TSA PreCheck for United Airlines Passengers [2014-15]
Jun 27, 16, 7:53 pm - Wikipost
Please read: This is a community-maintained wiki post containing the most important information from this thread. You may edit the Wiki once you have been on FT for 90 days and have made 90 posts.
PreCheck is now a full-fledged part of TSA security. The TSA now offers some version of PreCheck at nearly every significant airport in the country and at additional checkpoints in airports that already had it. Including:
Increased Traffic - The TSA has increased the number of people given access to PreCheck, by encoding PreCheck on more boarding passes, and by shunting "normal" travelers to the PreCheck line. Many of these folks are inexperienced with PreCheck, and might need some guidance about what they can keep in their bags. Help them out!
"Expedited Security" - Where traffic levels cannot support a dedicated PreCheck lane at a particular airport, checkpoint, or time of day, (or if a PreCheck passenger uses a different lane) the TSA is using a hybrid process that involves some but not all of the benefits of PreCheck screening. This means that you do not need to remove outerwear/shoes/belts, but you will still need to remove your laptop and liquids from your bag. You may receive some sort of card or sticker from the ID checker to indicate your eligibility to the TSA employees down the line.
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In order to keep this busy thread of use to UA travellers, please hold meta-discussion about the PreCheck program in the Practical Travel Issues and Safety Issues forum. Posts in this thread that are more topical to Travel Safety will be moved.
With thanks to FriendlySkies and the mods we've created the below text so we can all keep it up to date.
TSA PreCheck for United Passengers - Details & FAQs
How it works
In the PreCheck 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)
PreCheck Lanes are WTMD only-- No NoS in use ^
As noted, there is a hybrid "expedited security" lane at some lower-traffic airports and terminals without a full PreCheck lane (these will be denoted further down in this wiki). These lanes will allow travelers to continue through the WTMDs without removing shoes, belts, and outerwear, but because the X-ray machines are shared with non PreCheck travelers, travelers will still need to remove laptops and liquids from their bags.
Travelers Eligible for PreCheck
United offers MileagePlus members the opportunity to sign-up for PreCheck access. To do so, you must sign in to your MileagePlus account on United.com, and click the button to “Opt-In” for PreCheck. You will not receive any communication from United about your status in the program.
United will also unilaterally enroll MileageaPlus members in PreCheck. Nothing else has to be done. You will receive communication from United when it unilaterally enrolls you. The elite enrollment option appears to be gone. Need to have Known/Trusted Traveler number.
If you are a member of one of the government Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, NEXUS, or Sentri), enter your PASS ID in the box provided on United.com. By doing so, you can greatly increase your chances of receiving PreCheck access on qualifying itineraries.
Note that only U.S. & Canadian citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders) can qualify for PreCheck via a Trusted Traveler program. Other non-citizen residents will not receive PreCheck via a Trusted Traveler program; however, non-citizens who have been invited to participate in PreCheck via an airline program may still receive PreCheck benefits. If this is the case for you, it's best to remove your Trusted Traveler program number from your airline profile so that TSA won't know your citizenship status. You may also be turned away from the PreCheck lane at the airport if you produce a form of ID that identifies you as a non-citizen.
Your PASS ID can be found either on your program card, or in your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account.
PreCheck for Active Duty Members of the US Military
Active duty military, Reserve, National Guard and US Coast Guard receive PreCheck at all available airports.
To receive PreCheck:
1. Look on the back of your CAC for your DOD ID number
2. Enter the number into the 'Known Traveler Number' field in your MP account (and any existing reservations, if they were made before entering the number)
It is unknown how tight the name matching is, but assume it is like for those who have Global Entry/NEXUS and make sure that the name on reservation matches exactly to your CAC.
It is not necessary to confirm PreCheck acceptance in advance. Most airports have one of the two following set-ups:
A line guardian at the entrance to the PreCheck line to verify whether your boarding pass qualifies
A pass-through gate at the TSA document checker to allow those who ended up in the PreCheck lane but do not qualify for PreCheck to cut to the front of the regular security line
Thus, if you do not have PreCheck, you'll just be redirected to the regular screening line.
