TSA Precheck

[Cedwards38]

Has anyone gone through this process? How difficult was the process? Do you think it's worth it for flying from Orlando International or Sanford Airport?
Apply for TSA Pre✓(R) | Transportation Security Administration (https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply)

[villagetinker]

Sanford no it is a much smaller airport, Orlando up to the recent news articles I would have said no, as the longest wait I had experienced was well under 30 minutes. Will see on the next trip............
I wish TSA would wake up and allow you to have the finger prints and photo taken at a local police station. It is annoying that you need to go to the airport to complete the process.

[DonH57]

Never applied or payed for this service. We used to fly often and got the precheck 95% of the time anyway. The only hassles I've really had when going thru airport security was because I'd get behind someone who couldn't follow the simple do's and don'ts the TSA post on large signs ahead of the lines. I've only been felt up twice and feel I got my money's worth from the gov't.

[VillagerFrog58]

We applied for it last year. It was $85 and we had to apply on-line to get an appointment for our background interview. We fly about 4 times per year. We just flew this past Saturday through the Orlando airport. The regular line was about 30 minutes. The pre-check line took 5 minutes to get through. You don't have to take off your shoes or take anything out of your bags. We are glad we did it. I hear that a lot of folks are signing up for an interview to get pre-check. Not sure how that will affect the lines down the road.

[bimmertl]

Has anyone gone through this process? How difficult was the process? Do you think it's worth it for flying from Orlando International or Sanford Airport?
Apply for TSA Pre✓(R) | Transportation Security Administration (https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply)

Went through the process three weeks ago. First thing is to register on line. Registered for two people. Went to site on Friday and registered. Got dates for following week at Orlando airport office.

Site automatically gives you first available time on date requested. So got 9 AM appointment for following Wednesday. Then started another application for spouse. Site automatically gave time for Thursday PM. No way to chose the times together on site. Called number. First person couldn't help. Fooled around some more on site. Still couldn't get times and dates together. Called again, this person was able to get two times together on following Thursday. So had a 9:40 and 9:50 appointments. Wait time on phone call was not that long.

Went to airport. Office is just outside baggage claim area #30. Two people work there. Seating for only 6 in office. Once you have registered all info in system. Brought passport or DL ok. They verify all info, take finger prints on scanner. Pay the $85. Takes 10 minutes max if you are on time.

Following Tuesday got email verifying we had qualified for program and providing Know Traveler Numbers.

So in less than a week had the entire process completed. A few glitches in system but overall it went well. Good for 5 years and worth the effort.

[784caroline]

WE did the Global ID it last month ($100) . Had the interview at Sanford Airport. We did it because we did not want the hassle of taking our shoes off and always getting scanned because of 2 knee replacements.

Be forwarded that what ever ID you bring (ie Drivers license) the name MUST be identical to what is on the Passport...ie no middle initial if your full middle name is on the passport. Also on the application, Women must include madien and previous married names even if you had not used them in more than 50 years or else you approval will be delayed.

[UpNorth]

Never applied for it, paid for it, or been fingerprinted, but we seem to get TSA/Precheck every time, as long as we have our names spelled exactly on our boarding ticket.

[outahere]

I think I heard, or read, that the TSA is no longer randomly selecting people for pre-check when you check in for your flight. We haven't flown in a couple of years, but did get randomly selected a few times when we were flying quite a bit. If we were going to be flying as much as we used to, I would gladly pay the $85 and go through the process.

[tkret]

Joined the program over two years ago and, being a retired airline employee, use it frequently. Due to the press coverage that the security lines have received, the TSA states that "15,000 people A DAY are signing up for the program now". Soon, both lines will be as long; or short depending upon your view of things.
By the way, we also enrolled in Global Entry and when we returned from Italy recently our time spent in the Immigration area was 7 minutes. The entire cost for both programs is $100 for 5 years.

