I AM THANKFUL FOR MY TSA PRE-CHECK STATUS
WHEN I FLY
Next time you hear complaints about the long lines at the airports and finger-pointing as to whose fault it might be, suggest a mirror… Often the culprits are the very people who so desperately try to get through security in a hurry.
Why? There is quite a bit YOU can do to expedite the process. Here are just a few simple suggestions:
TSA PRE-CHECK - you can sign up with the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) and once you’re approved, you can use the special TSA Pre-Check lines that are usually, but NOT always shorter. Even if the Pre-Check line is longer, it tends to move much faster because you don’t need take your shoes off or take out your laptop, for example, as you see above.
BE READY - have your documents out, please - your boarding or security pass and a government-issued photo id.
If you’re wearing anything with metal in it, do take it off. I’m a Pre-Check, but some of my boots have zippers that make the machine go off, so I just take them off. I also take off my bracelets and watch in advance and put them in my purse, which goes on the conveyor belt to be screened.
Get rid of any beverages or liquids before you get to the screening area, so you don’t have to be told to do it or have it “discovered” in your bag. Hint - it’s okay to have an empty bottle, which you can fill up at a water fountain if you don’t want to pay the airport bottled water prices.
Some agents even on a Pre-Check line ask you to take your jacket off, or take your scarf off. If you think it might be an issue, just do it in advance. If you don’t and are asked to do so, just DO IT, don’t get into a philosophical discussion; not the time.
Basically, simply think ahead and keep things moving, which will make your travel a bit less stressful and save you from angry, fustrated looks from all the Type A's behind you in line.
Being a TSA PRE-CHECK can make a flying experience slightly more pleasant. Just using some common sense can also make it quite a bit more efficient. That is something to keep in mind for the holiday travel season. Personally, I am quite thankful for that little privilege of the TSA Pre-Check. Actually, I have Global Entry, which makes me automatically a Pre-Check, but that’s a different story.
Happy, stress-free travels!
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