Hi there,

Quick question: although BA is now participating in the TSA Pre program, is it implemented at EWR Terminal B? My last flight out of EWR was in March and there was just a special line for Premium Cabins, but no TSA Pre as far as I remember. Just want to know whether or not I should bother adding my KTN in my reservation.

Thanks!
-vinnyc

There is no special TSA Pre lane at EWR B. Best case scenario is that you queue in the premium lane and the TSA Officer gives you a plastic card, which entitles you to keep your shoes on etc. when you get to the normal scanner. however, they frequently run out of these cards, in which case you go through the scanner without special TSA Pre treatment.

(Some premium carriers at EWR — like LH but not BA — will escort you from check in to the front of the security line at the scanner and ensure you get the TSA Pre treatment.)

Thank you very much golfmad & NYLON Boy for your replies. Indeed, it would have been faster to just add my KTN to my booking, but as NYLON Boy pointed out, there is no TSA Pre dedicated line yet, and we get the “TSA Pre Light Experience”, with the card, as in other airports/terminals where TSA Pre is not available. I still see value with that, in the sense that I don’t have to remove my shoes, belt, light jacket, nor do I have to take out the laptop out of my bag.

Thanks again
-vinnyc

Thanks KARFA for your message.

I am flying out of EWR Terminal B this coming Thursday (July 5) and will definitely post my experience as a feedback/data point for our fellow travelers.

Cheers,
-vinnyc

As previously mentioned, and as a follow-up, I can confirm that there is no dedicated TSA Pre line at EWR/Terminal B for British Airways (Gates 51-58), but any TSA Pre eligible passenger will get instead a TSA Pre “Lite Experience” instead.

The TSA Agent who checks your passport & boarding pass will hand you an orange TSA Pre card that will allow you to: (i) keep your shoes, (ii) keep your belt, (iii) keep the liquids & laptop inside your bag (inconsistent though as some passengers were asked to remove their laptop and put it in a separate bin).

There are two lines (left & right) and both have the full bodyscan machine and the regular metal detector. Depending on which lane you chose and how busy the line is, you may go through the full bodyscan (with shoes & belt) or just the metal detector. Once again, not a general rule as it depends on the TSA Agents...

Not too bad (you get to keep shoes & belt), but not awesome either (no dedicated TSA Pre lane, you are mixed with the general queue).

Will also post in the BA/TSA Pre thread.

Cheers,
-vinnyc