[TomPerry]

We use to get Precheck about 50% of the time. They give it to see how quick and easy it is is you will pay for it. We signed up last week in Providence, RI and it took only 10-15 each for the process. Worth it I think. A couple of weeks ago we went through Orlando w/o Precheck and the line was a mile long. What a hassle without Precheck.

[NotGolfer]

I wasn't aware of the program. That said, our country should "experience" airplane travel in Israel. It takes 3 hrs from curb-side to boarding area. EVERYONE is profiled and the luggage and carryons are all x-rayed. Random checks of luggage happen throughout this experience. Noone complained the entire time!! They have 'state of the art' security for sure.

This all said...I flew about 2 1/2 mo. ago out of OIA and it seemed to be seamless. This was right after Belgium too.

[Terri8352]

Tom, did you make an appointment in Providence, RI for the pre check? Also, is it $85 per person?

[trueorange]

We got TSA pre check 2 years ago. It was well worth it. We signed up for it at the Pittsburgh airport (I think we were the only 2 people there) and it has been well worth it to not have to take off our shoes, remove the laptop, take out the liquids bag, etc. Yes, sometimes you can be randomly assigned pre check but you can't count on it. I think pre check is definitely worth it when flying out of Orlando since there are a lot of what I call amateur flyers going through the airport there--families coming and going from theme park vacations.

[charmed59]

We got it a couple of years ago with our global entry. It's absolutely great. I can't say I've used it at MCO, but everywhere else it saves a ton of time.

[Markam]

We went thru the Global Entry application process a few months ago and combined the interview with other business in Sanford. (You get TSA recheck automatically wth GE). All went smoothly and we received our 'Known Traveller Number' within a couple of days.

GE with Precheck costs $100 for 5 years.

Remember to add this 'Known Traveller Number' to all of your airline accounts.

Recently came back into the country thru Newark and the Global Entry process allowed very fast clearance thru Customs and security checks. Well worth the cost - although I imagine the lines will grow once more people enroll.

[Cedwards38]

At $85 per person for 5 years for TSA Precheck, that's $17 a year. Global Entry is $100 per person for 5 years, which is $20 a year. Seems pretty reasonable to me if it gives you significant advantage in the lines, which most of you seem to think it does. Thanks.

[Allegiance]

At $85 per person for 5 years for TSA Precheck, that's $17 a year. Global Entry is $100 per person for 5 years, which is $20 a year. Seems pretty reasonable to me if it gives you significant advantage in the lines, which most of you seem to think it does. Thanks.
What are the differences?

[phairmason]

I returned home from MCO in late March (Spring Break) and the regular line was 55 minutes. I returned home from MCO in late May and got the random TSA Pre-Check. I was through Security and off the tram in 8 minutes.

I recently applied for TSA Pre-Check here in Kansas City; first available interview was two weeks out. When you are signing up, the displayed date and time is the first available. You can change that by clicking the dropdown and choosing another date and time. You can also go back and reschedule it.

[CFrance]

What are the differences?

Global entry is for easy reentry into the States from abroad. And some foreign country airports have pre clearance sites for people flying back to States. You can use your global entry at kiosks there.

Only bad part of pre check is aer lingus will not participate. We fly aer lingus a lot. One of the cheapest ways to get to France. I keep hoping they'll join up.

[mtdjed]

I read recently the TSA goal for selling TSA Pre check is not being met and that their budget to advertise is Nil. The same article has indicated that there is an effort to sell airline Programs to participate in securing TSA Pre Check for their members. I do not understand the process, but we are members of American Airlines Frequent Flyers and have their AA Credit Card. Every time we fly AA, we get TSA Pre check assigned.

However, this month flying out of MCO Orlando, we did not notice that we had TSA Pre check. So we waited in line for 15 minutes to get to the first check point, and were informed by the TSA agent that we had TSA Precheck. She directed us out of the line to a much shorter TSA Pre check line. My ticket was scanned and I was OK to go. My wife's ticket did not scan correctly. We were directed to go back to our airline to get it corrected. Out to the ticket counter where we were told nothing they could do. Thus back to the original line (The end of it) to go through the whole wait again.

