TSA Pre-check anyone? *All welcome*

[cali]

Has anyone gotten TSA Pre-check? We're flying to California in a couple weeks and I'm considering whether it's worth it. Last time I flew I was 7 weeks pregnant and it was a huge PIA because I didn't want to go in the body scanner while pregnant so I waited FOREVER for a manual pat down. I saw a lot of people who were able to bypass the body scanner and I'm assuming that's because they had TSA pre-check. Is that correct? Do you get to skip the scanner? Are the lines much shorter? Have you found it to be worth it? I only do air travel 3-4 times per year (and probably less once baby comes) but I know the fee covers you for five years, so it seems worth it if it really adds convenience. So, for those who have it, what are your thoughts on it?

[mrsrodgersaz]

I don't have it but looked into it before I traveled last time. If you're flying in a couple of weeks you may not have enough time to get the appointment and approval. From what I remember when I looked, the earliest appointment I could get was a month out. It probably just depends on your area though.

I'm not sure if you can avoid the body scanner but it does allow you to keep your shoes on and you don't have to remove your laptop, or liquids from your carry on luggage. Keep in mind too that not all airports have pre check and that the lanes can be closed at times.

If you're a frequent traveler I think it would definitely be worth it, but since I only travel a couple times a year it seems like more of a hassle to go through the approval process than to just take my shoes off in security.

ETA: Every time I've flown while pregnant I've gone through the body scanner. I know everyone has their own preference, but everything I've read said they are safe to go through while pregnant and that you get exposed to more radiation during the flight than through the scanner.

[JustJudy]

I don't have it, but my boss and parents have it. I also think you need at least 6 weeks to get approved so it may be too late, but worth looking in to. Honestly, so many people have signed up that sometimes the lines aren't that much shorter. I did just suck it up and go through the scanner in Feb when we went to Ireland.

[shytimes]

I have it. It's fantastic. There are credit cards that offer a credit for it, so it would essentially be free. Lines are shorter AND they move faster. Also, having traveling with a baby by myself, even one thing less to do (like remove your shoes) seems like the biggest deal.

[cali]

Thanks everyone. I was actually able to get an appointment for 4/28. Anyone know how long approval takes after the in person interview?

[grneyes]

I think it's definitely worth it. Every time we've used it, it has saved us a ton of time. You go through the metal detector scanner, not that full body one. The interview was super quick and basically just asked you to verify the information you filled out online plus taking your fingerprints. I want to say it was a couple weeks after the apt the number came in the mail. They send you an email where you can check your status, so you may be able to pull up the number quicker that way.

ETA: I searched my emails. I was approved 4 days after the interview but can't remember if they sent the number at that time.

[cali]

Awesome, thanks grneyes. I hope it happens as quick for me!

[cali]

Apr 20, 2017 13:32:51 GMT -5 @ketchup said:

Btw, unlike Global Entry, you won't get a card with precheck, so you need to add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile for each airline individually (or manually enter it whenever you book) once you receive your number.

Also, if you do get approved quickly, be aware that you need to update your flyer profile with your new KTN in order for it to be put into the airline's system. This may or may not be possible to do with a pre-existing reservation after the fact (since they ask if you have a KTN when you book the ticket), so if you do get a KTN before your upcoming flight I would call the airline directly and ask them to add it to your reservation to up the chances that it gets put on your boarding pass when it is time to check-in.

Thank you for the tips! All good to know. I'm gonna just go through with it at this point, even if I don't get approved in time for this trip, sounds like it will be worth it once we have a LO anyway.

[kensie5226]

It's really helpful in the larger airports. It's also helpful if you fly a lot. I have it and it's nice not to have to take off my shoes and worry about all my liquids. It's also been really nice for when I have breastmilk.

[emilie]

I have Global Entry and Pre-Check. It cost $100 but is good for 5 years, so worth it for me. As others have mentioned some credit cards have a benefit which will credit you for the fee. When I was pregnant, I flew several times and it was a relief to not have to worry about going through the full body scanners or deal with a pat down. Just get in the fast line, don't need to take off shoes, go through metal detector, done.