However, many of us find it useful to verify in advance that we have been selected for PreCheck in order to adjust our plans (arrival time at airport, accessibility of liquids and laptops in carry-ons, etc.) accordingly.
On OLCI, mobile, and most (if not all) kiosk printed boarding passes, the "TSA PreCheck" logo should appear at the top of your BP. This means you have been granted access for that trip.
If you are not seeing the TSA PreCheck logo, or if you just want to confirm that you will be receiving PreCheck benefits, you can also scan the bar code to verify using the following instructions:
There are two types of barcodes for the boarding passes that major airlines use. They are PDF417, which is used for counter or online boarding passes, and Aztec, which is solely used for mobile boarding passes.
Downloading an app to your iPhone, Blackberry, or Windows phone that supports Aztec or PDF417 will allow you to determine ahead of time if you have been granted PreCheck access. The following links will allow you to download apps for scanning your boarding pass.
Once you download a supported app, and scan the barcode on your boarding pass, you should see a bunch of data that looks similar to this example:
LAST/FIRSTMR XXXXXXX DENMCIUA XXXX 000XXXFXXXX 15C>3180 MXXXXBUA 12345678901234 53 UA UA MP# *XXX 09 UAG
If you see a 3 in the position before "UA UA", then you will receive Pre-Check access. If there is a 0 in the spot, you will not receive Pre-Check access.
e.g. ...53 UA UA = Pre-Check
e.g. ...20 UA UA = No Pre-Check
Having Problems Utilizing 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 GOES.
For example, if your airline account has Bob Jones, but your GOES (the Global Online Enrollment System, which you use to sign up for a Trusted Traveler Program) 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.
TSA has approved PreCheck for use with international itineraries to specific countries. In practice, it seems that Pre-Check is (at least sometimes) working for international itineraries to other destinations as well. It remains to be seen whether international itineraries have a lower PreCheck selection rate (higher "random" rejection rate) than domestic itineraries, but it may be a factor if you do not get PreCheck access on a particular itinerary.
Airports with PreCheck Lanes
United has added PreCheck location indicators to their airport maps:
TSA has also provided an alphabetical list of participating airports and this list includes operating hours. Note: United may be available at airports even though it is not specifically listed (e.g. DFW). Also, if you find that the hours listed on the TSA list are incorrect, please add corrections below under the appropriate airport:
Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK)
The Pre-Check lane is located at the Main Checkpoint
Observed hours....: unknown
Albany International Airport (ALB)
The Pre-Check lane is located at the Main Checkpoint
There is one PreCheck lane in Terminal 1 and one PreCheck lane in Terminal 2 (checkpoint #5). In Terminal 1, PreCheck is on the far left wall of the Premier Access check-in area before the GS lounge.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Pre-Check is located at the Main Checkpoint in Terminal 3
Pre-Check lanes are available at the Concourse C (United) checkpoint and Concourse B (Southwest/Delta) checkpoint in the Main Terminal. All concourses are connected behind security.
DFW is not listed as a UA PreCheck station, but it is possible. The closest Pre-Check security point is a short walk away at E15 (checkpoint to the left of the Delta and Virgin check-in counters). UPDATE: There is now a Pre-Check station next to the UA counter, so you don't have to go to Delta. But the UA Pre-Check position is open only limited hours (4A - 8A, and noon to 4PM) UA flyers may use the DL Pre-Check which is open continuously. Note: If you choose to go in at E15, you have to take the Skylink train back to the UA gates as you cannot walk to the lower numbered gates.
South Checkpoint now has two PreCheck lanes (East side and West side beside CLEAR) and North Checkpoint next to the CLEAR kiosks, Terminal West side.
