TSA Pre-Check

[Fat Elvis]

Anyone do TSA Pre-Check? If so, how long does the application process take? Looks like you have to pre-apply, and then take documents into a special service location and get fingerprinted. After that, how long does it take to get your pre-check approved?

Thanks!

Fat E

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

Anyone do TSA Pre-Check? If so, how long does the application process take? Looks like you have to pre-apply, and then take documents into a special service location and get fingerprinted. After that, how long does it take to get your pre-check approved?

Thanks!

Fat E

Honestly I don't even think you have to do the pre-application.

Go right up to the CLEAR personnel inside the airport and they can get you signed up with fingerprint, picture, etc in about 15 minutes. Done on the CLEAR computer.

You will get your KTN emailed/texted to you within 3-5 days.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Honestly I don't even think you have to do the pre-application.

Go right up to the CLEAR personnel inside the airport and they can get you signed up with fingerprint, picture, etc in about 15 minutes. Done on the CLEAR computer.

You will get your KTN emailed/texted to you within 3-5 days.

I'm not sure this is entirely correct. TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you’ll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, about 99% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited ten minutes or less.

Plus for TSA PreCheck, it is for $77.95 - $85 ($68.95 - $70 online renewal), depending on application servicer. But this lasts you 5 years.

Clear on the other hand using biometric data to identify travelers (rather than manually checking photo identification), Clear machines allow flyers to bypass long security queues and get to a TSA screening point faster. This, however, does NOT come along with TSA PreCheck stuff. So if the OP value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, OP will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck.

Clear also is expensive ($199) and have to renew it annually.

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Coach

I'm not sure this is entirely correct. TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you’ll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, about 99% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited ten minutes or less.

Plus for TSA PreCheck, it is for $77.95 - $85 ($68.95 - $70 online renewal), depending on application servicer. But this lasts you 5 years.

Clear on the other hand using biometric data to identify travelers (rather than manually checking photo identification), Clear machines allow flyers to bypass long security queues and get to a TSA screening point faster. This, however, does NOT come along with TSA PreCheck stuff. So if the OP value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, OP will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck.

Clear also is expensive ($199) and have to renew it annually.

I just did this a couple months ago inside of the KCI airport.

There are CLEAR terminals right next to the Dunkin Donuts shop. (Not the ones you use in the TSA/CLEAR security line). There should be an attendant that is assisting.
You don't have to sign up for the CLEAR service as you can just get your TSA Pre using the Clear computer. They took my picture, fingerprints, and I swiped my credit card right on the machine. Got my KTN in 3 business days through text message.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

I just did this a couple months ago inside of the KCI airport.

The CLEAR terminals are right next to the Dunkin Donuts shop. There should be an attendant that is patroling these and signing people up.
You don't have to sign up for CLEAR, you can just get your TSA Pre using the Clear computer. They took my picture, fingerprints, and I swiped my credit card right on the machine. Got my KTN in 3 business days through text message.

I get that. But you still will need TSA Precheck if you want to go through the quicker screening and not having to remove shoes, belts, electronics, etc.

At least that is my understanding, because Clear and TSA Precheck are two different entities?

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Coach

I get that. But you still will need TSA Precheck if you want to go through the quicker screening and not having to remove shoes, belts, electronics, etc.



At least that is my understanding, because Clear and TSA Precheck are two different entities?

They're different programs, but I believe CLEAR bundles in the Precheck fees for your first year. You're right that CLEAR itself has limited benefit if you don't otherwise have Precheck.

[Rain Man]

It's been a long time since my initial process. For some reason I think it might've taken three weeks or so after I applied. I could be remembering wrong, though. Also, the process may have changed since the quaint olden days when I did it with a newspaper in hand and my horse and buggy waiting outside.

It's worth it. 90 percent of the time I cruise security in 1/4 the time of the normal security, and with less hassle. I always disliked having to take my shoes off and pull my computer out.

[KCUnited]

I walked into a Staples and did it in a couple minutes

Think I waited a week or so for it to fully process

[alpha_omega]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I walked into a Staples and did it in a couple minutes

Think I waited a week or so for it to fully process

Exactly this. And worth every penny.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I walked into a Staples and did it in a couple minutes

Think I waited a week or so for it to fully process

I wish we could do that around here; the closest place to Topeka is in Manhattan according to the TSA Prescreen website. I did the pre-application; I will be in Manhattan next week for a presentation but I need the Pass about a week later so I didn't know if that would be enough time.

[BWillie]

Not long. They just make sure you arent a terrorist. Its a pretty awesome deal especially at bigger airports

[Fish]

The mandatory body cavity search usually takes forever...

[JohnnyHammersticks]

Originally Posted by Fish

The mandatory body cavity search usually takes forever...

Fat E was already going to sign up, you don't have to keep selling him on it.

[Shiver Me Timbers]

For TSA I scheduled an appointment at the airport. It took 3 weeks. For Global entry it took a couple of months.

I have TSA, Global entry and Nexus for Canada. I swear sometimes the lines at Denver TSA are longer than the normal "take your shoes off and your computer out of the bag" line. We had a couple of people travel to South Carolina this past week. They were thru normal security before I was.

[Monty]

Originally Posted by Shiver Me Timbers

For TSA I scheduled an appointment at the airport. It took 3 weeks. For Global entry it took a couple of months.

I have TSA, Global entry and Nexus for Canada. I swear sometimes the lines at Denver TSA are longer than the normal "take your shoes off and your computer out of the bag" line. We had a couple of people travel to South Carolina this past week. They were thru normal security before I was.

I’ve noticed the same thing lately. It’s a bit frustrating, but it’s only been a few minutes difference. if you travel internationally, global entry is a must.