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Pre-check

barinvestigatio
Explorer C

I used to get Pre-check automatically, but on my most recent trip, 06/27/2018 - 07/02/2018, I was advised I had to apply for it?  Strange.  How do I register me and my wife?

3 REPLIES 3

Re: Pre-check

dfwskier
Aviator A

The only way to insure you get TSA pre every time is to register for it and pay the fee.

 

TSA does occsionally give travelers TSA pre-check free of charge. It does not happen every time someone travels. The process appears random, but I'm sure that TSA has some type of algorithm that decides when a traveler gets the freebe.

 

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

Re: Pre-check

DancingDavidE
Aviator A

@dfwskier wrote:

The only way to insure you get TSA pre every time is to register for it and pay the fee.

 

TSA does occsionally give travelers TSA pre-check free of charge. It does not happen every time someone travels. The process appears random, but I'm sure that TSA has some type of algorithm that decides when a traveler gets the freebe.

 

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck


Technically not guaranteed even with the application, but seems to be coming through most times for most people.

 

User error by having your name not match or forgetting to enter the known traveler number when you book your ticket seem to be two preventable reasons that it doesn't show up on peoples' boarding passes.

 

 

Home airport MDW, frequent visitor to MCO to see the mouse.

Re: Pre-check

DancingDavidE
Aviator A

@barinvestigatio wrote:

I used to get Pre-check automatically, but on my most recent trip, 06/27/2018 - 07/02/2018, I was advised I had to apply for it?  Strange.  How do I register me and my wife?


It was being offered as a complimentary upgrade quite a bit to spur adoption and collect data on its use for a while. 

 

I'm not sure of all the negotiations between TSA and the airlines, etc. but the issuance of complimentary PreCheck seems to have been curtailed recently, so if you enjoyed having it then you should sign up either with PreCheck or if you travel internationally very often consider Global Entry for a little extra cost which includes PreCheck along with some streamlining at customs.

 

Here is the Global Entry link:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply

 

Note that some credit cards include a reimbursement for applying for these on a five year cycle, maybe you happen to have one of these:

https://thetravelsisters.com/how-to-get-tsa-precheck-or-global-entry-for-free/

 

 

 

Home airport MDW, frequent visitor to MCO to see the mouse.