That was a fun exercise to start the trip.

[salpal]

That service is only good on domestic flights. We know, we filled out all the forms, drove to the Tampa office and found out it is only for domestic flights. Now we're going to Global Entry.

[Waverunner]

My husband and I both have Global Entry. It costs $100 for five years. It gives you TSA pre-check AND a separate line and kiosk check-in (by fingerprints which includes on-line entrance/declarations) each time you return from international travel. We have enjoyed this privilege for almost three years now. We do quite a bit of travel. Going through the small bit of verification, to become a "known traveler" is nothing compared to the lines you have to wait through if you travel without it.

There are a lot of people traveling through Orlando airport. The lines to get through security, on the other side, always seem long. Pre-check has been relatively fast. The only downside we have ever experienced, was coming through the Global Entry area a month ago in Orlando. There were five or six entry kiosks. All except one were marked "out of order". The one working machine wasn't recognizing fingerprints and we ended up having to manually fill out the (blue) entrance/declaration form. Trying to get the machine to work/finish and manually filling out the form took an extra ten, albeit frustrating, minutes, but you only had to look over to the other side of the room, (with the long lines), to feel grateful you made the $100 investment. (According to MCO, they are in the process of updating the kiosks. The new, improved kiosks have not been installed yet.)

One of the better travel decisions you can make!

[dbussone]

Global entry is for easy reentry into the States from abroad. And some foreign country airports have pre clearance sites for people flying back to States. You can use your global entry at kiosks there.



Only bad part of pre check is aer lingus will not participate. We fly aer lingus a lot. One of the cheapest ways to get to France. I keep hoping they'll join up.



Come on, CF. you can do better than aer lingus. :jester:

[CFrance]

Come on, CF. you can do better than aer lingus. :jester:
Yes, I would really like to fly Emirates or Singapore Airline... Kind of out of the way. Oh,and then there's the price. And we avoid Air Chance as much as possible!

[dbussone]

Yes, I would really like to fly Emirates or Singapore Airline... Kind of out of the way. Oh,and then there's the price. And we avoid Air Chance as much as possible!



Try one of the cheap Italian local carriers that have no door to the cockpit. I just love it when people without tickets are allowed on board. Talk about having some excitement on your vacation!

[Cedwards38]

What are the differences?

Global Entry is for international fllights. Here's some info:

Everything You Need to Know About Global Entry and TSA Precheck | Travel + Leisure (http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/how-to-get-global-entry-tsa-precheck)

[Waverunner]

Global Entry - for international flights - $100 for five years and includes domestic TSA Pre-Check.

TSA Pre-Check - $85 for five years - only domestic flights.

Same/similar application and interview process. Same documentation.

If you think you might take a flight outside the US in the next five years, spend the extra $15 and get Global Entry.

[CFrance]

Try one of the cheap Italian local carriers that have no door to the cockpit. I just love it when people without tickets are allowed on board. Talk about having some excitement on your vacation!
Mus hear more about this! Italy's own Local Entry program.
:evil6:

[terimquick]

Definitely worth it if you fly out of MCO even a few times a year. One son lives in San Francisco and it saves me long lines there as well. Even if the lines are short, like at Sanford, it's still nice not to have to take off your shoes, jacket, get out the laptop, etc. I used to get pre-check randomly as well, but knowing you have it every time is well worth a couple of hours of your time and $85! I agree--wish they would offer the signing up service in more places.

[dotti105]

Last week the news reported 2 hrs waits at TSA in Orlando international. (MCO)

That makes the PreCheck look pretty cheap!!