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: 6:00am-8:00pm, daily. South Checkpoint Terminal East was open at 5:35A. [2-24-2014: North PreCheck opened at 4:30 AM (same time as regular screening opened)]
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Changed 6/22/16: Now the Pre-Check lane is located to the far left, at the only security station, which is up the escalators. It is a dedicated lane, with signage beginning already on floor below, funneling Pre-Check passengers to left escalator, which funnels to the U-shaped Pre-Check lane, with ID check either at beginning of U or in the middle of U (meaning, if you change your mind for whatever reason, you'll have to back upstream through the standing passengers to get out of Pre-Check area. Is full Pre-Check, liquids and laptops can stay in the bags. HOWEVER, there is only the one Pre-Check body scanner. So, because of configuration - if get dinged for random scan, hardware, or any other reason, will be patted down. Apparently the pat-down "type" will be randomly assigned (hands, hips, bags) via some protocol. If prefer to go through other machine, will have to swim back upstream thru all the waiting passengers to be waved through regular security.
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: Is open all hours security is open.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
The Pre-Check lanes are located at Terminals A, C, and E (Terminal C use South Checkpoint near the Premier check in area).
Pre-Check "Lite" available for eligible pax connecting from international flights to domestic (Terminal E). No priority lane, but allowed to keep shoes on for WTMD screening.
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: "Expedited Security" for PreCheck passengers after listed closing time of 8pm. Terminal B after 5pm
Huntsville (Alabama) International Airport (HSV) "Expedited Security" only
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
The Pre-Check lane is located at Checkpoint A in the main terminal
Kahului Airport (OGG)
TSA passenger sorter will direct you ahead (non-Pre) or right (Pre) at security line entrance.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
PreCheck lane is located on the far left side of the UA checkpoint
HOURS CHANGED - NOW OPEN 4:15am-6:00am - CLOSED throughout the rest of the day - Expedited Security outside PreCheck hours.
Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)
Precheck lane is located at the UA/US departures gate entrance
Hours were not posted but presumably aligned with at least redeye departures bank and possibly also afternoon departures
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Precheck is at the departure entrance to airside.
A single TSA scans boarding passes for both Pre and non-Pre with Pre passengers sent to the Pre line to the right. It's a bit awkward and requires passengers to queue well back of the TSA agent so Pre flyers can back up to the Pre entrance.
Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS)
Pre-Check access is in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Airport employee at the entrance will scan your boarding pass to determine if you are eligible for access.
Madison, WI(MSN)
At the bottom and the top of the escalator that leads to security (and to the gates) you will see a PreCheck sign. Just as you reach the top of the escalator, walk straight ahead to the line that is clearly marked.
Manchester•Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
TSA is starting to setup Pre-Check at the main MHT security checkpoint. There are signs for a lane and while the lane was not operational exactly, you might still be screened as pre-check there (positive experience on 10/10/2013).
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: Not listed on TSA website yet.
Non-Pre-selected UA Premier Access pax are no longer allowed to use the regular MMW lanes of Checkpoint 4 (DL elites only now). Parties will be split and non-selectees sent to Checkpoint 2.
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) "Expedited Security" only
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
"Expedited Security" only
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
The Pre-Check lane is located at the main checkpoint.
Central Terminal Building (Terminal B), Concourse A checkpoint - "expedited" security (with Pre supposedly coming in April '14)
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) "Expedited Security" only
Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
West security checkpoint
Orange County/Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Pre-Check is now also at located at Terminal B (United), but only Mon-Sun 5:00am-1:00pm. Pre-Check is still available at Terminal A (right side, with clearly signed entrance) 5:00am-9:00pm daily.
The Pre-Check lane is located on the far left of the ABC Checkpoint, and as of Sept 30, 13 the far right of the DE Checkpoint
Lane shared with the First Class/Premier line
After clearing security head to right towards C terminal. The concourse connector is before gate C2 on the right. It will bring you to the D/E side where UA departs from.
