Why are not more travelers signing up for TSA-Pre-Check?

[rkacruiser]

Repeated media reports indicate that TSA is disappointed in the numbers of us who have not yet signed up for Pre-Check. May I offer my experience as a possible reason.

 

My older computer and the TSA website for pre-application do not play well together. Absolutely, after many attempts, could not apply online.

 

TSA Customer Service was helpful in providing me with details of what documents were needed, cost, and the location of the office where I could personally apply without needing to do so online. A company called Identigo has been hired to do this work. It is not TSA. My local office is open only 2 days a week. Customer service said walk-ins are available without appointment, but it is better to call to make an appointment. What is the phone number? They had a toll-free number for the appointment, but no local number. I called my Congressman's office to confirm the address, the days/hours the office was open, and the phone number. My Congressman had no phone number for the local office, but confirmed the toll free number.

 

I tried repeatedly over several days to use the toll free number and never was able to make a connection. So, I decided to try as a walk-in.

 

Monday of this week, I appeared at 12:35 P. in preparation for a 1:00 P. M. opening. I registered my name. The sole employee doing the job said, as a walk-in, I might be processed. 30 minutes later, I was informed that there was a zero chance of me being seen. I absolutely had to make an appointment using an 855 number that I had tried repeatedly and was told: "all lines are busy. call back later." Disconnect.

 

I came home and called the number. Same result. I waited for a few minutes and tried again and--lo and behold--I found myself in a queue that only lasted 15 minutes. My call was answered, the initial data was taken by the friendly woman and an appointment was made----with the earliest being July 1st.

 

I would suggest that the problem with fewer than expected people registering for Pre-Check is not due to a lack of interest but due to the Company that is hired to do the job: Identigo. The offices are not open often enough and are under-staffed. In my location, they are leasing part of another very large office building and is probably why they have no local phone number.

 

I am not blaming TSA. But, I do think that TSA or Congress needs to put some pressure on Identigo to ramp up their service.

[thinfool]

Interesting account, it certainly contributes to the problem.

 

Also, why would a family of several members want to spend the money and submit to the screening interview for an occasional trip on an airplane. Especially when they are used to a modest but not untenable delay in airport security.

 

There is no doubt the TSA bears significant blame for totally misreading how the US public views the Pre check program.

 

I have a TWIC card which allows me access to work,unescorted, at marine facilities across the US. You would think that it would allow me some type of 'pre check' access at an airport, but no....more $$$ are necessary for the PreCheck program that likely has a lower level of security than my TWIC card.

Edited May 27, 2016 by thinfool

[vwrestler171]

I know several people who just don't think it is worth their time since they only fly 1-2 times a year. I'm sure most business travelers already have Precheck or high status on the airlines so they get the short lines anyway.

[diane.in.ny]

We got the pre-check and when it works, it works well. Just came back to the states through Miami and had to go through security again to catch our domestic flight. Pre-check line was close. :(

 

Still glad we got it though ... that is the only time we had an issue. In retrospect, though, I'm sorry we didn't spend the $15 extra and get the Global Entry also.

[waterbug123]

I think the main reason is cost- many, many people have no interest in paying the extra money for Pre if they only fly once or twice a year, if that. Look at all the threads we see here where someone sees an admittedly great price for an airline ticket but still wants to wait and see if it comes down another $10? Or the agonizing over how to get everything in a carry on because they won't bring themselves to pay to check a bag? Etc. etc.

 

At the end of the day, most average once or twice a year (or less) travelers don't want to pay anything they don't absolutely have to pay, and Pre falls into that category.

[Mr. Click]

We got TSA Pre for years because we have some status with United...then we started traveling internationally and paid the Global Entry and that pretty much gives us TSA Pre as well and we enjoy it. I know it is selfish on my part but I am just as happy that others are not signing up for it. The stories I am hearing about people trying to sign up and the long waits for interviews in many places just point out more of the TSA/CBP failures to really serve the American people. I get that we need them, I get that they think they are protecting us but they really need to learn to do without be adversarial. I know their job is stressful, I know they think they are underpaid but if you cannot work with the public this is just going to get worse going forward.

[bEwAbG]

I agree overall with the OP's premise that wait times for interviews and limited hours are a deterrent. I'm lucky to live in an area that has more choices, so it took me less than 4 weeks back in October. I also agree that the additional cost is a no-go for occasional travelers. I fly maybe once a quarter but signed up anyway because I often travel around holidays when the lines are worse, and it's definitely been worth it to me.

