Avoid Long Airport Lines

Posted - January 13, 2020

If you don’t like waiting in long airport lines (and who does), consider applying for membership in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program. This is an expedited security-screening program connecting travelers departing from airports within the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.
   
The TSA PreCheck program is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. It is currently available at 200 airports, with 37 participating airlines nationwide.
  
Members of the Pre-Check program can take advantage of dedicated screening lanes at airports, plus you can keep shoes and light jackets on, and toiletries and laptops stay in bags, so there’s no fumbling around as you approach the conveyor belt.
  
The TSA PreCheck application program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program are given a known traveler number “KTN” to use when making flight reservations. Participating airlines will print an indicator on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, look for signs for the lanes.
   
The cost of program membership is $85 and it’s good for five years. Kids 12 and under can get PreCheck screening for free as long as they travel with a member parent or guardian. Older kids must enroll on their own. For solo travelers who fly just once a year, the cost breaks down to a mere $17 a year; families with young children benefit even more. White it’s true some passengers are still being selected for random PreCheck screening – for free – these perks are rare and can’t be counted on.
 
To provide AAA members and travelers a convenient way to enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, the AAA Northampton County office will serve as a temporary “pop-up” enrollment center from January 20-24, 2020.
 
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
To make an appointment, call (610) 258-2371. Walk-ins are also welcome.