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: "Today’s 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 CBP’s 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
Sep 20, 2012, 10:13 pm
#2956
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP, 1.5MM, AC
Posts: 230
Wanted to add a data point about clearing on multiple segments while flying AS and AA.
Flying out on AS metal SEA-LAX and connecting to AA LAX-BNA. Successful Pre-check in SEA with AS boarding passes issued with AS record locator. The 2nd segment BP also printed and according to the AS barcode, this was a 0, showing no Pre-check for me when connecting at LAX. I transferred airside instead and had the Admiral's Club print a new BP for my LAX-BNA leg using my AA record locator. Checked with the barcode scanner and this new BP showed the coveted 3. So, I guess the key for my 2nd and subsequent legs is to get a new BP printed under AA's record locator and not use the BP generated by AS for any flights other than the first one of the day.
I can transfer streetside at LAX between terminals and know it's possible to clear security with Pre-check as long as I get an AA-generated boarding pass at the ticket counter or kiosk first. I didn't realize that for now the criteria for clearing with Pre-check is proprietary to each airline and that my eligibility is airline-based and doesn't cross over with me as I move between airlines and airports.
I thought it was interesting that I had 2 boarding passes with different Pre-check results for the same flight leaving LAX. AS-printed boarding pass gave me a "0" and AA-printed boarding pass gave me a "3."
Flying out on AS metal SEA-LAX and connecting to AA LAX-BNA. Successful Pre-check in SEA with AS boarding passes issued with AS record locator. The 2nd segment BP also printed and according to the AS barcode, this was a 0, showing no Pre-check for me when connecting at LAX. I transferred airside instead and had the Admiral's Club print a new BP for my LAX-BNA leg using my AA record locator. Checked with the barcode scanner and this new BP showed the coveted 3. So, I guess the key for my 2nd and subsequent legs is to get a new BP printed under AA's record locator and not use the BP generated by AS for any flights other than the first one of the day.
I can transfer streetside at LAX between terminals and know it's possible to clear security with Pre-check as long as I get an AA-generated boarding pass at the ticket counter or kiosk first. I didn't realize that for now the criteria for clearing with Pre-check is proprietary to each airline and that my eligibility is airline-based and doesn't cross over with me as I move between airlines and airports.
I thought it was interesting that I had 2 boarding passes with different Pre-check results for the same flight leaving LAX. AS-printed boarding pass gave me a "0" and AA-printed boarding pass gave me a "3."
Sep 20, 2012, 11:01 pm
#2957
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Didn't one of the posts above say that one of the digits indicates Pre-Check eligible? I wonder if perhaps the AS-printed BP for the AA flight didn't show you as eligible?
Sep 20, 2012, 11:09 pm
#2958
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
1) Normally you are required to divest yourself of most accessories like jackets, belts, etc. With PreCheck, you can leave these on.
2) The normal metal detectors are very sensitive. When I walk through with my belt or watch on, they almost always buzz. The PreCheck metal detectors are turned waaaaay down. You can waltz through them with much more metal on your person than normal and they won't buzz.
Sep 21, 2012, 9:44 am
#2959
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP, 1.5MM, AC
Posts: 230
In this case, reading my AS boarding pass, the SEA-LAX information showed ...SEALAXAS... 3 AA AA..... in the correct positions and I was successful with Pre-check in SEA, but reading further down, the second segment's information for LAX-BNA showed ...LAXBNAAA...0 AA...... and this "0" has played out in my past attempts at LAX by not getting picked for Pre-check. The BP printed in the Admiral's Club using the AA record locator number showed the proper ....31 AA..... which would indicate Pre-check success.
I think it boils down to the fact that Alaska Airlines doesn't participate in Pre-check at LAX so any boarding pass generated by Alaska Airlines for flights departing LAX will not get Pre-check approval.
Last edited by Kinsale; Sep 21, 2012 at 9:59 am Reason: Edited to add additional info
Sep 21, 2012, 10:44 am
#2960
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Sorry, we're talking about different things. I know you're talking about the digit indicating Pre-Check expedited screening selection status; I thought there was a post saying that a different digit indicated Pre-Check eligibility status (e.g., opt-in). I'm too lazy to hunt through hundreds of posts looking for it now (plus i have to leave for the airport in a few minutes). I was just curious if I was correctly remembering, and if so, if AS encoded that differently as it was an AA flight.
Sep 21, 2012, 10:45 am
#2961
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
2) The normal metal detectors are very sensitive. When I walk through with my belt or watch on, they almost always buzz. The PreCheck metal detectors are turned waaaaay down. You can waltz through them with much more metal on your person than normal and they won't buzz.
