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TSA Pre-Check Will Shorten Your Time In Security Checkpoint Lines

TSA-Pre-Check lines at airports offer shorter screening lines.
John Moore / Getty Images
TSA-Pre-Check lines at airports offer shorter screening lines.
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Having just returned from vacation, I can confirm reports of backed-up lines and longer-than-usual waits at airport security checkpoints — and officials say it’s not going to get better any time soon.

In fact, it’s going to get worse.

A record number of passengers flew during the spring, and summer is expected to be even busier, according TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy.

“During peak travel periods, the number of passengers being screened on a daily basis can double,” says McCarthy. “And the more people flying, the longer the lines.”

Along with an increase in travelers, the TSA says more people traveling with carry-on bags and fewer TSA officers staffing checkpoints have contributed to airport security backups.

The good news is that you’ve still got time before your warm weather vacation to sign up for TSA Pre-Check, an expedited screening program that gets you into a speedier line where you won’t have to remove belts, shoes or outerwear/jackets, or take your laptop or 3-1-1 compliant bag of liquids out of your carry-on bag.

(“3-1-1” refers to the TSA’s regulations for how much liquid air travelers can pack in carry-on bags. Containers of liquids or gels can’t be larger than 3.4 ounces, (3), and all containers must fit into a single (1), one-quart (1), clear, Ziploc-style plastic bag.)

The process of getting approved takes about two weeks, and more than 160 airports, including Bradley International, take part in the program. Participating airlines include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.

McCarthy estimates that TSA Pre-Check passengers move through lines twice as fast as other travelers.

“From the TSA’s standpoint, the program improves security because those who are approved have been vetted,” says McCarthy. “For passengers, it improves the screening experience.”

That is why Hartford resident Shawn Lang was out at the TSA Pre-Check enrollment center, located in Terminal A’s baggage claim area at Bradley Airport earlier this week, getting fingerprinted, having her passport scanned and paying the $85 non-refundable application fee, (good for five years). (There are more than 300 TSA Pre-Check enrollments centers across the country, including locations in New London and New Haven.)

“It’s a simple process and it makes life easier when you’re flying” says Lang, a frequent business traveler.

To start the process, go to tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply. You’ll fill out an online application and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are allowed, but you may have to wait.

Applicants are required to bring specific documentation proving identity and citizenship status. Fingerprints are taken during the in-person application session. Payment is by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

“It’s a fairly quick process,” says McCarthy. “If you’re approved you’ll get what’s called a ‘Known Traveler Number,’ or ‘KTN,’ usually within two weeks.”

Enter that in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking airline reservations and you should see a TSA Pre-Check designation on your boarding pass. That’s your ticket to the speedier lines.

If you don’t fly often enough to make the $85 investment worthwhile, you can still make your airport experience quicker and easier. For starters, make sure you don’t have any prohibited items in your luggage. (Check “When I fly, can I bring my ?” at tsa.gov. Type in an item to find out if you can bring it in your carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.)

Dress for speed, not style. Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and on and don’t wear clunky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories or large belts. Empty your pockets in advance. Kids under 12 and passengers 75 and over don’t have to remove shoes or jackets.

Print out boarding passes in advance. Arrive at the airport up to two hours before domestic flights.

Be ready when you enter the checkpoint line. Have your ID and boarding pass out and ready to hand to the TSA officer.

Don’t cram your carry-on. Reducing the amount of stuff in your bag will enable it to move through screening faster. Don’t forget to pick up all items after they’ve been scanned.

Need more information? Follow @AskTSA on Twitter. They respond to questions in real time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.