[CFrance]

We were at Orlando International last week. Arrived at 4:30 and had our boarding passes and were checked through security (non TSA Precheck) within 45 minutes of walking through the front door. Probably about 20-25 minutes to get through security. I have been wondering why the Orlando news stations have been focusing on the TSA problem in many airports but have failed to report any wait times at MCO. Obviously it's not newsworthy hype enough for them.

[Skip2MySue]

We signed up for the TSA pre check and had appointments to have it set up. Then we found out that Spirit Airlines doesn't honor the pre check system and because we only fly Spirit back and forth to NJ it would have been a waste of money. Glad I discovered this prior to paying. I thought the airports were the key to the system but your boarding pass information issued by the airline is the deciding factor.
Skip 2

[dbussone]

We were at Orlando International last week. Arrived at 4:30 and had our boarding passes and were checked through security (non TSA Precheck) within 45 minutes of walking through the front door. Probably about 20-25 minutes to get through security. I have been wondering why the Orlando news stations have been focusing on the TSA problem in many airports but have failed to report any wait times at MCO. Obviously it's not newsworthy hype enough for them.



CF - give the talking heads a break. And what are you implying between the lines of your overreaching comment?

It's hurricane season and the weather people are getting all the air time. The anchors just want their fair share of broadcast time. ::jester:: [emoji35]


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[PTennismom0202]

I have had Precheck and Global Entry for over 4 years. Love it. Wouldn't fly without it. Getting through security is much faster and easier at almost every airport encountered.

[CFrance]

CF - give the talking heads a break. And what are you implying between the lines of your overreaching comment?

It's hurricane season and the weather people are getting all the air time. The anchors just want their fair share of broadcast time. ::jester:: [emoji35]


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Are you mad at me?:swear:

[CFrance]

We signed up for the TSA pre check and had appointments to have it set up. Then we found out that Spirit Airlines doesn't honor the pre check system and because we only fly Spirit back and forth to NJ it would have been a waste of money. Glad I discovered this prior to paying. I thought the airports were the key to the system but your boarding pass information issued by the airline is the deciding factor.
Skip 2
This is helpful to see what airport and airlines in Florida honor pre check. TSA Pre✓(R) Airports and Airlines | Transportation Security Administration (https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/map)

[dbussone]

Are you mad at me?:swear:



Not at all. I was joking - couldn't get upset with you if I tried! [emoji41]


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[CFrance]

Not at all. I was joking - couldn't get upset with you if I tried! [emoji41]


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Phew! Had me worried there.:oops:

[dbussone]

Phew! Had me worried there.:oops:



Apparently I'll have to joke less seriously!


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[CFrance]

Apparently I'll have to joke less seriously!


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Or I'll have to read more humorously!:p

[Cedwards38]

Filled out application and made my appointment online.
Apply for TSA Pre✓(R) | Transportation Security Administration (https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply)

Had appointment Monday at MCO.

Appointment took about 10 minutes or less. Paid the $85. They said I would get a letter within 30 days informing me of my status and assigning me the number to use when purchasing future domestic tickets.

Very easy and should save at least 30 minutes in security.

[Mudder]

Well, security is not bad at all at MCO if you travel off days and off times. Plus if 75 and over, don't have to take off shoes, jackets, etc... We breezed thru on Tuesday morning at about 9:30 am. No more than 10 minutes from start to finish. Really no lines at all.

[Buffalo Jim]

To all who have posted : Thank You --- your info has been most helpful and informative .
To me at least this Thread is an example of TOTV at it`s best .
Again to all many thanks and if you have additional info or suggestions please keep them coming .

[Jdmiata]

Today's experience........Flew today from Orlando. We had TSA precheck. 8 AM and no line at all for precheck people. Took 30 seconds. A very short line for non precheck folks.

[Buffalo Jim]

I have yet to apply / sign up for Pre-check . However when I flew out of MCO last week my Boarding Pass printed out with a TSA Pre- Check
on it . I just printed out my Boarding Pass for the Return Trip and it also shows that I can use the Pre-Check line .

