I wrote a post last week about whether or not TSA Pre√ membership is still worth having — considering that CT-based scanners are rolling out to airports, slowly but surely.
Reader “I Love Dan” fired off a mini-rant about TSA Pre√ lines. They pointed out something I think many of us experience time to time:
I travel 4x weekly through different airports…Without fail, on EVERY-SINGLE-TRIP there are multiple people (in) the Precheck line who have no clue what precheck is. They’re asking about laptops, taking off their shoes, unpacking their liquids, etc.
Yep. Been there, seen that. Annoying, isn’t it? Especially when you’re in a hurry.
I Love Dan then drops what I think is a fantastic idea:
I’ve been saying this for years. There needs to be a quick quiz that you must pass to get precheck. You should be required to watch a 2 minute video and answer 10 questions about it. This will hopefully educate some of these “frequent” travelers and speed up the precheck lines.
Right?!
Now, part of me thinks non-Pre√ members are sometimes directed to the Pre√ lines to help alleviate congestion in the general lines. Other times, they’re given funneled to Pre√ to sample what they’re missing and thus encouraged to enroll. So, maybe those are reasons why some people take out their laptops and remove their shoes while standing in the Pre√ queue. (Perhaps someone more familiar with TSA practices can shed some light on how all this works.)
But I also think some people sign up for Pre√ or Global Entry because someone tells them to — and they have no idea how the program works. Then when it’s time to go through airport security, they’re like, Uh, what?
A test with questions like, “What do you do with your belt when using TSA Pre√?” and “Can you keep your compliant liquids in your bag?” might educate people on how to best use Pre√. That makes the whole process more pleasant for everyone.
Heck, make it a mandatory thing when people apply for and renew their memberships.
I say “Bravo!” to I Love Dan.
What do you think of this idea? Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section!
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I feel like the problem could be minimized by having a monitor on the TSA Pre line looping through the rules. Leave your shoes on, belt on, etc… don’t be the person holding up the line. It creates social pressure.
I traveled a lot before covid, less so now and while frustrating I think there’s a bit of an inconsistency problem as well. For example traveling out of terminal 4 in JFK, the TSA requires everything in its own bin. Everything! Where as T2 doesn’t have that requirement, same airport different rules. Then there’s the difference in metal detectors, not between metal detector and X-ray scanner, just between metal detectors. The same belt can set it off in one airport and not the other.
Was going to post essentially what JoeG says. I didn’t travel a lot but when I did with pre check I had one line try to tell us to take off belt and shoes. I had another make me take my laptop out if my bag. So I have gotten in the habit of asking so I don’t get to the front and they tell me to takeoff my shoes even though I shouldn’t need to.
I agree with Chad. There is a lot of inconsistency with TSA on what to do when going through the security line pre-check or not. I’ve been talked to very sternly for not taking laptops/kindles out of bags when having pre-check. I’ve been given lectures of handing all id’s over at once when traveling with kids and at a separate airport being told to hand them over one at a time.
The TSA is tasked with a very important role and working with the public can be tough, however it is my belief that the agency could use a lot of standardization in screening policies. A screen showing a loop of the rules would be very beneficial for both parties (TSA and Travelers).
I think it’s fair to say we all want the process to go smoothly as well as not run afoul of a TSA employee just having a bad day and interpreting the rules differently.
Yes! So true! We never know about pre check in different airports??? I complained a few times that”we dont have to take off our belts or shoes” they said take them off!!!
A looped video for precheck great idea. Every airport had us doing something different. Mostly with taking off jacket, belt or removing laptops and tablets. Or airports can all do the same procedure to make it simpler. Knee and other replacement surgeries need to avoid X-ray too, even with precheck.
Complete agreement. We flew a lot over the past year and every airport experience was different. Even while in the the line 1 TSA employee would tell us to remove everything only to get closer and be told keep it all in the bag. It isn’t just not understanding precheck, but also that not even within one line do you get consistency. They can’t even agree if I need my ID and/or boarding pass in my hand as I walk through the scanner! I also purposely travel in flip flops and a simple dress year round just to avoid the issue of shoes and belts because they’re (flip flops) easily on and off regardless of what I’m dealing with on each leg of a trip.
