yestravel

I just got my Global Entry # and understand that it is also good for use with the TSA Precheck program. I went to the TSA Precheck page on the UA website and added my GE # number. Is that all I need to do? I have a flight in September with UA. Will I be permitted to use the TSA precheck at IAD?
Thanks!

DonTopaz

Yes, that's all you need to do. However, keep in mind that you're never guaranteed to be on the PreCheck list for any given flight. (If you're not on the list, the TSA drone at the PreCheck line will move you over to the regular security line.)

RoamsAround

When you print out your boarding pass or get it at the ticket counter you'll see the TSA Pre-check logo on the boarding pass if you've been "selected" to use the TSA Pre-Check line for that flight. If the logo doesn't appear you are not Pre-Approved for that flight and have to use the "regular" line.

If you are Pre-approved for that flight, when you show the boarding pass to the attendant who scans the BP when enter the security line a "code" will appear on the screen and you'll be directed to the Pre-Approved line. Of course, some airports don't have Pre-Approved access points and at those airports that have Pre-Approved access they are only available at certain access points. Go to the TSA-Preapproved website to find the terminal access points for the airport you are using.

yestravel

So how are you selected or pre approved?

simpsonc510

Good question, yestravel. I got selected by UA and my first flights were a breeze, with pre-check taking less than a minute! I loved it! But I do understand that it may not be accepted on EVERY flight I take. My first go at it was last week, at OHare, on a flight to HNL. The HNL airport also has pre-check, so I was approved on my return as well. You will spot the pre-check logo on your boarding pass. It's in plain sight.

I'm flying to Europe in September. I'll be curious to see if I am pre-check approved for an international itinerary. I know that I will not have that option on my return to the USA.

Why did UA recommend me for pre-check? I have no idea. My husband was hoping to be selected, but he was not (at least not yet). Neither was my son. We all travel quite a lot.

yestravel

for me it is included when i got Global Entry, so i did not pay for it directly. and i know some airlines are offering to pay for certain levels of travelers. What I don't understand is that TSA charges $85 if you want to be approved for Precheck, but they don't guarantee you that you will alwys be selected? doesn't make sense.
@Simpson-were your husband and son not selected for a specific flight or not selected into the UA program where they will pay the fee?

laurie_ann

Even TSA precheck has a safety feature that randomly you may be sent to the regular security line instead. Believe it is intended to keep anyone from using the status for nefarious purposes. So you are not always "guaranteed".

RoamsAround

yestravel - it's a random process. In most instances, if you are TSA Pre-Approved you most likely will be given that status for your flight but it is a random process. Since the program has gone into effect we've been Pre-Approved on about 80% to 85% of our flights.

Recently, we took a flight on AA and the pre-Approved logo appeared on our printed boarding passes however, it did not appear on the electronic version on our iPhone APP. When my spouse used the App version to clear TSA she was directed to non-Pre-Approved line while I used the paper Boarding Pass and went to the Pre-Approved line. I immediately, gave the TSA Agent her paper Boarding Pass (which I still had) and she was re-directed to the Pre-Approved line.

Interestingly enough when I first downloaded the electronic Boarding Pass the TSA Pre-Approved logo showed up in the APP but by the time we got to the TSA checkpoint it had mysteriously disappeared.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, the Pre-Approved checkpoints are not available at all airports or at all checkpoints within a participating airport. So, even if you are "Pre-Approved - if there's no Pre-Approved checkpoint at the entrance you are using you'll have to use the regular line.

Go to the Pre-Approved website for a list of participating airlines and airports/terminals/checkpoints with Pre-Approved access.

simpsonc510

yestravel, my husband and son have not been selected for the program. United singled me out, and I am very happy about that. Both DH and DS would love the same treatment from UA, but that has not happened. Why ME? That's my question. I'm not saying I don't appreciate it. I'm just surprised (and pleased). I just wish DH could also use pre-check line. I'm the only one who has reached the million mile milestone w/UA. Maybe that's why???

yestravel

@laurie_ann -- Yes, I understand that there could be random security checks & there are no guarantees that you will not be selected for one. However, based on reading the TSA Pre✓™ FAQs and what I was told by the customs guy, the random checks occur after you get to the TSA Pre✓™ lane. In other words, TSA Pre✓™ would be on your boarding pass, but you would be stopped once you get to TSA Pre✓™ lane. That actually makes more sense since they wouldn't want to give you advance warning that you have been selected for a check. This is from the TSA Pre✓™ FAQ
"Q. Will passengers with a TSA Pre✓™ indicator on their boarding passes still be subject to random exclusion of TSA Pre✓™ benefits?
A. While passengers with the TSA Pre✓™ indicator have been pre-cleared to access the TSA Pre✓ ™ lane no passenger is ever guaranteed expedited screening. TSA continues to incorporate random, unpredictable screening."

mrwunrfl

Carol, are you not getting Global Entry for your trip? United will pay the fee for you, probably both of you. It is good for 5 years.

https://www.united.com/web/en-us/app...y/default.aspx

kuranosuke

i've used tsa pre check for about a year now, and yes, its great.i've also been randomly selected for normal tsa screening. on occasion, i've been able to use the precheck at domestic terminals after foreign arrival, however, i think this depends on your point of embarkation.

on a recent trip to eze, four of us arrived at ewr, then connected to hnl. we all had to go thru the normal tsa screening. perhaps tsa was concerned that we were bringing in bife de lomo. lol.