Is There a Secret to Getting in the TSA Pre-Check Line? We Think We May Have Found It!

Recently, a number of airports have opened up special TSA security lines for passengers with airline frequent flyer status.  It is necessary to go online to fill out the forms, but there is no confirmation that you have been accepted into the program.

You do not find out about your acceptance until you present your boarding pass at the airport’s TSA checkpoint.  If a special code has been embedded in your boarding pass, you are directed to Security Nirvana where you can keep your shoes, belt, and jacket on, your computer in the case, and your small toiletry bag in your carry-on.

The problem for many frequent flyers is that they are not being moved to the Pre-Check lines, which are almost embarrassingly short.  The response has been that even those travelers who qualify for the program will not always be selected in order to keep the system unpredictable.

However, after being successfully directed to the Pre-Check line every time we have traveled in the past month at airports in Chicago, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, we have concluded that the secret to having the necessary code embedded in your boarding pass requires that your boarding pass be printed at the airport.

If you check in online but wait until arriving at the airport to print your boarding pass, you may be more successful in entering the TSA Pre-Check line (at least with United).

Give it a try and let me know if you are successful.