 

For the OP: you should be able to download a browser like Firefox or Chrome that would let you access the TSA site, even if you have an old computer. If your computer is so old that it won't support a modern browser, you should seriously consider getting a new computer. The products today are much more secure than what you're likely using, so if you are doing any sort of online transactions that involve personal data, it's an investment in your security. Alternatively, your local library has internet access. You could have saved yourself a ton of hassle by finding a working computer. The whole process is built on submitting info in advance rather than doing it in person because it is much more efficient. That wouldn't address the timing of the interview but at least you wouldn't have spent time and money chasing a dead end. I'm not surprised that an office staffed with one person would not be able to handle walk-ins if they're already on an abbreviated schedule. They're likely only open 2 days in your area but also working at other offices in your region. And I do hope you registered your complaint with your Congressman's office--that's the only way these types of things get addressed.

[ansoninc]

I recently applied for pre check. I completed the paper work on line and made an appointment for about 4 days later. I searched and searched for their office. I used my gps and on star and could not find it. There was no phone number listed in all my correspondence. Finally I found a H&R Block office in a huge strip mall with the same address. I asked them if they knew where the pre check office was. Well, they sub let an office to them. I just about blew up asking where the friggin sign was for Pre Check!!!!!!

There is one person there working for pre check. She said that she had asked for more signage, but it has not arrived yet. Once there the process was quick , about 1/2 hour and I received my letter that I had been approved in less then a week.

 

 

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[FlyerTalker]

I think the main reason is cost- many, many people have no interest in paying the extra money for Pre if they only fly once or twice a year, if that. Look at all the threads we see here where someone sees an admittedly great price for an airline ticket but still wants to wait and see if it comes down another $10? Or the agonizing over how to get everything in a carry on because they won't bring themselves to pay to check a bag? Etc. etc.

 

At the end of the day, most average once or twice a year (or less) travelers don't want to pay anything they don't absolutely have to pay, and Pre falls into that category.

The other parallel...."I don't want to pay for a passport, I can just use my birth certificate."

[marco]

We fly a couple of times a yr out of a smallish airport. We've never had a longer than 10-15 minute wait for TSA. In fact, the last time I flew, it was 8 minutes from front counter luggage checkin to being at my gate! When we have to connect (which is almost ALWAYS) we're already within the "secure" zone. For what it costs, not worth the bang for the buck.....FOR US. Depending on your flying frequency and the airport(s) you usually fly out of, it may be worth it. but as I said....not for us.

Edited May 28, 2016 by marco

[calliopecruiser]

I have Nexus, which is a trusted traveler program that allows me Global Entry benefits (including precheck), and even though I only fly 1-2 times a year, it is so very much worth the money and time it took me to get it. I can understand if you fly in and out of a small airport that it might not be worthwhile, but I'm amazed at people who haven't even asked themselves the question (of whether it's worthwhile or not). I can see for families it would get expensive, but for couples or solos I think financially these programs are well worthwhile.

[nat9511]

I was going to apply for Pre-check last week but then found out Spirit Airlines does not participate in the program. I thought it was an airport thing not an airline thing.

[ducklite]

The other parallel...."I don't want to pay for a passport, I can just use my birth certificate."

 

 

 

You read my mind. Look at how many will take a plane with a $8 lower r/t fare in a four hour flight and complain about the seat for months after. Had they spent $1 an hour more they could have gotten an extra inch in width and two in pitch, which as you know is huge when shoved into a sardine can with 200 of your new best fiends. But some people can't see past their nose to the rest of their face.

[ducklite]

I was going to apply for Pre-check last week but then found out Spirit Airlines does not participate in the program. I thought it was an airport thing not an airline thing.

 

 

 

The carrier has to be willing to tie in to the system so PreCheck will appear in your boarding pass. Spirit obviously isn't interested in spending the money on programming to do so, which doesn't surprise me as I imagine the majority of people who fly their rock bottom fare sardine cans wouldn't even begin to consider spending $17 a year to save significant time.

[ducklite]

We fly a couple of times a yr out of a smallish airport. We've never had a longer than 10-15 minute wait for TSA. In fact, the last time I flew, it was 8 minutes from front counter luggage checkin to being at my gate! When we have to connect (which is almost ALWAYS) we're already within the "secure" zone. For what it costs, not worth the bang for the buck.....FOR US. Depending on your flying frequency and the airport(s) you usually fly out of, it may be worth it. but as I said....not for us.

 

 

It's not just your home airport but also the airport you are returning from...