The Pre-Check lane is located the main checkpoint (all gates)
Observed hours: Closed on Saturday morning. TSA said not enough staff or demand to keep it open off peak, but they will give an expedited card if the Pre lane is closed.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
The Pre-Check lane is located at the Terminal 2 Checkpoint, on the far left side.
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Pre-check lane for United passengers is located at main security entrance at the Concourse B to the far right.
Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Pre-check lane located at main security entrance
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Precheck located at terminal A main security, to the right of the main security line. Terminal B PRE is in the works...supposedly.
When Pre isn't open, passengers should qualify for pre-Jr. which is laptops/liquids out, shoes/jackets on, metal detector only if showing PRE on their boarding passes.
Saginaw, MI - MBS International Airport (MBS)
Pre-Check lane located at main security entrance.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
The Pre-Check lane for UA is located at Terminal One. Only open 5-8AM and 3:30 to 5pm at T1. The Terminal 2 checkpoint is open more hours and you can use either checkpoint and connect airside.
The Pre-Check lanes for UA are located at the Premier checkpoint in T3 (the one closest to the international terminal), along the far left wall of the checkpoint, at the security entrance nearest to gate 71 (in the middle of T3), and at T1 for any United Express flights departing from there.
Dedicated Pre lane now open at Terminal G (International). Located to far left as you face security. Morning hours only.
Premier checkpoint verifies eligibility at the beginning of the line by scanning the BP
Central T3 checkpoint verifies eligibility by confirming the PreCheck logo on the BP.
The Pre-Check lanes for UA are located at Terminal A checkpoint (UA/AA/DL/US/VX terminal) along the far right side of the checkpoint.
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: None.
Site is listed as "Mineta San Jose International Airport" on TSA Website.
San Juan, Puerto Rico Luis Muńoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
The Pre-Check lane is located in the Main Terminal at Checkpoint 4
Observed hours that differ from TSA's hours: reports of going thru as early as 4:15am on a Saturday
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
There are Pre-Check lanes at all checkpoints at SEA except checkpoint 1 (which is only open very limited hours specifically for cruise ship pax). The closest checkpoint to the UA gates is checkpoint 2. All checkpoints at SEA are open 4am to 8pm except checkpoint 3 (center) which is open 24 hours. But PreCheck hours at #3 are limited to what's shown at the TSA website.
The Pre-Check lane is located to the far right, at the only security station, which is up the escalators. It is a dedicated lane and is full Pre-Check, liquids and laptops can stay in the bags.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
The Pre-Check lane is on the right, next to priority security lane.
Pre-Check is located in the center of the departures level in the main terminal (behind District Chophouse)
If you do not get Pre-Check, you can still utilize the screening lanes adjacent to the Pre-Check lane. Those lanes feature one WTMD and one MMW scanner.
Several weeks ago the TSA Pre check appeared on my boarding pass. I did not sign up for it. I enjoyed having it on my last few flights. Today traveling CLE-FLL pre check not on my boarding pass. I asked a TSA agent about this and they said I was probably given a trial period to experience this as a frequent flyer and if I want to continue with it need to go through the registration process and pay the fee. Anyone else have this happen.
Several weeks ago the TSA Pre check appeared on my boarding pass. I did not sign up for it. I enjoyed having it on my last few flights. Today traveling CLE-FLL pre check not on my boarding pass. I asked a TSA agent about this and they said I was probably given a trial period to experience this as a frequent flyer and if I want to continue with it need to go through the registration process and pay the fee. Anyone else have this happen.
Yes- the 2013 thread talks about this quite a bit. You were opted in due to your UA status, but those with a lower status often report lower acceptance rates for PreCheck. To increase those chances, you can 1) gain a higher status, 2) apply for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI, or 3) Pay the $85 for TSAs PreCheck application. 2 & 3 will all but guarantee you to get PreCheck on every flight..
Programs: UA GS 2MM/Lifetime UC, QFF Platinum, HH Diamond, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 7,392
TSA PreCheck for United Airlines Passengers - 2014
I have GE & NEXUS, but Precheck did not appear on boarding pass! I know at random it doesn't beep me in, but does logo not appear in advance of this? Can't really complain, haven't had to take my shoes off for a year!
