TSA PreCheck Program - Questions/Experiences for United Airlines Travellers
Sep 22, 2012, 2:16 pm
#1321
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Programs: United Premier Gold
Posts: 252
Indianapolis has this....NO idea why 
Its never busy!
I LOVED it. Shoes on, nothing out of the backpack or suitcase!
Its never busy!I LOVED it. Shoes on, nothing out of the backpack or suitcase!
Sep 22, 2012, 3:14 pm
#1322
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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: 21,600
Yes, but when ORD gets busy they have one line to wait in for both premier & precheck. When you advance far enough to enter the premier lines, that's when you get to scan for precheck. For those early mornings when everyone is trying to get out, you wait 20 min in line before scanning. Makes no sense.
Sep 22, 2012, 3:22 pm
#1323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,686
Sep 22, 2012, 3:27 pm
#1324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,686
I'm wondering if anyone has experienced what I did today.
About three weeks ago was surprised that my boarding pass triggered the three beeps and was happily directed to the prescreening lane. Found this thread and the recommendation for the iPhone app scanner and have now been scanning my BP's. In the last 6 instances, the data pattern has matched the observations in this thread.
So, printed BP today and scanned it, and it was consistent with the previous scans. Went to scan my BP in the security lane, and there were three beeps although the time between the three beeps was greater than what I heard from the person in front of me who passed. I was informed that I had to utilize the regular premier line. I inquired to the agent that I heard the three beeps and she rescanned my BP and it did indeed respond with three beeps. But she said something to the effect of "not today".
So that leads me to believe that while enrolled in the program, there's a secondary criteria which determines whether you're permitted or not. Thinking it could be based on a number of entries by passenger, or a more random number based on the number of passengers through the checkpoint, or something else.
It's unfortunate if this is the case, as I was hoping that I could reduce the time needed to get to the airport. If it's not 100%, I will need to cater for the potential of denial at the checkpoint.
Has anyone else encountered this?
Cheers!
About three weeks ago was surprised that my boarding pass triggered the three beeps and was happily directed to the prescreening lane. Found this thread and the recommendation for the iPhone app scanner and have now been scanning my BP's. In the last 6 instances, the data pattern has matched the observations in this thread.
So, printed BP today and scanned it, and it was consistent with the previous scans. Went to scan my BP in the security lane, and there were three beeps although the time between the three beeps was greater than what I heard from the person in front of me who passed. I was informed that I had to utilize the regular premier line. I inquired to the agent that I heard the three beeps and she rescanned my BP and it did indeed respond with three beeps. But she said something to the effect of "not today".
So that leads me to believe that while enrolled in the program, there's a secondary criteria which determines whether you're permitted or not. Thinking it could be based on a number of entries by passenger, or a more random number based on the number of passengers through the checkpoint, or something else.
It's unfortunate if this is the case, as I was hoping that I could reduce the time needed to get to the airport. If it's not 100%, I will need to cater for the potential of denial at the checkpoint.
Has anyone else encountered this?
Cheers!
Sep 22, 2012, 5:11 pm
#1325
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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: 21,600
I'm wondering if anyone has experienced what I did today.
About three weeks ago was surprised that my boarding pass triggered the three beeps and was happily directed to the prescreening lane. Found this thread and the recommendation for the iPhone app scanner and have now been scanning my BP's. In the last 6 instances, the data pattern has matched the observations in this thread.
So, printed BP today and scanned it, and it was consistent with the previous scans. Went to scan my BP in the security lane, and there were three beeps although the time between the three beeps was greater than what I heard from the person in front of me who passed. I was informed that I had to utilize the regular premier line. I inquired to the agent that I heard the three beeps and she rescanned my BP and it did indeed respond with three beeps. But she said something to the effect of "not today".
So that leads me to believe that while enrolled in the program, there's a secondary criteria which determines whether you're permitted or not. Thinking it could be based on a number of entries by passenger, or a more random number based on the number of passengers through the checkpoint, or something else.
It's unfortunate if this is the case, as I was hoping that I could reduce the time needed to get to the airport. If it's not 100%, I will need to cater for the potential of denial at the checkpoint.
Has anyone else encountered this?
Cheers!
About three weeks ago was surprised that my boarding pass triggered the three beeps and was happily directed to the prescreening lane. Found this thread and the recommendation for the iPhone app scanner and have now been scanning my BP's. In the last 6 instances, the data pattern has matched the observations in this thread.
So, printed BP today and scanned it, and it was consistent with the previous scans. Went to scan my BP in the security lane, and there were three beeps although the time between the three beeps was greater than what I heard from the person in front of me who passed. I was informed that I had to utilize the regular premier line. I inquired to the agent that I heard the three beeps and she rescanned my BP and it did indeed respond with three beeps. But she said something to the effect of "not today".
So that leads me to believe that while enrolled in the program, there's a secondary criteria which determines whether you're permitted or not. Thinking it could be based on a number of entries by passenger, or a more random number based on the number of passengers through the checkpoint, or something else.
