Published: Dec. 16, 2017
Plane and simple
TSA’s precheck program aims to get airline travelers through
security faster
By NICHOLAS DETTMANN
ndettmann@conleynet.com 262-306-5043
As Andy Williams’ song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time
of the year.”
For travelers, airline ones specifically, the holidays can
be a stressful one. A program sponsored by TSA aims to lower those stress
levels.
The program is called “Precheck.” In a nutshell, it allows
qualified travelers the opportunity to significantly reduce their wait time at
security checkpoints at airports throughout the U.S.
General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee has an
enrollment period set to begin Monday and go through Friday.
“It’s highly recommended,” said Harold Mester, marketing and
public relations manager for the airport. “If you want to get through the
checkpoint faster, the lines are much shorter in the precheck lanes.”
Those enrolled and certified through the TSA program not
only get a special line at the security checkpoint, passengers also don’t need
to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts and light jackets.
According to data on TSA’s website, in November, 93 percent
of passengers in the program waited less than five minutes in line. More than 5
million people are registered and the program is available in most major
airports throughout the U.S., as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands, and through 42 airlines.
Frank Pipia from the TSA Wisconsin Field Office said the
program started about five years ago.
“It’s growing rapidly,” he said. “The lines might be longer,
but they’re not spending as much time in line.”
He advised some security procedures, such as random
screening, may still apply in the Precheck line.
“TSA is consistently adjusting screening processes to stay
ahead of threats,” Pipia said when asked if there were issues raised about the
program related to national security.
The upcoming enrollment period at Mitchell is 8 a.m.-noon
and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7-11 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. Friday. The
center is located in room B133 in the baggage claim area at Mitchell.
Purchasing an airline ticket is not required to attend the enrollment
interview. Those interested in signing up must bring either a U.S. passport or
a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and a proof of
citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
The cost to enroll is $85 and it’s good for five years,
which Pipia said comes out to $17 per year and pays for itself after two uses.
Travelers 12 and younger or 75 and older don’t have to apply for membership. It
is preferred others between the ages of 13
and 74 enroll in the program, but in cases with those 13-18,
Pipia said every attempt is made to keep families together as long as there is
an adult enrolled in the program.
Enrollment can be done online at www.tsa.gov/precheck.
“It has been very popular because it reduces the stress of
travel,” he said. “It’s a lot lower. It’s a real desirable screening process.”
Also on TSA’s website is a full list of all participating
airports and airlines. In Wisconsin, nine airports participate, including
Milwaukee. The others include Madison’s Dane County Regional Airport, Green
Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport and La Crosse’s Regional Airport.
Other notable airports around the U.S. that utilize the
program include Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway International,
Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Detroit’s Metropolitan Wayne County and
Lambert-St. Louis International.
During the upcoming enrollment period, walk-in appointments
are welcome, but Mester said “you may have to wait a while.” Appointments take
about 15 minutes, he added.
“I know at Mitchell Airport it’s very well received,” Mester
said. “Typically the security checkpoint is one of the more stressful parts of
traveling. (The program is) welcomed by travelers.”
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Holiday travel
On Thursday, AAA announced a record-breaking 107 million
Americans are estimated to take their holiday celebrations away from home
during the holiday travel season, which is defined as Dec. 23-Jan. 1.
Nick Jarmusz, Wisconsin Public Affairs director for AAAThe
Auto Club Group, said about 6.4 million travelers will do so by air. That
doesn’t count any passengers who may travel for business in that span.
“That’s about a 4 percent increase,” he said.
The increase matches a trend from the last few years.
“It’s been going up, tracking along with traveling overall,”
Jarmusz said. “All modes of travel are up about 3 percent. We contribute the
bump in air travel to airfare for the top 40 domestic destinations being 20
percent cheaper than they were last year. That makes air travel a more
affordable option.”
When asked why, Jarmusz said, “Part of it is competition.
... The economy is the other end of the equation. We’re seeing wages increase
over the last couple of years and people have more money available.”
❑❑❑
Gas prices
AAA said Thursday that 90 percent of holiday
travelers choosing to drive will find the most expensive
year-end gas prices since 2014. As of Tuesday, the national average price was
$2.45 — which is 24 cents more than last year on that date, but 11 cents less
than it was a month ago.
Jarmusz said AAA expects gas prices to decrease through the
end of the year and into 2018.
❑❑❑
Tips for airline travel
Pipia said not much has changed as far as what is and what
is not allowed in luggage and carry-on for flights.
“It’s important for travelers to check tsa.gov,” Mester
said. “Of course, weapons are not allowed through checkpoint. Leave those items
at home or in your vehicle. I think people generally know the rules of the
checkpoint.”
Pipia said expect some changes in the coming months as far
as rules surrounding electronics.
Otherwise, most of the rules or guidelines that have been in
place for the last several years remain in place.
“It’s always best to arrive at the airport early,” Mester
said. “We recommend two hours, particularly if you’re checking bags; it takes
longer to travel with small children or those that require special or
wheelchair assistance.
“We always encourage people to check flight status at
mitchellairport. com. We post live flight information.”
Pipia said TSA has registration for those requesting
additional assistance, such as elderly or disabled, at least 72 hours ahead of
departure. Those wishing to do utilize that are asked to call 1-855787-2227.
Pipia also suggested to leave presents unwrapped.
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