When you travel so much, do you miss your families? Maybe the government should test on being good fathers and mothers.
Instead of being so snarky maybe you should think that our kids are grown, living their best lives as adults. We are traveling this much because we can. If these people are traveling for work, how dare you accuse them of being a bad parent. You’re part of this self righteous, better than thou society that’s evolving in this country. Ashame
Believe me, this guys family wishes he traveled a whole lot more.
Maybe not everyone has kids.
Yes I do and I agree that in many families the lack of training to be a parent is problematic. I don’t know whether I would pass the test but traveling has nothing to do with whether or not you are a good parent.
Unless you have a tsa approved belt, you still have to remove. My last 8 trips have been with a boot, I still have be pat down. Precheck is only good up to a point. Yes, some have and don’t travel a lot and keeping up with ever changing rules isn’t a huge priority. I’m not so pretentious to look down on someone for this. If you’re in THAT much of a rush, show up 20 minutes earlier.
This could help but most people tune out looping signage. Some airports do have these monitors and people still don’t know what’s flying.
I’m OK with the test if you don’t have to watch the video every time you fly.
I was just suggesting it as a final step to approve your TSA application/renewal. No way should it be necessary each time you fly.
I like the idea but you and Dan need to keep in mind that some of us know what we are doing. I travel with 2 laptops and tons of electronics in my backpack. If I don’t take out some of the stuff then my bag always gets picked for extra manual searching. So I try to be proactive to reduce the holdup for myself and other travelers. Usually there aren’t even any bins in the pre lane and I have to ask an agent if there even is one in the area before the scanners.
Right and having pre sposed to allow for a relaxing experience, chill,
I partially agree. I have pre check and I travel often. I love here in vegas and I went through the scanner and I beeped (it was my belt and the agent here in Las Vegas made me take off my belt and put it through the machine. I thought I didn’t have to do that? It slowed the line down and wasted time.
Totally. It happens to me all the time as well. I can travel 6 segments in a week with exactly the same bag/contents. It will inevitably get flagged for something stupid once or twice. You can still tell I knew what I was doing when I got to the line. My cell phone and wallet with metal credit cards are already in my bag and I’m not wondering or asking if my laptop needs to come out and I’m not unnecessarily taking off my shoes.
The “training” video could show useful tips on how to get through security quicker while also testing on the basics of Precheck.
I love the idea myself. Just this morning I was held up because people were taking their belts and shoes off, keeping stuff in their pockets and not understanding that lines where TSA is using CAT (driver license scanning only) they do not have to scan their boarding pass. Don’t pick up the card covering the scanner and then argue with the agent when he tells you boarding pass scanning is no longer required. Or maybe at larger airports have multiple pre check lines. Ones for frequent fliers and ones for casual fliers.
Often on travel, everyone else on my reservation is given pre-check along with me, even if they are rare flyers. And my group usually checks in at different times and meets at the gate.
We have seen wildly different implementation of PreCheck ‘rules’ depending on the particular airport and/or the particular TSA staff. That *shouldn’t* happen, but for some reason, we have had TSA in PreCheck in two different airports on the East Coast literally shouting at people to take all electronics and liquids OUT of their luggage…grrrr.
Yup, I can confirm JFK T2 and T4 rules are completely different.
The “rules” change between airports though. I had an overnight in MSP and was pulled aside while my bag was searched and received a lecture for not removing my laptop.
If I don’t take off my belt (normal buckle) and literally anything with metal. – shoes etc at IAH they always send me back and give me the “talk”
And of course if you are wearing boots/heels this can still set of the scanners, so I still take them off to prevent a do over!
Dumb idea. Period. Sounds like many off you need to go with Clear, clearly.
TSA needs to focus on a test….the test of background checks of their employees. Too many predators working there since they no longer do a test of sexual misconduct of potential employees. Bunch of sickos groping innocent Americans everyday.
