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On a plane somewhere between Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX: I spend a lot of time in airports and on airplanes (as confirmed by my last blog post, also written on a plane somewhere between LA and Texas.). Before a trip, I try to mentally prepare myself for the things that I simply have to deal with while flying commercially:
- there may be long lines during check in
- there may be long lines while going through security
- I have to take off my shoes, belt, coat & anything in my pockets and place them in a tray while going through security
- I have to take out my computer out of my bag & place it in a separate tray while going through security
- I can't help but suck in my stomach while standing in the full body scanner
It's not the most convenient or pleasant types of 'to do's' when it comes to flying, but it is what it is. If you want to travel in a plane, it's part of the deal.
And then I found out about TSA Pre✓™.
If you hold frequent flyer status on a participating airline (Alaska, American, Delta, United Airlines & US Airways), you can sign up to join the program through your account. Once you have booked a flight and are at the airport, you can go to the TSA Pre✓™line and, *if approved that day, go to a separate security screening line where you can LEAVE EVERYTHING ON YOUR PERSON AND IN YOUR BAG.
I don't know how the hell I missed this option, though I'm guessing it's not being promoted a ton, so that not every frequent traveler signs up for it.
I've only tried signing up on American's website but it was super easy. Simply sign in with your frequent flier number, then go to:
- my account
- personal information and and password
- under "Secure Flight Information" look for "TSA Expedited Screening Program"
- click "Edit"
- check the box that says "Opt in to the TSA Expedited Screening Program" then hit "submit"
Once you get to the airport, look for the long line forming to get through security, then look towards the opposite direction to where no one is waiting. Proceed to the TSA Pre✓™sign and scanner.
*As mentioned above, if you are approved to be a pre-checker, you may get to go through the expedited screening lane. It is not a guarantee that you will be approved to go through that day.
If approved, you head towards a separate security line. Before you start doing your belt / shoes / coat / bag / hat (when applicable) coming-off dance, you notice the sign in front of you. Nothing.Has.To.Come.Off
You get to the other side of the security scanner, still fully layered with outer coverings and grab your bag (which contains your computer on the inside). Total time through security once approved at TSA PreCheck sign:
2 minutes.
You enjoy the fact that you're still wearing your shoes while your friend waits for them to come out of the scanner. (And already plan on wearing your zip-up boots next time you travel.)
Now, I should note that at this point, not everyone is eligible, it's not offered at every airport and if you are in the system, you're not guaranteed to always be approved to pre-screen. But from my experience today, I can say first-hand that
#42: The TSA PreCheck Fast-Pass Screening Lane is definitely one of the
100 Little Pleasures of (Touring) Life.
