Greetings and happy snowy Tuesday! This past weekend my husband and I flew South for a wedding. It was a quick turn around, just down on Friday and back on Sunday. My husband is a frequent flyer with his job, but I rarely fly. And after this weekend, I’m glad I don’t! But, I learned a new trick from my husband so I am in the process of making my future travels much easier by getting a known traveler number. Come see how to do it!
Last Friday when we got to the airport my husband’s boarding pass said “TSA Pre” and mine did not. Therefore, we got separated at the security line. He was able to breeze right through the TSA line and I had to wait in a LONG security screening line. I had to take off my coat, shoes, belt, scarf, sweater and take out my laptop and toiletries. Then I had to stand in the x-ray machine and get a full body scan. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the caution but it is a pain in the neck.
I finally made it through the security line and met up with my husband. Then our flight was delayed an extra hour and a half. So, I took the time to fill out the TSA application on my phone in order to obtain a “known traveler number”. It took about 5 minutes to fill out the questionnaire.
TSA Pre is “an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the US with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers can apply for the TSA Pre Application Program to determine if they are low-risk and eligible to receive expedited screening. ” You can apply here: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov and select TSA Program.
After you complete the application online you schedule an appointment at a local office. You must provide two forms of identification with your complete name. (such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or passport) When you arrive in person it takes about 10 minutes. They do a complete background check and fingerprint you. There is an $85 fee and it lasts for 5 years. From then on you have a known traveler number. Once you register with each airline your known traveler number and TSA will be printed on all of your future boarding passes. This allows you to have expedited screening. (you still go through the standard metal detector.)
I have my appointment next week at a local office to finish my application and verification process. After that traveling will be much easier and I can go through the TSA line with my husband. Oh, and you don’t have to remove your little 3 oz lotions and liquids either. Nice! Now if only Lacey could travel with us on the plane!
I hope you have a wonderful day. Stay warm and dry in this weather. xoxo Dell