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Platinum, AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Radisson Gold
Posts: 6,477
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Its weird. As a 1K On my last 3 trips I did not have preCheck logo show up. I haven't signed up through GE or Trusted Traveler yet but I found that its interesting how it seems more people than ever are using Pre but my acceptance rate seems to be lowering.
Will probably sign up once an enrollment center is nearby
My wife (who gets GS because I am a million miler) and my parents (no status, but I did purchase first class tickets for them to travel for ORD-HNL) were all TSA Pre-Check. I am not surprised by my wife getting this, but I was surprised to see my parents get Pre-Check.
I'm not sure if it helps them much since they use wheel chair service to get from curb to gate.
I have GE & NEXUS, but Precheck did not appear on boarding pass! I know at random it doesn't beep me in, but does logo not appear in advance of this? Can't really complain, haven't had to take my shoes off for a year!
If the logo appears, you've been selected; if you've been randomly excluded, the logo won't appear.
I suggest getting an agent to un-check you in and then redoing check-in.
Originally Posted by demkr
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 7_0_4 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/537.51.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/7.0 Mobile/11B554a Safari/9537.53)
Its weird. As a 1K On my last 3 trips I did not have preCheck logo show up. I haven't signed up through GE or Trusted Traveler yet but I found that its interesting how it seems more people than ever are using Pre but my acceptance rate seems to be lowering.
Will probably sign up once an enrollment center is nearby
It's the new reality. Don't sign up for the TSA thing, sign up for GE. There are lots of enrollment centers.
Originally Posted by mikel51
My wife (who gets GS because I am a million miler) and my parents (no status, but I did purchase first class tickets for them to travel for ORD-HNL) were all TSA Pre-Check. I am not surprised by my wife getting this, but I was surprised to see my parents get Pre-Check.
I'm not sure if it helps them much since they use wheel chair service to get from curb to gate.
Are they over 75?
Last edited by iluv2fly; Jan 1, 14 at 12:53 pm
Reason: merge
Originally Posted by mikel51
My wife (who gets GS because I am a million miler) and my parents (no status, but I did purchase first class tickets for them to travel for ORD-HNL) were all TSA Pre-Check. I am not surprised by my wife getting this, but I was surprised to see my parents get Pre-Check.
I'm not sure if it helps them much since they use wheel chair service to get from curb to gate.
Programs: UA GS 2MM/Lifetime UC, QFF Platinum, HH Diamond, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 7,392
TSA PreCheck for United Airlines Passengers [2014]
When I got home after flight today, went into my MP account on home computer and PASSID space was blank. Re-entered number from GE card, "opted in" for PreCheck (again). Hope all will be well by the weekend!
Main point is that maybe with account reset, PASSID # might have been disconnected from some accounts...
This explains it. TSA Pre seemed like an excellent program for frequent flyers. But at the domestic SFO TSA Pre it seems like things were always getting held up by some clumsy groups (ie families, seniors). I wish SFO had two x-Ray machines so that if there were some slow people on one side, you could go to the other.
As much as I like keeping my shoes on, the main reason I like TSA Pre is to save time getting through security. You can't save time when you have kettles in a single-file line.
This explains it. TSA Pre seemed like an excellent program for frequent flyers. But at the domestic SFO TSA Pre it seems like things were always getting held up by some clumsy groups (ie families, seniors). I wish SFO had two x-Ray machines so that if there were some slow people on one side, you could go to the other.
As much as I like keeping my shoes on, the main reason I like TSA Pre is to save time getting through security. You can't save time when you have kettles in a single-file line.
True, but TSA wants to get 30% of all domestic passengers using TSA Pre within a year or two! So, will have to get used to having "kettles" in TSA Pre...
I've been turned away several times so far in SFO for international flights (but works fine for domestic)! Is there something I need to do explicitly to get this working?