"TSA-Prechk" on boarding pass
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: US/EU
"TSA-Prechk" on boarding pass
I have never applied for nor been approved for the TSA-Precheck program, which "allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints." Basically, after submitting some official identification and fingerprints and $85, you get to keep your pants on while going through preboarding security.
Yet today, when I checked in online for tomorrow's Alaska Air flight, my boarding pass clearly shows the TSA-PRECHK indication on it and the mobile version has the program logo with a large green check mark. This is supposed to mean I get the use the TSA-Precheck program system. I never entered anything in the KPN (known person number) field when buying my ticket that would identify me as a program member, yet here we are.
Has anyone else dealt with this before? I know I am not a program member, yet my boarding pass clearly indicates I should use it. I'm not sure whether to ignore it or try to take advantage of it (there's a special line at security for it).
Opinions? My flight is tomorrow, noontime.
Yet today, when I checked in online for tomorrow's Alaska Air flight, my boarding pass clearly shows the TSA-PRECHK indication on it and the mobile version has the program logo with a large green check mark. This is supposed to mean I get the use the TSA-Precheck program system. I never entered anything in the KPN (known person number) field when buying my ticket that would identify me as a program member, yet here we are.
Has anyone else dealt with this before? I know I am not a program member, yet my boarding pass clearly indicates I should use it. I'm not sure whether to ignore it or try to take advantage of it (there's a special line at security for it).
Opinions? My flight is tomorrow, noontime.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: US/EU
Answering own question
According to the Pre-Check web site:
Guess I just got lucky this time.
Other Ways to Experience TSA Pre✓™
You may still be able to experience TSA Pre✓™ screening on a flight by flight basis.*
TSA Risk Assessments uses Secure Flight Data already supplied to TSA, which allows passengers to access the TSA Pre✓™ screening lane on a random basis. Check your boarding pass each time you fly for an indication of TSA Pre✓™ eligibility.
You may still be able to experience TSA Pre✓™ screening on a flight by flight basis.*
TSA Risk Assessments uses Secure Flight Data already supplied to TSA, which allows passengers to access the TSA Pre✓™ screening lane on a random basis. Check your boarding pass each time you fly for an indication of TSA Pre✓™ eligibility.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
From: USA
It has happened to me a number of times. There does not appear to be any logic to it. My missus (US citizen )rarely gets chosen . Me (in those days a Paddy with a tourist/visitors visa) frequently chosen. Although when travelling together SHE forbids me to use it 
Joined: Jul 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 5,677
Likes: 3,337
From: Everett, WA
It is a perplexing system - I've enjoyed it a few times (and not complaining). But I've also had to go through the full Monty, while my wife (non-US citizen, and while she's Christian, her passport is from a predominantly Muslim county) benefited from Pre-check.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: US/EU
Went through without a hitch (or any guns being drawn), and definitely faster and easier than standard screening. Nice to not have to remove shoes or belt, and if I flew often, I would certain join the program. But on the return flight I did not get chosen for this little perk and had to suffer through regular U.S. airport security like most everyone else.
