Tsa Precheck: Is It Available At Albany Airport?

Albany International Airport (ALB) has a TSA PreCheck program, which allows travellers to skip the long security check-in lines and keep their shoes, jackets, and belts on. The TSA PreCheck lanes move more quickly than standard screening lanes, and passengers can keep their electronics and 3.4-ounce liquids in their carry-on bags. The application fee for the program is $78-$85 and is valid for five years. Travellers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight's scheduled departure to ensure a smooth and timely travel experience.

TSA PreCheck application process

Albany International Airport offers TSA PreCheck, which allows travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, belts, and laptops in their cases during the screening process. The application process for TSA PreCheck is outlined on the official TSA website. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Select an Enrollment Provider

Visit the TSA website (tsa.gov/precheck) to choose an enrollment provider that suits your needs and has a location near you. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck application centres across the United States, including one in Syracuse, New York. You can also choose from over 350 off-airport locations.

Step 2: Pre-Enrolment and Appointment

You can pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or you can walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment. The online application takes about five minutes to complete, and the in-person visit takes approximately ten minutes.

Step 3: In-Person Process

During your in-person appointment, the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. They will also verify your identity documents and collect payment.

Step 4: Application Fee

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85, valid for five years. This fee cannot be paid online and must be paid in person at the time of your appointment by credit card, money order, company cheque, or certified/cashier's cheque. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted.

Step 5: Documentation

Applicants must bring documentation proving their identity and citizenship status. A list of required documents can be found on the Universal Enrol website. All documents must be original or certified copies, and the names on the documents must match the name provided on the application. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide official proof of the name change.

Step 6: Approval and Known Traveller Number (KTN)

After completing the enrolment process, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) via mail within about two weeks. This number is valid for five years and can be added to your participating airline profiles or provided when making travel reservations.

By following these steps, travellers can take advantage of the benefits of TSA PreCheck, which offers a smoother and more efficient security screening process at over 200 participating airports and on more than 80 airlines.

TSA PreCheck benefits

TSA PreCheck is a valuable program for travellers, offering a range of benefits to make the airport experience smoother and less stressful. Here are some of the key advantages:

Expedited Screening

One of the most significant benefits of TSA PreCheck is the expedited screening process. With PreCheck, travellers can leave their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, avoiding the hassle of removing and putting them back on. This also applies to jackets and light coats, which can remain on during screening. This streamlined process saves time and reduces the hassle of going through multiple security checks.

Faster Processing Times

TSA PreCheck significantly reduces wait times at security checkpoints. Approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers experience wait times of less than 10 minutes. This benefit is especially valuable during peak travel times or when travelling through busy airports, helping travellers avoid lengthy queues and saving precious time.

Convenience with Liquids and Electronics

TSA PreCheck allows travellers to keep their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in their carry-on luggage. This means no more worrying about separating liquids and fitting them into a clear plastic bag. Additionally, travellers can keep their laptops in their cases, avoiding the need to remove and separately screen them.

Reduced Touchpoints

TSA PreCheck reduces the number of touchpoints during security screening, which is particularly beneficial during the pandemic. By minimising the need to remove items and place them on screening trays, travellers have less contact with surfaces, enhancing hygiene and reducing potential exposure to germs.

Widely Accepted

TSA PreCheck is widely accepted across the United States, with more than 200 airports and 90+ airlines participating in the program. This extensive coverage means that travellers can enjoy the benefits of PreCheck at most major travel hubs and with a variety of airlines, making it a convenient and reliable option for frequent travellers.

Ease of Application

Applying for TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process. It involves an online application, followed by an in-person appointment for fingerprinting, document verification, and payment. The application fee is $85 for five years of membership, and renewal can be completed online or in-person. TSA also offers temporary "pop-up" enrollment centres at various airports, making it even more convenient for travellers to sign up.

TSA PreCheck enrolment centre location

Albany International Airport does have TSA PreCheck, and there is a TSA PreCheck enrolment centre located inside the Staples store at Northway Mall, 1440 Central Avenue, Albany.

In August 2022, a temporary "pop-up" enrolment centre was hosted inside the airport terminal on the ground level near baggage claim. It is unclear if this was a one-time event or if the airport hosts temporary enrolment centres periodically.

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows travellers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear, and belt, and keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on. The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 and is good for five years.

TSA PreCheck application fee

The TSA PreCheck application fee is $85 and is valid for five years. The fee must be paid at the time of your appointment by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

The application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

The TSA PreCheck application process can be completed online, and there are over 600 enrollment centers where applicants can finish the process in person.

The TSA PreCheck program offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at over 200 airports across the U.S.

The benefits of the program include:

• Keeping shoes on during security checks
• Liquids and laptops can remain in bags
• Children under 12 years old can use TSA PreCheck lanes when travelling with a member, without needing their own membership

TSA PreCheck application requirements

The TSA PreCheck® program is a "Trusted Traveler Program" that allows travellers to pass through select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes with greater speed and efficiency. Applicants can enrol directly in the program, and it is particularly valuable during the pandemic as it reduces touchpoints.

Application Requirements

To apply for the TSA PreCheck® program, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident. The application process requires an in-person appointment, where you will submit required identification, have your fingerprints taken, and pay the application fee.

Identification Requirements

You must provide an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship documentation. The names on all documents must match exactly with the name on the application, and any legal name changes must be supported by additional documentation (e.g. marriage certificates).

The TSA provides a List A and List B of documents that can be used for identification purposes. For most applicants, an unexpired passport is the best choice as it serves as both photo ID and proof of citizenship.

List A

• Unexired U.S. Passport (book or card)
• Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
• Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
• Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or "Green Card"
• Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation
• Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327)

List B

• Unexpired Driver's License or Photo ID issued by the federal government, a state, or an outlying possession of the U.S.
• Valid temporary driver's license and expired driver's license (counts as one document)
• U.S. Military ID card (unexpired)
• U.S. retired military ID card (unexpired)
• U.S. military dependent's card (unexpired)
• Native American tribal document with photo
• Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Expired U.S. Passport (within 12 months of expiration)

Additional Requirements

The application fee is $85, valid for five years, and must be paid at the time of the appointment. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted as payment.

After completing the application process, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via mail within about two weeks. This number is entered when booking airline reservations to access the TSA PreCheck® program.

Frequently asked questions