@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.
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