However I`m not going to press my luck and will apply very soon !

[jojo]

We have interviews scheduled for Global Entry in July at Sanford. I have had Precheck since its inception but am not flying regularly anymore and thought perhaps my luck would run out one of these days. The combination of Global Entry and TSA Precheck was perfect since we are doing more international travel.

[Cedwards38]

I have yet to apply / sign up for Pre-check . However when I flew out of MCO last week my Boarding Pass printed out with a TSA Pre- Check
on it . I just printed out my Boarding Pass for the Return Trip and it also shows that I can use the Pre-Check line .

However I`m not going to press my luck and will apply very soon !

I had that experience once also, and it's the reason I wanted to pursue PreCheck. My thinking: I could get used to this! :smiley:

[Villages Kahuna]

The only problem with flying out of Sanford is Allegiant Airlines!

Allegiant is the only regularly scheduled airline operating from Sanford and it has to be one of the worst airlines ever! If you buy tickets online they'll almost always come out cheaper. But when you factor in the scheduling of only a couple days a week to Class B airports, their fees for any kind of decent seating--actually there isn't any because they seem to have crammed a couple extra rows of seats in their planes, the fees they charge for everything--even carry-on luggage, and their simply awful record of leaving or arriving anytime close to their schedule, if you fly them once it'll be your last time, for sure!

[Jazzper]

For those who RECENTLY went thru the GOES process....just wondering how long it took you to get your appointment. We paid the $100/ea. online and applied about 3 weeks ago but have heard nothing since. Apparently there's no way to check or ask where your application is in the process other than checking their site often to just see Pending.

The link in a post above regarding "everything you need to know about Global Entry" says it only takes a few days.

[Cedwards38]

For those who RECENTLY went thru the GOES process....just wondering how long it took you to get your appointment. We paid the $100/ea. online and applied about 3 weeks ago but have heard nothing since. Apparently there's no way to check or ask where your application is in the process other than checking their site often to just see Pending.

The link in a post above regarding "everything you need to know about Global Entry" says it only takes a few days.

FAQs on the GOES website says:
"How long does it take to get my application processed?

The review process can take up to four to six weeks"

Frequently Asked Questions about GOES (https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/common/FAQ.html#faq_status_5)

I did TSA PreCheck here:
Apply for TSA Pre✓(R) | Transportation Security Administration (https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply)

[Bjeanj]

Well, I messed up. My husband and I went to Orlando for our interview. I had to take copy of my marriage license, but missed the CERTIFIED part. Hubby got interviewed and paid the fee, but they couldn't take just a copy of the license. The interviewer was very apologetic and used my husband's iPad to show me where to get a certified copy. He was so helpful. Won't help for our upcoming trip, but as I said, my fault for not reading more carefully. Guess hubby will have to wait for me while I go through the regular security line. Will have to go back down.

If you go, you might want to try the Hash House a Go Go off International Drive for Brunch or Lunch.

[NECHFalcon68]

For those who RECENTLY went thru the GOES process....just wondering how long it took you to get your appointment. We paid the $100/ea. online and applied about 3 weeks ago but have heard nothing since. Apparently there's no way to check or ask where your application is in the process other than checking their site often to just see Pending.

The link in a post above regarding "everything you need to know about Global Entry" says it only takes a few days.

We submitted the applications on June 8th. They sent us an email on July 4th advising that my wife's applications was conditionally approved and that she can schedule the interview. Mine was conditionally approved on July 7th.
First available interview date at MCO was Sep 5th; for Sanford it was early August.

[Cedwards38]

Just took my first domestic flight since I got my PreCheck approval. This was on Allegiant out of Sanford. Probably 50-60 people in the regular Security line. I walked straight into the TSA PreCheck line and was second person of three. Right through security in 2 minutes or less. No shoes off, no hassle at all. I love this!:a040: