TSA Expands TSA Pre✓™

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to expand eligibility and use of theTSA Pre✓™ program which will allow U.S. citizens the opportunity to apply for expedited screening without a passport.
When available, the application will be a two-step process:
This is a step in the right direction for TSA that should help travelers an screening expedited process.

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Verify identity and provide fingerprints at a TSA Pre✓™ enrollment center.

Applicants may pay the anticipated $85 enrollment fee online, or at an enrollment center. There is a five-year term of eligibility, after which members will need to re-apply. TSA expects the vetting process to take approximately 2-3 weeks. A U.S. passport is not required to enroll. The first two enrollment locations, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Indianapolis International Airport (IND), will open in fall 2013 with plans to expand to additional enrollment sites nationwide.

Applicants receive a confirmation letter via U.S. mail. Approved applicants are issued a ‘Known Traveler Number’ to be used when booking travel. Passengers enter their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the ‘Known Traveler Field’ when booking their travel reservations. Passengers may also enter their KTN to their frequent flyer airline profiles, where it is stored for future reservations.

Current TSA Pre✓™ participants, including those eligible via a CBP Trusted Traveler Program such as Global Entry, will continue to receive TSA Pre✓™ eligibility. Participants who opted-in through their airline frequent flyer program may want to consider applying for TSA Pre✓™, as they are more likely to be selected for TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening more often if they are vetted via the TSA Pre✓™ application process.