TSA PRECHECK A BETTER IDEA THAN EVER

With the holiday season in full swing, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly advising people to stay home amid a surge of coronavirus cases, many Americans are grappling with the question of whether to carry on with their scheduled travel plans. AAA predicted a 10 percent drop in travel this Thanksgiving, but that still leaves tens of millions of Americans planning on taking flights and road trips to see loved ones.

For those still planning on going home for the holidays by plane, now may be the best time to invest in TSA Precheck if you haven’t already. Here’s what you need to know about joining the program during the pandemic.

1. Avoid masses in line.

Once upon a time, Precheck was primarily appealing because it helped travelers get through airport security as quickly as possible. Now that perk is even more appealing as coronavirus-wary travelers want to avoid spending time in line around strangers.

“What we have seen is that wait times in general are in the neighborhood of five minutes or less, and Precheck can go even quicker,” says Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration.

Additionally, it helps travelers avoid touching more common surfaces than necessary, as Precheck lets you wear your shoes and light outerwear through metal detectors and keep more items inside your carry-on bag.

“You can keep your electronics, your 3-1-1 liquids and aerosols, and your food items in your carry-on bag,”farbstein says.“when there’s a pandemic, that’s even more important.”

2. It’s a breeze to apply.

According to the TSA, the online application process should take travelers only about five minutes to complete. Once your application is approved, you’ll set up a 10-minute in-person appointment at an enrollment center where you will complete a background check and fingerprinting.

Should all go well, you will be given a Known Traveler Number that grants you access to the airport TSA Precheck line. The $85 membership lasts for five years.

Traveling for the holidays? Apply sooner rather than later.“typically, it takes only about a week to get your Known Traveler Number,” Farbstein says.

If you need help with the application process or have questions about the program, travelers can call 855-3478371 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. or email Tsacontactcenter@tsa.dhs.gov.

3. Downside: Not all Precheck screenings are contactless.

Even if you get TSA Precheck, you may still get stopped at security for various reasons. TSA officers have the discretion to ask passengers to undergo additional screenings, such as if something you are wearing keeps setting the metal detector off or you have something particularly suspicious in your carry-on bag.

If confused about what you can take in your carry-on bag in general, review TSA’S searchable“can I Bring” database. The database is available online and on TSA’S free mobile app. A word of warning to gamers or those traveling with a gift for a gamer this holiday season: Video game consoles may need to be unwrapped for additional screenings, so you may want to check your bag.

4. Ensure you’re eligible.

TSA Precheck is not available for every traveler. A number of disqualifying offenses may prevent someone from obtaining membership. Many won’t apply to most people — like being convicted of espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage, or fraudulent entry into a seaport — but review the TSA website to make sure.