[ansoninc]

I was wondering why whenever I fly Southwest 3-4 times a year they have me as as Pre check. I later read that if you are a member of an airlines frequent fliers club and fly often they will give you Pre check status for their flights. I recently got the federal Pre check.

 

 

Diana

Las Vegas

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[ducklite]

I was wondering why whenever I fly Southwest 3-4 times a year they have me as as Pre check. I later read that if you are a member of an airlines frequent fliers club and fly often they will give you Pre check status for their flights. I recently got the federal Pre check.

 

 

Diana

Las Vegas

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

 

I think you just got lucky. Flying 3-4 times a year was not enough to get you into the program during the trial period, and I don't think any carrier would consider flying 3-4 times a year as a frequent flyer, unless of course maybe you were flying Emirates on a full paid apartments ticket from LAX to Dubai 3-4 times annually. Then maybe.

[Cyber Kat]

I think you just got lucky. Flying 3-4 times a year was not enough to get you into the program during the trial period, and I don't think any carrier would consider flying 3-4 times a year as a frequent flyer, unless of course maybe you were flying Emirates on a full paid apartments ticket from LAX to Dubai 3-4 times annually. Then maybe.

 

Anyone can join an airlines frequent flier program. We've been in United for years - since it was Continental, actually. We're going to be flying Delta to Europe (Amsterdam) in August, and I joined theirs as well. Both and an option to "apply" for pre check. It's not the formal one that you have to pay for.

 

We usually only fly to Bermuda maybe once a year and the last 2 times, we've had the pre check through the program.

 

I've heard they are cutting back on this. I thought it was for security reasons, but I've since read that it's because people who have paid for pre check or the Global Entry have been complaining loudly about the "newbies" in THEIR line :D

 

I've been thinking about doing the Global A) because of the long lines and B) because we're retired now and will likely be flying more. I also like that it eases your way through customs.

 

I just don't want to go through the trouble and pay for it, then find out that we were in the group that did NOT get pre check. I've read it's NOT a guarantee. I'm also concerned with the time it takes - will we get it before that end of August flight.

 

The extra $100 is not an issue. We always pay the extra for the "Comfort" seats - United's term. And we pay to check a bag. For the flight to Amsterdam (and back home to Zurich) we upgraded ourselves (aka paid for it :) ) to business/first. Bermuda is a 90 minute flight from NY/NJ, but I don't want to do that 7 hour (and longer on the return) flight even in a "Comfort seat."

 

The price isn't the object in our case - it's the time, and the gamble (apparently) that we won't get it in time - and that we won't be among those who get the pre check thing on our boarding passes.

 

I told my husband that if we're going to do it, we better do it fast! Newark Liberty does the Global and if we go during the week - we're not far, so that's not an issue. Decisions, decisions!

[njhorseman]

I think you just got lucky. Flying 3-4 times a year was not enough to get you into the program during the trial period, and I don't think any carrier would consider flying 3-4 times a year as a frequent flyer, unless of course maybe you were flying Emirates on a full paid apartments ticket from LAX to Dubai 3-4 times annually. Then maybe.

 

You're wrong. Being a frequent flyer for the purpose of obtaining TSA Pre-Check simply was a function of enrolling in the airline's frequent flyer program and requesting to be included in Pre-Check. It had nothing to do with how many times you actually flew or what class of tickets you purchased. For example, we've flown on Southwest exactly once, and on a one hour flight at that, but we enrolled in Southwest's program when we booked our flight and received Pre-Check for it simply as a result of enrolling and requesting to be included in Pre-Check.

[germanyboy]

We fly Southwest two or three times a year. Wife and I have always had pre-check on our boarding passes because we are over 65 and in rewards plan.

[njhorseman]

Anyone can join an airlines frequent flier program. We've been in United for years - since it was Continental, actually. We're going to be flying Delta to Europe (Amsterdam) in August, and I joined theirs as well. Both and an option to "apply" for pre check. It's not the formal one that you have to pay for.

 

We usually only fly to Bermuda maybe once a year and the last 2 times, we've had the pre check through the program.

 

I've heard they are cutting back on this. I thought it was for security reasons, but I've since read that it's because people who have paid for pre check or the Global Entry have been complaining loudly about the "newbies" in THEIR line :D

 

I've been thinking about doing the Global A) because of the long lines and B) because we're retired now and will likely be flying more. I also like that it eases your way through customs.

 

I just don't want to go through the trouble and pay for it, then find out that we were in the group that did NOT get pre check. I've read it's NOT a guarantee. I'm also concerned with the time it takes - will we get it before that end of August flight.

