Temporary TSA PreCheck application center set for August
COLONIE, N.Y. » Residents of the Capital Region will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s popular TSA PreCheck program at Albany International Airport this August.
Officials will host a temporary “pop-up” enrollment center from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. in the airport’s ground level near baggage claim from Monday, Aug. 8, to Friday, Aug. 12.
TSA PreCheck is more valuable than ever during the pandemic, a press release from TSA said, because it reduces touchpoints, and as individuals make plans to travel, this is an ideal time to enroll in the program.
The application process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to enroll directly in TSA PreCheck — an expedited screening program that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes.
Hundreds of airports participate in TSA PreCheck nationwide and more than 80 airlines participate in the program.
“Enrolling in TSA’s PreCheck program enables Albany travelers to receive expedited screening at our security checkpoint as well as a rapid and efficient screening experience at congested airports and major hubs when returning to the Capital Region,” said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority, in the release.
Travelers need only to make an appointment online and complete their enrollment in-person or as a walk-in. It typically only takes 10 minutes to pre-enroll online. After completing the pre-enrollment steps, applicants type in the location “Albany, NY” and click on the search button to select the enrollment site for “Albany Pop-Up.” Applicants can select an appointment time using the drop-down menu to choose a date and time.
The menu will show the first available time available, but individuals can choose a different date and/ or time using that dropdown menu.
Applicants must bring documentation proving their identity and citizenship status. Visit the Universal Enroll website for a list of required documents to prove identity and citizenship.
The application fee is $85 and is good for five years. It must be paid at the time of the appointment by credit card, money order, company check or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Fingerprints and a photograph also are required during the in-person enrollment session.
After completing enrollment, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via U.S. mail within about two weeks that is valid for five years. Many individuals are approved several days after completing the in-person appointment, and can check their status online.
The enrollee should enter the provided KTN in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking airline reservations. The KTN can be added when booking reservations online on a participating airline website, via a call to the airline reservation center or with the travel management company making reservations. Additionally, the KTN can be entered in participating airline frequent flyer profiles, where it will be stored for future reservations.
To learn more about TSA PreCheck visit www.tsa.gov/ precheck or the TSA PreCheck® Frequently Asked Questions page. For more information on the Department of Homeland Security’s four Trusted Traveler programs — including Global Entry and NEXUS — all of which provide TSA PreCheck eligibility, visit DHS.gov.