Dec 26, 2012, 9:58 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
TSA Pre-Check / PreCheck Known Traveler program for AA FFs (consolidated)
You are eligible to be selected (on a flight-by-flight basis) for TSA PreCheck expedited screening if:
- You are a frequent American Airlines flyer that have been invited by American Airlines to participate and followed the instructions on the email to accept, or/and
- You participate in a "Trusted Traveler" program (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and/or TSA PreCheck application program) and have entered your "Known Traveler ID" in the reservation
- If you're using your AAdvantage number, you can enter the "Known Traveler ID" in the Personal Information and Password tab of My Account) so it will auto-populate in all new reservations bearing the AAdvantage number made anywhere
- If your reservation doesn't have your AAdvantage number, you can retrieve it and add the "Known Traveler ID" to it. The method is not very intuitive: on AA.com click on my trips, then on view all, then on find my reservation and enter either the record locator (if you know it), or the flight information using the AA operating flight number (not any eventual codeshare number from another airline).
- Your Secure Flight Information (name, sex, DOB) in the reservation must match the one with the program (except for "middle" or other names, which are ignored) (name on ticket does not matter)
- You will find your "Known Traveler ID" on the GOES website or on your program's card, under the name "PASSID". It is either 9 digits or the letters TT plus 7 digits
NOTE: 20 May 2016: "Todays announcement makes a total of 16 carriers that participate in TSA Pre✓: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.
Passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓ include: members of the TSA Pre✓ application program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, Global Entry, and Canadian citizens who are members of CBPs NEXUS program. TSA Pre✓ is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard."
Link
How it works
In the Pre-Check lane, you no longer need to remove the following items:
- Shoes (some, such as steel-toed shoes, may require removal)
- 3-1-1 compliant bag from your carry-on (all liquid restrictions still apply)
- Laptop from your bag (if electronics are stacked on top of each other, they require removal)
- Light outerwear or jacket
- Belt (large belt buckles may require removal)
- Pre-Check Lanes are WTMD only-- No NoS in use
LOCATIONS
Link to FlyerGuide Wiki listing of American Airlines (only) PreCheck checkpoints.
Link to FT thread AA Airport / Concourse TSA PreCheck - Hours [only] (may not be current)
See also post 1 of this thread. (It contains much additional info in the Moderator's Note.)
NOTE: PreCheck is changing to a Trusted Traveler (GE/NEXUS/SENTRI) -like program, where anyone will be able apply and pay USD $85 (online or at a PreCheck enrollment center), be vetted for approval, present proof of identification and be fingerprinted at a PreCheck enrollment center (IAD and IND, opening Fall 2013, will be thie first), and be granted PreCheck status for five years from that time. It will not be airline - or airline status - tied.
"Current PreCheck participants, including those eligible via a CBP Trusted Traveler Program such as Global Entry, will continue to receive PreCheck eligibility. Participants who opted-in through their airline frequent flyer program may want to consider applying for PreCheck, as they are more likely to be selected for PreCheck expedited screening more often if they are vetted via the PreCheck application process." Link.
Trusted Traveler (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri) and Having Problems with PreCheck?
If you belong to one of the Trusted Traveler Programs listed above, you may run into issues getting PreCheck clearance if your Secure Flight Data is not an exact match to the data that you entered into your application on the GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) website when you applied for your TT membership.
For example, if your airline account has Bob Jones, but your GOES account has Bob James Jones, then the TSA may not be associating your information properly when it "decides" who can and can not have access. Additionally, if your PASS ID # (listed above in the screen-shots) is not an exact match, there will be a mismatch when TSA processes your information, and you will not receive PreCheck.
To ensure you receive PreCheck on all flights (domestic & internatioal), be sure to ensure the information in your AA profile is accurate. The name on the ticket does not matter- the "Secure Flight Data" is what is used to determine PreCheck status.
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost; wiki contents may be printed by using the
(lower right wiki corner)TSA Pre✓ / PreCheck / Pre Check Issues, Changes, etc.
Known issues:
- Not every airport or terminal offers the TSA Pre✓ program
- TSA Pre✓ may have limited or irregular hours or closed at times without notice
- TSA Pre✓ members are still be subject to random selection for intensified screening
- TSA Pre✓ program has changed from an airline elite invitation program to a fee-based program with certain screening requirements
- If one's TSA Pre✓ status is from the pilot invitation program and one doesn't have a Known Traveler Number ("KTN"), TSA Pre✓ status may not carry on to another airline and one may experience increasing denials (not having the TSA Pre✓ printed on boarding pass and being sent to the regular TSA screening queues
Link to TSA Application Program and TSA Pre✓ program information, links
Changes to TSA Pre✓
TSA Pre✓ was originally offered by certain airlines to their elite status members. These TSA Pre✓ members do not have a Known Traveler Number from a USDHS trusted traveler program (GOES / Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or the new $85 fee based TSA Pre✓ Application Program offered to the flying public with 5 year renewal), making TSA Pre✓ status portability challenging. See the DHS Trusted Traveler programs listing and comparison chart here. Please read the following:
From American Airlines, April 2015:
This month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is making changes to the TSA Pre✓ Trusted Traveler Program that will impact which travelers receive expedited screening. If you're not already a member of one of the Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry or the TSA Pre✓ Application Program, you will probably see a decline in how often you receive expedited screening, even if you've previously "opted-in" through a frequent flyer program.
