Cleveland Airport: Tsa Precheck Availability And Benefits

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers TSA PreCheck, allowing low-risk travellers to experience a more efficient security screening. TSA PreCheck is available at the Central Checkpoint, which remains TSA Pre-check only, and at the South Checkpoint during peak hours as staffing allows. TSA PreCheck members do not need to remove their belts, shoes, laptops, or liquids from their bags. The $85 fee covers a five-year period.

TSA PreCheck eligibility and application

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers TSA PreCheck, allowing low-risk travellers to experience expedited and more efficient security screening.

Eligibility

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and cannot have been convicted of certain crimes. If an applicant has a record of any of the crimes identified in the eligibility requirements, they may choose not to apply, as the application fee is non-refundable.

Application Process

To apply for TSA PreCheck, applicants must first pre-enrol online and then schedule an in-person interview at one of the more than 400 TSA PreCheck application centres across the U.S. The online application takes five minutes to complete, and the in-person interview takes around 10 minutes. During the interview, the applicant will undergo a background check and provide fingerprints and other biometric data, verify identity documents, and pay the application fee.

The application fee is \$85, covering the cost of the background check, and is non-refundable. This fee does not include the cost of optional additional services such as Clear, which can be added for an extra cost.

After Applying

After completing the application, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) within 2-5 weeks. This number is valid for five years and can be added to flight reservations with participating airlines. The KTN can be added when booking reservations online or over the phone, or in participating airline frequent flyer profiles.

TSA PreCheck eligibility will be indicated by a TSA PreCheck logo on the boarding pass.

TSA PreCheck benefits

TSA PreCheck is a service that allows low-risk travellers to experience a faster, more efficient security screening at participating airports for both domestic and international travel. It is available at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where long lines are a common occurrence during peak travel hours.

TSA PreCheck offers a range of benefits to travellers, including:

• Expedited security screening: TSA PreCheck members can typically clear security in 10 minutes or less, with 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes.
• No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets: TSA PreCheck members can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags, streamlining the security process.
• Reduced wait times: TSA PreCheck provides access to dedicated security lanes with shorter wait times than standard security lines.
• Convenience and comfort: By eliminating the need to remove shoes, belts, and jackets, TSA PreCheck offers added convenience and comfort during the security screening process.
• Available at major airports and airlines: TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and is accepted by more than 90 airlines, including major carriers such as Delta, American Airlines, and United.
• Valid for five years: Once approved, TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, providing long-term benefits to frequent travellers.
• Cost-effectiveness: TSA PreCheck costs $70 to $85 for new enrollees and $70 for renewals, making it a cost-effective option compared to other expedited security programs.
• Children under 17 can join: Children under 17 can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on their boarding pass, making family travel more convenient.

TSA PreCheck renewal

TSA PreCheck is available at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, allowing low-risk travellers to experience expedited security screening.

• Pick an enrolment provider: Telos, IDEMIA, or Clear. Each provider has different pricing and benefits, so choose the one that suits you best.
• Renew your membership online or in person: You can renew your membership by visiting the website of your chosen provider and following the instructions, or by visiting one of their enrolment centres.
• Keep your Known Traveller Number (KTN): Regardless of the provider you choose, you will keep the same KTN that you received when you first enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Make sure to add this number to your airline reservations to access the TSA PreCheck lanes.
• Enjoy the benefits: With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during security screening. You can also leave your laptop and liquids in your bag.

It is important to note that TSA PreCheck is not available with all airlines and at all airports. Additionally, even with TSA PreCheck, you may occasionally be asked to remove your shoes or take out your laptop during security screening.

CLEAR as an alternative to TSA PreCheck

CLEAR is a non-government program that uses biometric data to confirm identities at more than 50 airports and sports venues across the United States, including Cleveland Hopkins Airport. It is available at the Central Checkpoint for travelers with TSA PreCheck and at the South Checkpoint for those without.

CLEAR members use a separate lane with dedicated kiosks instead of lining up to wait for a TSA agent to check their passport or ID. Once a member's identity is confirmed, a CLEAR representative escorts them to the front of the line for security screening. CLEAR participants who are also enrolled in TSA PreCheck can use separate PreCheck lines and abide by PreCheck rules (e.g., keeping shoes on).

Enrolling in CLEAR can take as little as five minutes, and enrollees will need to verify their identity, scan a fingerprint or iris, and get their photo taken. CLEAR membership is $15 per month, with the option to add an additional family member for $50 per year. Members can also bring their children under 18 with them through the CLEAR lane for free.

CLEAR Plus is a service offered by CLEAR that allows for a quick identity verification experience at the airport. Members can step up to a CLEAR pod and verify their identity with their face, eyes, or fingers. When bundling enrollment with TSA PreCheck, members enjoy special pricing on their first year of CLEAR Plus for a combined total of $199. This includes five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR Plus for as low as $121.05, resulting in savings of up to $77.95 on the first year of CLEAR Plus membership.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both programs that allow travellers to skip the long security lines at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. TSA PreCheck is a good option for those who travel infrequently, as it is cheaper than Global Entry and is valid for five years. It costs $78 through Idemia, $85 through Telos, or $77.95 through Clear for a five-year membership. To renew TSA PreCheck online, it costs $70 with Idemia and Telos and $68.95 with Clear. However, TSA PreCheck is only available for domestic travellers.

Global Entry, on the other hand, is a better option for frequent international travellers as it includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited customs screenings when re-entering the US. It is also valid for five years and costs $120. Global Entry is available at more than 75 airports across the US, including Cleveland, and a handful of airports abroad.

Both programs require travellers to undergo a background check and provide biographic information, including name, date of birth, and address. Additionally, applicants will be fingerprinted and will need to provide valid identity and citizenship/immigration documentation.

It is important to note that neither program guarantees expedited security screening, and travellers may still be required to remove their shoes and laptops on occasion. However, the goal of both programs is to keep wait times under 10 minutes.

For travellers who prioritise speed, combining TSA PreCheck and Clear may be the best option. Clear is a non-government program that uses biometric data to confirm identities at more than 50 airports and sporting venues across the US. It costs $189 per year.

Frequently asked questions