping SFO T1 and OAK get Pre-Check once WN joins the program.
Mar 25, 2013, 1:11 pm
#903
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 328
I don't follow. My post was in response to your comment about AS specifically. Because AS does have Pre-Check, GE does do jack for you.
Whether the airport or terminal has Pre-Check is, however, a good point. I am hoping SFO T1 and OAK get Pre-Check once WN joins the program.
Whether the airport or terminal has Pre-Check is, however, a good point. I am hoping SFO T1 and OAK get Pre-Check once WN joins the program.
Mar 25, 2013, 2:29 pm
#904
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
and as it is, the "elite" lane dumps you into a line that's also marked for "families" once you come through. I'm typically traveling late afternoon/early evening and it's not usually terrible, but would be curious to see what they'd do with PreCheck here and if there are enough pax to make it worthwhile.
I suspect once WN is in the PreCheck program, you'll see T1 get it. For sure when they redo that terminal and make a unified checkpoint with DL/WN/AS. Who knows when either thing happen though!
I'm amazed SJC doesn't have it yet. Even SNA and IND have PreCheck!
Mar 25, 2013, 11:31 pm
#905
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
CLEAR being there doesn't inherently effect whether they would add PreCheck or not, as they already co-exist at a number of locations (completely separate of each other).
Apr 7, 2013, 11:19 am
#906
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Alaska Airlines MVPG, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 8
I enrolled in the first group out of PDX last year, was cleared for Pre every time I flew out of PDX last year. The last two times I've flown, however, I've been denied at the A/B/C portal. TSA swears that it's random, but I've noticed that only crew seems to be getting cleared. It can't be a status change, as I'm still MVP Gold and have already made MVP for next year. Anyone else have this experience?
Apr 7, 2013, 1:35 pm
#908
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YVR
Programs: AS MVP, Nexus
Posts: 155
Just saw this little blurb in my "NEXUS News" email from CBP. You Canadian NEXUS cardholders should be happy. ^
And for all NEXUS cardholders we now get to use the CATSA NEXUS lanes for flights departing to the US. ^
Hopefully Pre✓™ gets rolled out to SFO T1 and SAN very soon.
And for all NEXUS cardholders we now get to use the CATSA NEXUS lanes for flights departing to the US. ^
Hopefully Pre✓™ gets rolled out to SFO T1 and SAN very soon.
So hoping for Pre✓™ when I fly from SEA-STL next Monday! *crosses fingers*
Apr 7, 2013, 4:20 pm
#909
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
All of a sudden I stopped getting cleared for PreCheck. I got the three beeps at SFO on Tuesday then on Wednesday, I got 1 beep at SEA. I made a couple dummy reservations and after decoding the BP, I'm finding that I'm not getting cleared at all. Not sure what the issue is. Everything in my account looks correct. I'm opted in and my PASS ID is in the reservation.
Up until now, I was 60/61 with getting the magic 3 on my AS BPs. I've missed on my last seven BPs. Anyone else experience this?
The PDX lane is shared with the crew lane, so it's not surprising they're clearing there. There's no KCM checkpoint (yet) at PDX, so they have to use the "regular" checkpoint.
They're usually pretty quick though.
Up until now, I was 60/61 with getting the magic 3 on my AS BPs. I've missed on my last seven BPs. Anyone else experience this?
The PDX lane is shared with the crew lane, so it's not surprising they're clearing there. There's no KCM checkpoint (yet) at PDX, so they have to use the "regular" checkpoint.
They're usually pretty quick though.
Apr 7, 2013, 5:33 pm
#910
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75k, United Silver, Hilton Gold, Marriott Platinum Elite Ambassador
Posts: 86
I enrolled in the first group out of PDX last year, was cleared for Pre every time I flew out of PDX last year. The last two times I've flown, however, I've been denied at the A/B/C portal. TSA swears that it's random, but I've noticed that only crew seems to be getting cleared. It can't be a status change, as I'm still MVP Gold and have already made MVP for next year. Anyone else have this experience?
Apr 7, 2013, 7:06 pm
#911
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG, Bonvoy Titanium, NEXUS
Posts: 174
I also went 0/2 this weekend. Once at SEA on Saturday and once at PDX this morning. My traveling companion also went 0/2 - he and I have both gotten three beeps many times before. I observed several others get turned away and very few getting through. This is the first time I can remember in a long time that I got a single beep twice in a row. Something is definitely fishy.
Apr 8, 2013, 8:18 am
#912
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SEA & LMT
Programs: AS100K, AS Lounge+, Marriott Plat, SBUXG, GE, Costco Exec, Amazon Prime, Nat Parks Yearly Pass
Posts: 274
I got the triple beep early Saturday afternoon at SEA. Good thing, the reject line stretched back to the first scan desk... About 20 peeps waiting did not look happy about zippering into the regular lanes.
Apr 8, 2013, 12:25 pm
#913
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
I booked a few test reservations over the weekend--all were rejected when I decoded the BPs. I booked a few with different credit cards, one with my PASS ID, a couple without my PASS ID and so on. No luck.
We'll see what happens this week when I leave PDX.
We'll see what happens this week when I leave PDX.
Apr 8, 2013, 12:56 pm
#914
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
Just using pre nothing fancy like nexus. I did hear a triple beep in front of me.
I'll check out PDX this evening.
Apr 8, 2013, 1:30 pm
#915
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
I have Global Entry and my AS profile matches my GE card. 6 one way segments (seperate tix) on AS in the last few weeks. Barcode scanned with a 3 on every single one of them. Same with my UA trips. BOS and SAN were the departure cities. I'm sad that Pre will be going in T2 at SAN after UA moves over and not in T1
Doesnt sound right to me either. Maybe the average number of people clearing went down due to the increase in leisure travelers who wouldn't qualify.
Doesnt sound right to me either. Maybe the average number of people clearing went down due to the increase in leisure travelers who wouldn't qualify.