TSA Pre-Check Clarification
 

We have discussed this in the past and come to the conclusion that Trusted Traveler/Global Entry and TSA pre-check would be reciprocal. But, Southwest just sent me an email I'd like to share. I recently reserved a ticket on Southwest ("SW"). When the first trip info came along via email, there was no TSA pre-check indication.

Because I belong to the Trusted Traveler/Global Entry national program, I emailed SW to make certain the TSA pre-check designation would appear on my final boarding pass. Here's is a portion of SW's reply:

"Keep in mind that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decides who is eligible for PreCheck on a per-flight segment basis, and no one is guaranteed expedited screening, even when a KTN is entered in the reservation."

'KTN' is for Known Traveller Number. SO, please make certain that you get the designation. In our discussion here, we thought that Global Entry automatically enrolled one for TSA pre-check.

It would be annoying to have to pay $85 in addition to the $100 already spent!

When you enroll in GE you get a KTN and automatically become eligible for TSA Pre-Check if you register that number in your profile with airlines that participate in the TSA Pre-Check program. You DO NOT have to pay “extra” for this.

You should know that even if you are eligible for TSA Pre-Check there is no guarantee it will be granted on every flight you take. On random occasions you may not have Pre-check on your boarding pass.

One other point, even though you are flying on a TSA Pre-Check participating airlines there are some airports that don’t have Pre-Check dedicated lines and at others the Pre-Check lines are located only at certain TSA check points and/or only operate during certain peak travel hours.

Exactly, RoamsAround!

Please note you will have to register your KTN with each airline (at least at this point). And still double-check when you get your boarding pass TSA pre-check is on it!

Yes, enter your known traveler number in every airline's profile, frequent flyer account. When booking a flight make sure your known traveler number is there and enter it if missing. I have never had TSA preCheck left off a boarding pass in may many flights since I got Global Entry.

What does Global Entry cost? Is it the best way to go?

We have been lucky getting pre-TSA randomly on our boarding passes, so far. Even to/from Europe.

So is Global Entry worth it?

Thanks!

Mostly apples an oranges. Pre-check is for simplifying/speeding up security before boarding a flight. GE lets you skip the long immigration lines flying back into the States.

Hi, MoBro. Others can clarify but Trusted Traveler or GOES (or GE as janisj wrote) costs $100 and works well if one travels internationally. It automatically makes you eligible for TSA pre-check. Please see RoamsAround's post above about entering your GOES # with each airline.

TSA pre-check costs $85 and makes more sense if your travel is only domestic.

I'm having a senior moment about how many years are included in both programs.

Thank you! Duh, I should have realized the difference.

When Virgin merged with Alaska, my KTN was not forwarded so my Virgin ticket did not say TSA approved. I merely went up to the agent and gave her my KTN, she entered it and I was issued a new ticket. Sometimes it takes a bit of time when airlines merge.

I think it's dumb you have to pay to be trusted. Maybe they should give frequently flyers more of the doubt.

toddhicks209, ain't that the truth. LOL. They also fingerprint you and do an interview. I daresay only honest folks will jump through GOES or TSA pre-check. The bad "guys" will find a way to circumvent.

I don't think it's dumb that you have to pay for convenience.

Could this be a "no argument" thread, please?

Huh?

$100 for five years, Global Entry with TSA Pre Check, a great deal.

It really is a great deal.