I am a long time Pre-Check member who now has a pacemaker. I need to empty everything from my pockets and remove my belt so I can go to through “hands up” scanner. I’m sure folks look at me and are irritated, but those are the rules.
Perhaps TSA should start with a consistent policy and procedure across all airports. There are wildly different expectations at different airports. But yes, education of patrons is crucial.
On that topic, just today at BWI, I had to take my belt off because it set up the alarm in the TSA Pre scanner. I have flown through here dozens if not hundreds of times and this has never happened before. Apart from the lack of consistency this shows, we’re paying to not have to do immodest things like this (since it keeps a person appropriately covered by stopping clothes from falling off). To me it’s much more problematic than taking off shoes, hat, jacket or taking out a laptop.
This idea is dumb. Some people are new to the program and ask questions to be certain they are following peotocol. Take yall entitled [redacted] elsewhere
They even let the stupid ones vote!?
Even a simple poster (or video) would help. But aren’t many of the people in the pre-check line accompanying as +1’s? I remember my family was all marked as Pre-check before applying for Global Entry. Presumably, because I was the one with GE/pre-check and we were all on the same reservation had the same family name, etc?
TSA agents at DFW should be required to know forcing an oversized collapsible baby stroller through the x-ray machine probably isn’t a good idea … when the mother and other passengers say it won’t fit but the Captain TSA insists it will ….
Funny: watching multiple TSA agents sticks brooms, canes, long poles or whatever they could find into the x-ray machine from either end to try and force the stroller through after getting stuck in the machine
Not Funny: the excessive delay this caused and the shutting down of the machine and the TSA agent who insisted it would fit somehow managed to disappear when everything went crazy
I agree. When it comes to pre-screening, no consistency between airports and sometimes within the same airport. ME: Should I take my belt off? TSA: Nah, leave it on.
Then , scanner goes off and I have to remove my belt and go thru the scanner line again, slowing everyone down. . This happened 3 out of 4 of my last trips. So now, I just remove the belt. So much for pre-screening perk. Don’t see how test would help.
Or it’s likely because like me, they have probably experienced it when the tsa changes the rules on the spot. I’ve been precheck for ages and I’ve have to randomly do things in the precheck line that you’re not supposed to have to do.. so yeah, when you’re not consistent, it raises the spectre for questions and confusion.
It’s the fault of TSA. They are inconsistent in how they operate check points and too many non TSA pre folks are sent through the Pre lines by airlines, TSA, etc.
I assure you people are funneled into the precheck line all the time who are not pre check, based on perceived risk level and/or to manage volume. Every time this happens, my experience is devalued and I wonder what I’m paying for. Is it for the people who uselessly ask to verify my pre check status before I get to the front of the line? Is it for the ridiculous questions when I’ve tried to take medical or lactation pumps through? The only thing I dislike more than precheck is not being precheck, so I guess I’ll keep paying it.
Eh, I understand the frustration of the author, but the reality is you’ll never succeed in educating everyone. TSA Pre✓ is a huge time and hassle saver, even if I do wind up getting slightly delayed by an amateur traveler in front of me.
Also, based on experience, I take off my belt every time in the Pre✓ lane. The thick metal buckle on it sets off the metal detector if I don’t remove it. As such, please don’t assume every person removing a belt is doing it because they’re clueless.
The problem with preCheck is the TSA. Been to three airports in the same day and everyone had a different protocol. Then PreCheck is not on your ticket, the TSA says its airlines problem, Airlines says its TSA. Seems like we make the rules as we go!!
GLOBAL that’s another story, Travel prime time in Charlotte TSA is usually closed to preCheck, Go to Miami TSA line is a quarter mile long, NO preCheck!
The joke gets better since everyone that has GLOBAL has been investigated, interviewed and interrogated before we get a card that cost over $125 for a service that in many cases are closed, as in Charolette, Atlanta and Miami. How can a machine be closed, oh that right the government runs the security.
