TSA Opens PreCheck to All U.S. Citizens

Beginning today, the TSA’s PreCheck trusted-traveler program is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who have not been convicted of certain crimes.

To be issued a Known Traveler Number, applicants must provide their biographic information, fingerprints, and proof of citizenship status. Although some of the application process can be completed online, applicants must also visit a designated application center. Initially, the only application center processing applications is at Indianapolis International Airport.

The application fee is $85, and is non-refundable.

Once approved, an applicant’s Known Traveler Number is valid for five years.

Pre Check passengers are entitled to use a special security-clearance lane, with less intrusive screening: Shoes, belts, and light outerwear may be left on, and laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids may be left in carry-on bags. The service is currently offered at around 100 U.S. airports.

Previously, Pre Check was available only to select travelers identified by nine participating airlines based on their frequent-flyer program profiles, and to members of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program or Canada’s CBP’s NEXUS program.

Reader Reality Check

Have you had a chance to try Pre Check? Worth it?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.
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