 

The extra $100 is not an issue. We always pay the extra for the "Comfort" seats - United's term. And we pay to check a bag. For the flight to Amsterdam (and back home to Zurich) we upgraded ourselves (aka paid for it :) ) to business/first. Bermuda is a 90 minute flight from NY/NJ, but I don't want to do that 7 hour (and longer on the return) flight even in a "Comfort seat."

 

The price isn't the object in our case - it's the time, and the gamble (apparently) that we won't get it in time - and that we won't be among those who get the pre check thing on our boarding passes.

 

I told my husband that if we're going to do it, we better do it fast! Newark Liberty does the Global and if we go during the week - we're not far, so that's not an issue. Decisions, decisions!

 

I think your perspective is incorrect. While there is no absolute guarantee you'll receive Pre-Check if you're enrolled in that program or Global Entry, it's almost always going to be granted, while the chances of receiving Pre-Check merely from belonging to an airline frequent flyer program is going to be reduced greatly. That's why we opted to enroll in Global Entry...and we thought the small difference in the cost of Global Entry over Pre-Check was worth paying even though we don't fly internationally that often. Not having to wait on a long passport control line even once is worth the extra $15 to us.

[calliopecruiser]

I'm also concerned with the time it takes - will we get it before that end of August flight.

 

The extra $100 is not an issue. We always pay the extra for the "Comfort" seats - United's term. And we pay to check a bag. For the flight to Amsterdam (and back home to Zurich) we upgraded ourselves (aka paid for it :) ) to business/first. Bermuda is a 90 minute flight from NY/NJ, but I don't want to do that 7 hour (and longer on the return) flight even in a "Comfort seat."

 

The price isn't the object in our case - it's the time, and the gamble (apparently) that we won't get it in time - and that we won't be among those who get the pre check thing on our boarding passes.

 

The time is highly variable on where you are, or where you can go for your interview and fingerprinting. You should be able to see what the available interview times are like on the GOES website - I think you need to sign up for an account with them, but you can see even before you apply to the the program. Of course you don't book an interview until after you're accepted, but it might give you a rough idea if it's too long or not. You can also look up prospective wait times at nearby locations, as sometimes you can get an interview months faster by being willing to drive a few hours.

 

I do not have Global Entry so I don't know how long those approvals take; when I got my Nexus membership (also a Trusted Traveler program), I waited about 2 months for my approval, and then about 2 weeks for an interview spot.

[Cyber Kat]

I think your perspective is incorrect. While there is no absolute guarantee you'll receive Pre-Check if you're enrolled in that program or Global Entry, it's almost always going to be granted, while the chances of receiving Pre-Check merely from belonging to an airline frequent flyer program is going to be reduced greatly. That's why we opted to enroll in Global Entry...and we thought the small difference in the cost of Global Entry over Pre-Check was worth paying even though we don't fly internationally that often. Not having to wait on a long passport control line even once is worth the extra $15 to us.

 

There is nothing wrong with my perspective - you missed my point. I would hate to pay for it, then be one of the ones who didn't get the pre-check. My luck tends to run that way. I don't win the lottery - but I'd be one of the few who didn't get it - even with the Global entry.

 

I have no issue at all with the extra $15.

[Cyber Kat]

The time is highly variable on where you are, or where you can go for your interview and fingerprinting. You should be able to see what the available interview times are like on the GOES website - I think you need to sign up for an account with them, but you can see even before you apply to the the program. Of course you don't book an interview until after you're accepted, but it might give you a rough idea if it's too long or not. You can also look up prospective wait times at nearby locations, as sometimes you can get an interview months faster by being willing to drive a few hours.

 

Oh that's good to know - thanks! It would help us make the decision if we knew we could get it before the August trip.

[njhorseman]

There is nothing wrong with my perspective - you missed my point. I would hate to pay for it, then be one of the ones who didn't get the pre-check. My luck tends to run that way. I don't win the lottery - but I'd be one of the few who didn't get it - even with the Global entry.

 

I have no issue at all with the extra $15.

 

No, I understand your perspective perfectly. You're focused on the negative occurrence that happens very infrequently, rather than the positive, receiving pre check clearance, that will happen 99.99% of the time.

 

You need to look at the glass being 99.99% full rather than 0.01% empty.The empty glass scenario will be the likely result of your not applying for Pre Check as TSA continues to reduce granting precheck based solely on frequent flyer membership.

 

My mention of spending $15 more to get Global Entry rather than just Pre Check was just an additional recommendation, not the main focus of my comment about your perspective.

Edited May 30, 2016 by njhorseman