This is laughable, I’m certain that a higher percentage of Pre✓ passengers know the rules/advantages than TSA employees who both know and follow them.
I’ve been Pre✓ and Global Entry for four years now, and I don’t think I’ve ever had two identical Pre✓ experiences convectively. Let’s even forget the weekly changes in checking ID. One Pre✓ line tells you to keep you belt on while another doesn’t, I’ve had them tell me everything from leaving all electronics in the carry-on to only taking out the laptop to having to take them all out and put them in separate bins, and while I leave all fluids in my checked bag I’d say it’s 50/50 whether they say to take out fluids.
Then come the blended lines. Some treat Pre✓ passengers like anyone else. Others let you keep on your shoes while requiring you to take out electronics. Of course some let you leave electronics in your bag. And whether you get a metal detector or a backscatter is a crapshoot, but you usually get a metal detector.
So I wait until I can figure out what that particular gaggle of TSA agents is deciding to do before I do anything. But I can see the confusion of other people.
I learned to be patient.
I have sent numerous texts to Tsa about why they are still allowing people thru pre check for FREE when I am paying for it. These people have no clue about pre check, and some people look at pre check like it was a given. I have cousins who don’t understand why they dont get pre check all of the time when they fly?????? Pay for it… I work at an airport as a volunteer and stand in front of Pre Check entrance to make sure people have it on their boarding pass. Some flip me off and enter pre check, and yes some get turned away bc they don’t have it, but thought bc they checked in at home, that qualifies for pre check. Stop giving away free PRECHECK, it isn’t free bc people like me are paying for it.
Karen, that’s harassment, not volunteering.
Just a thought, do away with the TSA, it was a good idea in its time, their time is done.
Even TSA employees need training. They require passengers to do things that are allowed for Pre check. Not consistent from airport to airport or even at same airport.
Enough is enough. The TSA Pre costs money, so why the inconsistent directives? My last trip, my hearing aids set off the danged sensor at Austin Bergeron. That got me an apology, the agent wanted to make sure they were not airpods!?! Not the computer or Kindle in my carry on or the belt also in my carry on, because I have had enough of stupid directives that differ from State to Terminal. So please stop with your video idea, if you are in so much of a hurry, but your own plane.
Try traveling as a couple with 5 artificial joints between us and using precheck still saves us time but there are still hiccups from time to time.
When you say “joints,” I assume you mean “knees” and body parts such as those, correct? If you say “joints” here in California, most people think of something completely different — artificial or not 😉 .
The people coming through precheck have been prechecked hence the perks of leaving your property in their bags and shoes on. The general public “standard” passengers are not allowed through Precheck. That would be a violation.
I would say 9/10 pax know what to do. However, at the end of the day there is no perfect system. There are always ways to improve.
“The general public ‘standard’ passengers are not allowed through Precheck. That would be a violation.”
But it happens. Before I had PreCheck, I was put in the PreCheck line.
(Imagine that: a government program not working like it’s supposed to. Unprecedented! 😉 )
Why is Precheck needed when you have a star on your driver’s license?
I don’t think a pre-quiz would help at all, as all travelers in any lane at any time will be given different directions at the discretion of whatever agent is working that day. Sometimes in the regular line I’m allowed to keep my jacket on and laptop in bag, sometimes in the Precheck line I’m barked at to remove shoes, hoodie, fitbit, liquids, laptop, tablet, etc. It’s a crapshoot no matter what. This past week, precheck was not open, and while approaching the scanners I specifically asked the agent who was only asking for only for my shoes if I should remove my hoodie too; he said no. A few moments later another agent very aggressively and in my face yelled at me to take me jacket off. ♀️ While I have been in a precheck line that’s longer than the normal security line, I’ve never been so inconvenienced as to request precheck recipients take a quiz. Feels very juvenile and elitist to me. I think the best option is better signage at all airports so both travelers And agents know what is expected.
My problem is that staff has directed me into NON precheck lines at times…and then do not allow precheck perks (liquids, shoes, coats, electrical laptops/tablets) so then I am treated like I do not know the tsa rules when I didn’t prep for acregularvtsa check.
