It’s not often that I say something nice about the Transportation Safety Administration. Their usual treatment of individuals is pretty horrid; and I should know since I travel every week. But I just recently became part of the TSA Pre✓™ program – and it’s glorious.
Here in Portland, Oregon, our local airport has joined the TSA Pre✓™ list of approved airports. And since I joined myself (as a frequent flier of Alaska Airlines, they joined me up automatically, but only for flights on Alaska), it has taken me no longer than 7 seconds to get through TSA after showing my identification. It has been glorious!
So if you’re a frequent business traveler, I’d look into it. It’s so worth the $100 fee.
One note of caution. When you join TSA Pre✓™, they will give you a few options. I chose their Global Entry option, because it made the best sense for me. Your decision may be different. But they give you a “Global Entry” identification card, and it’s an official identification from the Department of Homeland Security, and can be used as proper ID. It can, no matter if a TSA agent refuses it or not. I fly out of the tiny airport of Prescott, Arizona, and the TSA there refused to accept my Homeland Security ID and wanted my drivers license.
So there you have it. I did manage to balance some good with some bad, so take that, TSA! But seriously – join Global Entry. You’ll definitely be glad you did! And drop me a line if you have questions.