The best way to increase your chances of receiving TSA Pre✓ on a regular basis is to register for a Trusted Traveler Program with the Department of Homeland Security at dhs.gov/tt. Once you receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from TSA, be sure you update your AAdvantage profile.
To add your KTN to your AAdvantage profile:For more information on TSA Pre✓, visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck.
This month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is making changes to the TSA Pre✓ Trusted Traveler Program that will impact which travelers receive expedited screening. If you're not already a member of one of the Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry or the TSA Pre✓ Application Program, you will probably see a decline in how often you receive expedited screening, even if you've previously "opted-in" through a frequent flyer program.
The best way to increase your chances of receiving TSA Pre✓ on a regular basis is to register for a Trusted Traveler Program with the Department of Homeland Security at dhs.gov/tt. Once you receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from TSA, be sure you update your AAdvantage profile.
To add your KTN to your AAdvantage profile:
- Login to your account on aa.com and select My Account from the AAdvantage menu
- Within My Account, go to the Information and Password tab
- Add your Customs and Border Protection 9-digit PASS ID to your secure traveler information
[Archived] TSA Pre-Check / PreCheck Known Traveler program for AA FFs
Aug 22, 2012, 3:44 pm
#2746
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 140
AA.com allows me to freely edit the middle name field on ticketed itineraries, but not the first or last name fields. So, I could add my middle name to the middle name field but not delete it from the first name field. I didn't think that would be helpful, so haven't tried it.
Hang Up, Call Again... i.e., find an agent willing to do this.
Aug 22, 2012, 3:58 pm
#2747
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,322
Outbound from LGA
I checked with a check-in agent at LGA, and she had to do a bunch of typing and re-print my boarding pass, and then it was able to clear. So this was better than my last experience from LAX where the agent couldn't get it to clear manually (possibly because I was "randomized" out, but who knows).
The regular security line was very long, up the ramp and down the corridor, but I don't know how long, and even the elite line was longish (most of the way up the ramp to the concourse). I was fortunately able to bypass this and sneak up to the TSA barcode reader. Another passenger behind me did the same thing, but didn't get LLL'd, but the TSA agent let him pass straight into the regular elite screening line, cutting in front of at least two dozen elites waiting for doc check. Does the TSA even know if you are eligible (but denied)? Seems like quite a loophole for people to cut the line.
There was one other person going through PreCheck before me.
On my return from ATL:
Actually, when I arrived in ATL from my outbound, I stopped by the check-in counter to see if an agent could verify my PreCheck eligibility. The agent at LGA said she wasn't able to do it (this was a same-day round-trip) and someone at ATL would have to. After several attempts at asking the AAgent what I wanted, she finally just said "Oh, we don't have that here" and quite rudely waived me away.
(I later noted that AA.com does list ATL as an eligible airport.)I figured I'd try it out anyway, so went to the South checkpoint (which is further from the AA gates). No dice, so I was sent down the regular first class/priority screening. The funny thing was -- there were like 5 people in the two regular screening lanes, and about 15 people in the PreCheck lane.
Even with the extra hassle of removing shoes, jacket and laptop, it turned out to be faster for me in the regular line! I'm not sure how it would have been at the North checkpoint.Moral of the story: AA seems to really have botched the implementation of PreCheck. I should not have to see an agent every time and ask if I'm in the system properly. And judging by the fact that in 3 visits by an AA-specific PreCheck lane (JFK, LAX, LGA) I only saw a grand total of 2 other people using it (where as the Delta lane at ATL, and LGA was chock full of passengers), this is a bigger problem than just me.
AA.
Aug 22, 2012, 9:58 pm
#2748
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 125
Do most of the check-in agents know how to "fix" a BP? Or is it only the EXP check-in?
Aug 24, 2012, 12:48 pm
#2749
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,117
I was able to use Precheck at LAX this morning without issue, but my AAdvantage account has always had my full name such that my account, (in)Secure Flight and trusted traveler names all match exactly.
Aug 25, 2012, 8:18 am
#2750
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,840
Used Pre-Check at LGA this morning. It was the best thing ever. The regular security line was around the corner and no idea how long it was to get to the podium much less through security. Priority Security was about 10 deep and one person in front of me for Pre-Check. I forgot I even submitted my info online and didnt even know I could use it but thought this was a good time to find out. 
No problem and looked like such a rookie as I took out my laptop but luckily the guy behind me corrected me. 