It's unfortunate if this is the case, as I was hoping that I could reduce the time needed to get to the airport. If it's not 100%, I will need to cater for the potential of denial at the checkpoint.
Has anyone else encountered this?
Cheers!
Sep 22, 2012, 5:16 pm
#1326
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,602
That's very interesting.
With the few seconds it takes for Pre-Check pax to clear the security theater, it seems odd that they're going to have three lanes dedicated to Pre-Check. Perhaps one will be Pre-Check, while the other two will be an elite checkpoint?
No NoS is even better ^ Hope it stays that way, especially if elites can use that lane as regular security.
With the few seconds it takes for Pre-Check pax to clear the security theater, it seems odd that they're going to have three lanes dedicated to Pre-Check. Perhaps one will be Pre-Check, while the other two will be an elite checkpoint?
No NoS is even better ^ Hope it stays that way, especially if elites can use that lane as regular security.
Sep 22, 2012, 5:18 pm
#1327
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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: 21,600
Agreed. Every time through IAD, the checkpoints have been a complete cluster, whether in the elite or GM lines (though they all seem to blend together sometimes).
Sep 22, 2012, 7:28 pm
#1328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
Sep 22, 2012, 7:31 pm
#1329
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,560
Very useful post over on the DL board on how to scan your BPs direct from PDF
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19365474-post776.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19365474-post776.html
Sep 22, 2012, 9:49 pm
#1330
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
Would it work for Delta at IAH now? I have a pal that is big time Delta and would love to avoid the NOS even if it meant going to C.
Sep 22, 2012, 10:34 pm
#1331
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Up North
Programs: Skymiles, MPL Chase Premier
Posts: 782
My experience: LAX T6 area.... I had the 3 on my barcode. Walked up, got past the Airserv employee who gave me the second degree about my 3rd carry-on (it was a laptop bag for the fiance who forgot it in the rental car), got to the scanner and heard the three beeps. I got excited and walked behind the TDC and to the line. 30 seconds and I was through. I loved it! Well worth the expense and time... plus not having to deal with the NoS was worth it in and of itself.
Sep 22, 2012, 11:47 pm
#1332
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA MM, Hilton-Dia
Posts: 1,480
Incidentally, I got 3 beeps for the first time last week. What I did was remove my GE# from my TA and UA profile and "resubmitted" my precheck application request again through UA. I specifically did not use any middle name. Not sure if one or more or any of the combinations above did the trick, but got 3 beeps.
Sep 23, 2012, 12:15 am
#1333
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,824
I don't recall anything about 3 beeps... but at the normal TSA line in Terminal D LAS, the initial screener stopped me from continuing forward and said "Hey, you're pre-checked (or something like that), head over to the far right line!" Very friendly, and when I got to the special line, It was, dare I say, a bit casual and smiles all-around, with the screeners helping people with their bags and explaining no, leave everything in, keep you shoes on, etc.
I did trigger a closer look because the screener couldn't figure out the new-in-box HeroHD camera I'd picked up at the Interbike Trade Show. I saw her questioning look and told her I was in no hurry, don't worry, I'll show you what it is. She was only too happy to oblige and thanked me profusely for my patience. This was not my typical security-screening experience.
Sure will be nice when they have something like this in place at SFO.
I did trigger a closer look because the screener couldn't figure out the new-in-box HeroHD camera I'd picked up at the Interbike Trade Show. I saw her questioning look and told her I was in no hurry, don't worry, I'll show you what it is. She was only too happy to oblige and thanked me profusely for my patience. This was not my typical security-screening experience.
Sure will be nice when they have something like this in place at SFO.
Sep 23, 2012, 4:10 am
#1334
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Morris County, NJ
Programs: UA 1K/*G, Avis Pres, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,305
Flying out of EWR this morning .... Got to the C-3 checkpoint, scanned, got 3 beeps and went right through the Precheck lane. It .. is .. AWESOME!
Love it. My wife's not going to like it next time we travel together when I get to take the little guy through precheck and she'll be stuck in the other line. At least I can get her into the EA line ;-)
Love it. My wife's not going to like it next time we travel together when I get to take the little guy through precheck and she'll be stuck in the other line. At least I can get her into the EA line ;-)
Sep 23, 2012, 4:39 am
#1335
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: UA-1K, Hertz-Gold, Marriott-Gold, PC-Platinum, SPG
Posts: 2,777
Flying out of EWR this morning .... Got to the C-3 checkpoint, scanned, got 3 beeps and went right through the Precheck lane. It .. is .. AWESOME!
Love it. My wife's not going to like it next time we travel together when I get to take the little guy through precheck and she'll be stuck in the other line. At least I can get her into the EA line ;-)
Love it. My wife's not going to like it next time we travel together when I get to take the little guy through precheck and she'll be stuck in the other line. At least I can get her into the EA line ;-)