I am a huge fan of loyalty programs for all types of travel as they always make feel a bit more Spoiled. As a Star Alliance Gold Member I have been awarded the standard benefits including complimentary upgrades, access to the First or Business Class lounge on international flights, waived fees for excess luggage, priority check-in and even priority security lines at some airports. And the perks just keep on getting better. I was delighted to receive an email from United Airlines notifying me that as a frequent flyer I was eligible to apply for the TSA’s expedited Security Program, TSA Pre✓™.
Who is eligible?
TSA Pre✓™ is available to US Citizens who are:
- Eligible members of frequent flyer programs for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways.
- Members of Global Entry – a program that allows for pre-approved, low-risk travelers to bypass the lines at immigration when entering the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.
How do I apply?
If you are an eligible member of a frequent flyer program you have likely already been contacted by your airline. If you have not received an invitation and are interested in enrolling visit: TSA Pre ✓™: Participation
How do I know if my application has been approved?
You won’t know if you’ve been approved until you reach the security line at the airport and present your boarding pass and photo ID to the TSA agent. If your application has been approved there will be an indication embedded on the bar code of your boarding pass and the TSA agent will direct you to an expedited lane.
What are the benefits of the expedite lane?
The security screening process in expedited lane would basically revert to the days when you could keep your shoes, belt and jacket on, leave your laptop in your carry-on and not have to remove your clear plastic bag of pre-approved liquids. Of course the TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures just to keep us on our toes, but this new system should help to shorten the lines at airport security.
Which airports are participating?
For a complete list of participating airlines and airports or for additional information visit: Where is TSA Pre✓™ available?
Photo Credit: By Mike Licht NotionsCapital.com on Flickr