No problem and looked like such a rookie as I took out my laptop but luckily the guy behind me corrected me.
Aug 25, 2012, 9:20 am
#2751
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,211
New to serious AA flying, and don't much understand how one gets selected, but I have two data points.
AA @ LAX last week - didn't try the BP pre scan at precheck. I went to the normal elte security line. No indication after BP scanned at that point that I could access the PreCheck lane.
AA @ JFK today - BP gave a double beep and I was allowed access. I was the only one and it was freakin awesome. Made it through in 1 minute.
I do not yet have global entry, but have my interview next month.
AA @ LAX last week - didn't try the BP pre scan at precheck. I went to the normal elte security line. No indication after BP scanned at that point that I could access the PreCheck lane.
AA @ JFK today - BP gave a double beep and I was allowed access. I was the only one and it was freakin awesome. Made it through in 1 minute.
I do not yet have global entry, but have my interview next month.
I wish there was some indicator on the BP that you're cleared. Meh, first world problems.
Aug 25, 2012, 3:18 pm
#2752
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: 21,676
Just scanned my BP for a flight tomorrow afternoon, and see "93 AA AA" and then my EXP #.
I know the 3 is used to signify LLL, but does the 9 disqualify me, or mean something else?
Anybody gotten 93 recently, and been given the LLLove?
I know the 3 is used to signify LLL, but does the 9 disqualify me, or mean something else?
Anybody gotten 93 recently, and been given the LLLove?
Aug 25, 2012, 5:16 pm
#2753
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
Not a number I'd want associated with any airline reservation in any way, shape or form...
Aug 25, 2012, 9:29 pm
#2754
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,172
I noticed that when AA books my trip, the itinerary shows my middle name in the middle name field, but when our travel agency books it, they append my middle name to the first name field, but with a space.
So, looking at an AA-issued itinerary on AA.com shows:
My travel agent told me:
Since I'm eligible for Pre-Check as an AA EXP and as an enrollee in Global Entry, maybe I should delete the GOES number? Or maybe I can get my agency-issued itineraries fixed by someone?
So, looking at an AA-issued itinerary on AA.com shows:
First Name: Richard
Middle Name: Jay
Last Name: Smith
But, looking at a travel agent-issued itinerary on AA.com shows:Middle Name: Jay
Last Name: Smith
First Name: Richard Jay
Middle Name:
Last Name: Smith
My profile info at the travel agency has my middle name in the middle name field. Middle Name:
Last Name: Smith
My travel agent told me:
Since I'm eligible for Pre-Check as an AA EXP and as an enrollee in Global Entry, maybe I should delete the GOES number? Or maybe I can get my agency-issued itineraries fixed by someone?
Aug 25, 2012, 10:33 pm
#2755
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott lifetime Platinum
Posts: 381
Took a day trip ORD-LGA for work this week and got rejected by pre-check both directions. My first attempt with precheck was a success (back in June), but I am 0 for 7 since then at all airports. All my travel is domestic.
I'm glad I checked this thread, because I'm going to go see an agent when I fly again on Monday and see if they can fix whatever is out of whack.
I'm glad I checked this thread, because I'm going to go see an agent when I fly again on Monday and see if they can fix whatever is out of whack.
Aug 25, 2012, 11:00 pm
#2756
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: 21,676
Aug 26, 2012, 6:18 am
#2757
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 140
My BP shows 63 AA AA then my GLD #, for a JFK departure tomorrow.
Last edited by dmel; Aug 26, 2012 at 6:26 am Reason: couldn't seem to quote properly in mobile app
Aug 26, 2012, 6:43 am
#2758
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 140
On second look, the '63' is actually at the end of the ticket# that's encoded on the BP. The last two digits of the real ticket number are stripped.
FriendlySkies, does your ticket number end in '93xx'?
I'm thoroughly confused now. I'll ask an check-in AAgent when I get to the airport to see what they say.
FriendlySkies, does your ticket number end in '93xx'?
I'm thoroughly confused now. I'll ask an check-in AAgent when I get to the airport to see what they say.
Aug 26, 2012, 10:19 am
#2759
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 102
Is everyone else having pre-check issues not seeing the green checkmark for Known Traveler in their AA reservations? I used to have one next to my PASS ID which is now gone, but also have one next to where I opted in via PLT status. Since I'm 0 for my last 4 attempts, I'm thinking they both must be verified in order to get LLL.
Aug 26, 2012, 10:46 am
#2760
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,172
On second look, the '63' is actually at the end of the ticket# that's encoded on the BP. The last two digits of the real ticket number are stripped.
FriendlySkies, does your ticket number end in '93xx'?
I'm thoroughly confused now. I'll ask an check-in AAgent when I get to the airport to see what they say.
FriendlySkies, does your ticket number end in '93xx'?
I'm thoroughly confused now. I'll ask an check-in AAgent when I get to the airport to see what they say.