Sep 21, 2012, 12:32 pm
#2962
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
I am at 100%* (9/9) PreCheck success since AS started the program, using my Global Entry PassID as qualification, although I was invited as a FF as well. Just last week I flew LAX-DCA on AS, and when I scanned my BP at the LAX T6 TSA checkpoint, it gave the 3 beeps that indicate PreCheck clearance. There is of course no PreCheck lane at T6 yet, but my experience is a positive indication that AS does issue PreCheck BP's at LAX.
I suspect in your case, the AS-issued BP included PreCheck approval for the AS-operated segments. AS is probably not willing/able to seek or obtain PreCheck approval for non-AS-operated flights. This might be a design loophole in the program, but only really evident when changing carriers at an airport with separate security zones (like LAX).
Sep 21, 2012, 12:38 pm
#2963
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA PLT 3MM
Posts: 1,135
2) The normal metal detectors are very sensitive. When I walk through with my belt or watch on, they almost always buzz. The PreCheck metal detectors are turned waaaaay down. You can waltz through them with much more metal on your person than normal and they won't buzz.
Sep 21, 2012, 5:35 pm
#2964
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Woo-Hoo
My first LLLove! Scanned my outbound BPs (even though departing from non-Pre-Check) to verify that I finally had the coveted '3' after who knows what fixes. Scanned my return BPs and the '3' was there as well! Long line at STL Elite/First Class, but an empty Pre-Check to the left, with a gate. Walked up to the gate, said "Pre-Check" and offered my BP to the checker. He looked at me with the utmost suspicion, scanned my BP (I didn't hear the three beeps or see 'LLL', just my name and something else), and then didn't say anything, so I walked through. Then had to wait while the bag x-ray guy called someone over to watch me walk through the metal detector.
Sep 21, 2012, 11:05 pm
#2965
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
Will they ever make precheck available for International destinations?
Sep 22, 2012, 7:08 am
#2966
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Western PA
Programs: ExPlAAt; United 1K
Posts: 480
Allegedly it is coming to a variety of destinations: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Visa Waiver Program countries (including most of Europe) and perhaps others. No timetable has been announced, but TSA has periodically stated that international itineraries will be included in the program over time.
Sep 22, 2012, 7:58 am
#2967
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
Allegedly it is coming to a variety of destinations: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Visa Waiver Program countries (including most of Europe) and perhaps others. No timetable has been announced, but TSA has periodically stated that international itineraries will be included in the program over time.
Sep 22, 2012, 10:10 am
#2968
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
Sep 22, 2012, 10:12 am
#2969
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: AA ExPLT, Bonvoy Titanium, Amex PLT, Hertz GLD, National EX
Posts: 332
Did I fix it?
Scanned my & SO's boarding passes yesterday and we both had a "3" in the necessary spot. Just went through security at MIA and we both got "LLL".
I made sure both of our AA profiles matched our Trusted Traveler info, especially full middle names instead of just middle initial. I'm platinum and was invited to opt in by AA & have TT in my profile, SO is only Gold and qualifies with TT number.
After multiple "CLR" (at least 10 times in a row for me) I've gotten "LLL" the past two times through MIA. Hoping this is a trend, as I have six upcoming flights in the next 3 weeks.
I made sure both of our AA profiles matched our Trusted Traveler info, especially full middle names instead of just middle initial. I'm platinum and was invited to opt in by AA & have TT in my profile, SO is only Gold and qualifies with TT number.
After multiple "CLR" (at least 10 times in a row for me) I've gotten "LLL" the past two times through MIA. Hoping this is a trend, as I have six upcoming flights in the next 3 weeks.
Sep 22, 2012, 10:24 am
#2970
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 102
Originally Posted by baliktad:19359134
I am at 100%* (9/9) PreCheck success since AS started the program, using my Global Entry PassID as qualification, although I was invited as a FF as well. Just last week I flew LAX-DCA on AS, and when I scanned my BP at the LAX T6 TSA checkpoint, it gave the 3 beeps that indicate PreCheck clearance. There is of course no PreCheck lane at T6 yet, but my experience is a positive indication that AS does issue PreCheck BP's at LAX.
I suspect in your case, the AS-issued BP included PreCheck approval for the AS-operated segments. AS is probably not willing/able to seek or obtain PreCheck approval for non-AS-operated flights. This might be a design loophole in the program, but only really evident when changing carriers at an airport with separate security zones (like LAX).