I have global entry and for many years I have flown JetBlue domestically. Everytime (without fail) I fly with JetBlue I have TSA pre-check on my ticket. I recently flew United domestically (I usually only fly United internationally) and did not have TSA pre-check. When I asked the United attendant (two different people in fact), I was told that TSA pre-check is random. Huh??? I need your expertise, gang. If I am cleared through GOES and JetBlue ALWAYS provides pre-check for me, why would United make me stand in that line?
I am not complaining, mind you. I was caught off guard and hadn't dressed for a regular TSA line since I haven't been on one in years (boots, jacket, etc.). I would just like to understand if that is true... can United give and take pre-check away at their will?? Ironically, on my return flight, they did have me on pre-check.
Thanks for the education!! :)
Lori
Posted by
OP
South Florida
225 posts
which ID number? My GOES number??
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
Yes. Your trusted traveler number. For me it's my nexus card number, I am sure global entry has a similar set up. This needs to be entered when you buy a ticket or check in. Otherwise they have no way to know that you are John Smith, global entry member, as opposed to John Smith, First time flyer. I have my number tied to my frequent flier account on American so I just need to enter one number. On other airlines I would need to enter my number manually.
IF one did not have global entry/precheck approval/nexus then they could still get precheck randomly. If you have one of the above accounts then you usually get precheck, with occasional random exceptions. Assuming you enter your number, otherwise how would they know your approval?
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Details on how you might get your TSA Pre access when you book on United:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/tsa-precheck.aspx
United has no control over whether or not you get the TSA Pre access for your trip. They pass on your reservation info, including the known traveler number, and the TSA sends back a yes/no answer that then shows up on your boarding pass.
The random granting of TSA Pre is also going away. Too many of the people who paid for the access have been complaining that the lines are too long and slow. So since they don't want to lose out on the revenue, they are eliminating the random access.
Posted by
11569 posts
Add your Global Entry number to all of your frequent flyer accounts and to any new reservation with other airlines.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
However, there is some truth in what you were told. I have been TSA-Pre for years but once in a while I do not get it when I check in. TSA apparently does spot checks on TSA Pre enrollees (and I assume that is true for global entry as well). I don't know if there is an algorithm or how it's done. But this from a TSA agent in the enrollment center in Denver.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Alan is right, even regular Pre-Check travelers sometimes don't get it. Always check your boarding pass ahead of time to be sure - since if you don't have it, you'll need to get to the airport earlier than usual.