TSA thinks PreCheck is the solution to long lines, so here's how to apply

As summer travel season kicks off this weekend, all eyes are on the Transportation Security Administration. After complaints from airports, airlines and passengers across the country, pressure is mounting for the TSA to do something about ever-increasing security lines.

Their suggestion? Join TSA PreCheck. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

While some complain that the power of PreCheck will be diluted if everybody signs up for it — while others say that requiring the registration and fee amounts to extortion if you don't want to wait in line forever — the process will still be faster than a normal TSA line.

It was designed to funnel pre-screened, low-risk travelers through airports faster, and TSA PreCheck can feel like a luxury upgrade when you breeze through security without removing belts, shoes and small plastic Ziploc baggies filled with travel-sized liquids.

To be eligible, travelers must be U.S. citizens and permanent residents who aren't on any international watch lists.

For those interested, the process is: 

1. Complete the application

This can be done either online or at an application center. 

Although the application asks basic questions, it is lengthy and will take about a half-hour to complete.

At the end of the application form, those who applied online will make an interview appointment at their application center. 

Another option is just walking into an application center and finishing the whole process in one fell swoop, however longer wait times will apply.

2. Go to an appointment

For those who did the application online: Show up for the interview at the scheduled time. For those doing the entire application in person: Just hang out until it's your turn.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

At the appointment, a TSA agent will fingerprint applicants and process the required documents. There will be a short interview to confirm application details and process the $85 fee, which covers travelers for five years.

Note that the fee is non-refundable, even for travelers who are not allowed entry into the PreCheck program. However, some frequent-flier credit cards will refund PreCheck or Global Entry fees. 

3. Wait

It takes two to three weeks for the TSA to process enrollment applications — longer if anything goes wrong. So, sorry, last-minute planners, you won't have PreCheck in time for Memorial Day travel.

Once approved, travelers will receive an unmarked envelope with their PreCheck privileges in the mail. There's no card or secret badge to flash at the airport. Instead, those approved will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when booking flights. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And finally

PreCheck is not a guarantee for a fast security experience. It only works when flying with a TSA-approved airline and airport partner. There are currently 16 airlines that use the TSA PreCheck feature, including most major U.S. airlines like American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Virgin America.

Those who travel internationally should consider Global Entry. The program costs $100 for five years and makes passing through U.S. customs painless. It's worth the $15 for any international traveler.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.