Easy unless you fly at least 6 flights a year your not eligible…. Plain and simple…
Why a test when a simple sign could tell you what’s expected where you are.
Problem is TSA Pre check is not the same at all airports.
Seattle could be a different requirement than DFW
It’s not consistent across the board.
TSA agents need that monitor of what TSA means as well – numerous times I have had to remove my belt (regular belt). That is one of the items listed on the TSA flyer!!
Not all the airports operate the same when in comes to TSA Precheck. In MIA they asked me to take out my laptop while in JFK they didn’t so figure. So Don’t blame the people blame the TSA.
Yes!! A test is necessary! Maybe prior to every flight! My husband has TSA & non-revs & still can’t recall what to do & what not to do prior to each flight!
Precheck last time was like too many people in the lightning lane. If everyone gets to use the lightning lane, it becomes a standard lane and pointless. I think too many people have signed up for precheck that it’s ruining the benefits.
This topic shows your ignorance of what ‘TSA pre’ program is about. It is not for frequent travelers. It is a program for low risk travelers vetted by TSA. Good luck with your attention seeking blogs.
Where did I state that it’s a program for frequent travelers?
One thing i know and see in almost all the comments is the inconsistently from one airport to the other. Saw the same before i paid for global entry a few years ago. Lack of training, professionalism, and making it up as they go. Nothing changes when the government is running the show. Local, state, feds.
TSA Pre ✔️ has all the same rules for prohibited items in your carry-ons as standard lane screening and, this is the key, for items of interest that require additional screening. The latter would include, e.g., certain foods or masses of a consistency that resemble those of explosives, or if they need to check liquid, gel or aerosol amounts ( travel size is considered 3.4 ozs or less, 1 quart size bag of same per passenger ), etc. As for asking for your belts or shoes to be taken off before or after walking through their metal detectors: TSA Officers are trained to spot what has or most likely will alarm their ‘walk thru’. Solid metal or oversized buckles will most probably cause you have to step back out to remove them for x-raying – maybe they’re just trying to help you save steps and time based on their experience. A decent amount of shoes will have metal shanks built into the soles for support that may trigger an alarm. Bracelets that have a ball screw type closure often don’t alarm the walk thru if you unscrew them first. And NEVER take your rings off – 99% will not trip an alarm and it’s too easy for them to get lost in the process of sending them through & back out of the x-ray; same goes for your loose IDs and paper boarding passes which get knocked out when passing the multiple lead curtains involved. Put as much of what you want to divest into your carry-on as possible to avoid loosing or having to wait for it to get pushed back out if too lightweight. There are usually no divestment bins on a Pre ✔️ lane, so put any outerwear in front of your carry-on to make sure it will quickly come out of the x-ray. An inordinate amount of electronics in one bag may trump the “leave it in” rule, having to split them up and then send that property back into the x-ray seperated. The first time flyers you will encounter in a Pre ✔️ lane is unavoidable, and their lack of knowledge about what to do will often slow up the screening line. I will end with that it is truly amazing how many people will Google inconsequential stuff all day long but won’t take the short time to do the same in order to educate themselves about how to get through airport security quicker and with the least amount of problems… TSA.gov = duh!!!
I travel out of EWR with different airlines, united, delta, allegiant using different terminals. I ask at delta and allegiant if I have to remove electronics or food because each trip they change their rules.
I’ve had precheck since it started and every airport is different at different times. No consistency. On another note, with a pacemaker/defibrillator I have to take off my belt, go through the scanner and have a guy rub above my left nipple area. Like they never heard of a pacemaker/defibrillator. And my medical information necklace triggers an alarm.
To be fair, the laptop thing is heavily dependent on the airport.
My local airport emphasized “laptops stay inside your bag”.
On the return flight from Seatac, asked the TSA agent if he wanted my laptop in or out. He quickly got an attitude, telling me “Laptop OUT. OF. THE. BAG.”
He was probably just angry he has to live in Seattle though.