Why Doing This One Thing Has Saved Over a Hundred Travel Hours

I am in an airport as often as some people go to the grocery store. It’s just the nature and reality of my job.

Any given day an airport can be busy at the oddest times and for the strangest reasons. And of course it’s ALWAYS when I’m running behind and in a hurry.

But there was this one lane that always went quicker than the other. I’ve found this line “just knows” when I’m running behind for whatever reason and I’m at its mercy. I personally don’t prefer the stress of possibly missing a flight. Not a good or suggested feeling.

Each person that went through this “special line” I disliked, no despised every single last person with this special privilege. And the entire time I promised and swore to myself I would be one of those coveted and privileged people.

Then I arrived at my trip and forgot all about it until I arrived at the airport again. And more of these privileged people snubbed their noses at me as they raced right by me. They knew exactly what they were doing and you know who you are…

Then I arrived home and didn’t have a passing thought about the airport until…

I almost missed a flight due to airport security and this was going to change. Finally, I had enough. You know, sometimes you just need to have enough. I was so there.

But I really didn’t understand the process that was involved and had I realized just how quick and easy it was to get this magic Fast Pass like at Disney World that would allow you to go to the front of the line, I would’ve done it a long time ago.

So, what is it?

 TSA Pre-Check – TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration

My simple goal of this post is to let you know of this easy process and convince you to join the other side. Now, my motives are out there.

Here are some details about the program directly from their website:

Why should you join TSA Pre✓^®?

• TSA Pre✓^® provides trusted travelers with expedited security screening for a better travel experience.
• Plan your travel with confidence and enjoy a more predictable experience.
• It’s a convenient, more efficient security screening process.
• It’s available at more than 150 airports with 12 participating airlines.

The following airlines offer TSA Pre✓^®:

Air Canada / Alaska Airlines / Allegiant Airlines / American Airlines / Delta / Hawaiian Airlines / Jet Blue / One Jet / Southwest / SunCountry / United / Virgin / WestJet

No need to remove:

• Shoes
• Laptops
• 3-1-1 liquids
• Belts
• Light jackets

Personally, I absolutely love not having to untie my shoes and walk on that nasty floor in my socks, whip off my belt, yank out my toiletries bag, and pull my MacBook Pro out of the work bag.

If you’re eligible and approved for the TSA Pre✓^® program you will be given a known traveler number “KTN” to use when making flight reservations. Participating airlines will print an indicator on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, look for signs for the lanes.

You can find a list of the Frequently Asked Questions for TSA Pre✓^® by clicking HERE.

So, I chose to pay $85, which gave me the ability for TSA Pre for five years. Can you say absolutely no brainer?

Here’s the catch: it takes some initial planning and work on your part but SO minimal compared to the return on the time and effort. And this post is designed to let you know exactly what to expect and how little effort is actually required.

Here was my five-step process:

1. I filled out the online application HERE
2. I chose to find a local Application Center to complete my process by entering my zip code HERE. You do have the option of a walk-in at any participating airport but I found I just never had the time for the airport process and always prefer a scheduled time.
3. Since I chose the Application Center, I was given a specific date / time. I was literally in and out in ten minutes.
4. In less than ten business days, I received my Known Traveler Number in the mail
5. I called each major airline I use on any consistent basis to have them enter my Known Traveler Number into my profile so I didn’t have to think about it when I need to change airlines

Note: you can go through this process at the airport but it’s based on a first come / first serve basis. I found myself at the airport when the line was too long or most of the time the office was closed.

I truly wish I could get a commission for each person I tell about TSA Pre because it has paid for itself almost every single trip. If you fly often, I HIGHLY suggest you take the time and effort using my five-step process to getting TSA Pre.

 

Closing Challenge…

Did it work? Have I convinced you of the benefits of this program? Now the real test is if this is something you’ve considered and not done yet, will you actually do it…?

As a traveling professional, we need to find the small things to change that will yield big investments back to us and this is definitely one. Even if I only traveled a few times a year, I would still pay the $85 a year and the program lasts for five years. Serious no brainer.

You now know the benefits, the cost of the program, and the process with the links. I can only take you this far.

I challenge you to take the few minutes today to work through the five step process. It will be worth your time. Either way, I can promise you one thing: you will think of this post the next time you’re in line at airport security. And you will either thank me or be the old me…

 

Closing Question…

So what is stopping you from taking a few minutes today to sign-up for TSA Pre-Check?