Tsa Precheck At Lihue Airport: What You Need To Know

Lihue Airport has a TSA PreCheck lane, but travellers have reported inconsistent experiences with it. The level of service depends on the time of day, with two levels of service available. The first level is referred to as fake TSA PreCheck, where passengers are given a yellow card and are allowed to keep their shoes on and go through a metal detector instead of an radar scanner. The second level is full TSA PreCheck service, where passengers can leave their shoes, electronics and toiletries in their bags. The hours during which each level of service is provided are not published. Long wait times at the airport have been attributed to understaffing and broken machines, with travellers reporting that they have missed their flights as a result.

TSA PreCheck wait times at Lihue Airport

The TSA PreCheck lane at Lihue Airport is available at Checkpoint 1, which operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The South Checkpoint 2 also offers TSA PreCheck, but its days and hours vary.

Wait times at TSA security checkpoints can vary, influenced by peak travel periods, holidays, weather conditions, TSA staffing, and airport construction projects. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, typically 2 to 3 hours before your flight's departure, to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures.

At Lihue Airport, the TSA PreCheck lane offers a streamlined process, with passengers typically waiting less than 5 minutes. PreCheck passengers are not required to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their cases.

There are two levels of TSA PreCheck service at Lihue Airport:

• Level one: Passengers receive a "yellow card" and are allowed to keep their shoes on, passing through a metal detector instead of the "radar" or Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). However, they must remove electronics larger than a mobile phone and any liquids, including toiletries and water.
• Level two: This is the "full" PreCheck service, where passengers can leave their shoes and belts on and keep their electronics and liquids inside their bags.

The operating hours for each level are not published, but level one service is more likely when several mainland flights are departing within an hour or two.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

Lihue Airport does have a TSA PreCheck line available, although there are two levels of service that travellers may experience. The first level is often referred to as "fake TSA PreCheck" or "yellow card" service. In this case, travellers are allowed to keep their shoes on and go through a metal detector instead of advanced imaging technology. They must still remove electronics larger than a mobile phone and their quart bag of toiletries. The second level is "full" TSA PreCheck, where travellers can leave their shoes, electronics and toiletries in their bags.

TSA PreCheck is a government programme that allows approved passengers to expedite the airport security process. There are several benefits to enrolling in TSA PreCheck, including:

• A smoother security screening process, as travellers are not required to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
• Reduced waiting times, as about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
• Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
• TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines.
• The application process is quick and easy, with applications accepted online and renewals often available online for a reduced cost.
• Many credit cards include TSA PreCheck as a member benefit, or allow cardholders to use points to pay for enrolment.

Peak travel times at Lihue Airport

Lihue Airport, also known as Kauai Lihue International Airport, experiences peak travel times during the holidays and other peak travel periods. The average wait time at the airport's security checkpoints is 25 minutes and 36 seconds, although this can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, TSA staffing, and airport construction. It is recommended that travellers arrive 2 to 3 hours before their flight departure to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures.

The TSA operates Checkpoint #1 daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Satellite Checkpoints #2 and #3 are opened on demand during peak daily hours. The airport has two levels of TSA-PRE service, with the level depending on the time of day. The first level, known as "fake TSP-PRE", is indicated by a "yellow card" and allows passengers to keep their shoes on and use a metal detector instead of advanced imaging technology. All other procedures remain the same as regular TSA security. The second level is the "full" service, where passengers can leave their shoes on and keep their electronics and toiletries in their bags. The hours at which these levels are in place are not published, but they are more likely to be implemented when there are not several mainland flights leaving within a couple of hours.

Tips for travellers at Lihue Airport

Lihue Airport is a small airport on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is a popular airport with a high volume of tourist traffic, so travellers should be prepared for long wait times and potential delays. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way through:

TSA PreCheck

Lihue Airport offers TSA PreCheck, which can significantly speed up your security screening time. However, it is important to ensure that your PreCheck status is correctly attached to your booking and ID, or you may be turned away at the PreCheck lane and sent to the general boarding lane. The PreCheck lane is always available, but the level of service depends on the time of day. At off-peak times, you may experience "fake TSP-PRE", where you will be given a "yellow card" and allowed to keep your shoes on, but you will still need to remove electronics and your quart bag of toiletries. At peak times, you may experience "full" PreCheck service, where you can leave your shoes, electronics, and toiletries in your bag.

Wait Times

Be prepared for long wait times at Lihue Airport, especially during the summer months and peak travel times of 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The busiest days to travel are Thursday through Sunday. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to account for potential delays.

Agriculture Inspection

Hawaii has strict agriculture inspection procedures to prevent the introduction of "cooties" (pests and diseases) from the mainland. You will need to fill out the Hawaii Agriculture "immigration" form and have your checked baggage inspected at the large X-ray machines before check-in. For hand-carry baggage, the inspection will take place after security, at the entrance to the gate areas. Fresh produce is particularly scrutinised; pineapples are allowed, but citrus fruits are not. It is best to avoid carrying fruit in your hand luggage altogether.

Other Tips

• Be prepared for security checkpoints and have all metal objects removed from your pockets to speed up the process.
• There may be limited charging outlets in the terminal, so ensure your devices are fully charged before arriving at the airport.
• Check the TSA wait times in advance using the MyTSA app.
• If you are taking a short inter-island flight, you may not need to go through the same level of security as those travelling to the mainland.

By following these tips and allowing for potential delays, you can help ensure a smooth departure from Lihue Airport and enjoy your time in beautiful Kauai.

Staffing issues at Lihue Airport

Lihue Airport has been criticised for its long wait times, which have caused passengers to miss their flights. The airport has two security checkpoints, both equipped with smart technology to expedite the security process. However, it is thought that the airport is understaffed, with only two lanes open during busy periods. This has been exacerbated by broken machines, which has resulted in even longer wait times.

One passenger stated that they waited 2.5 hours before going through security, only to find that there was just one person ahead of them. Another passenger claimed that they waited in the terminal for a long time, only to be turned away at the front of the TSA line because they had forgotten to enter their precheck number when booking their flight.

The TSA has responded to criticisms by stating that they are constantly hiring, but that many agents transfer to other airports due to housing issues. They also claim that the low pay makes it difficult to attract workers in Kauai, where the cost of living is high.

To avoid missing their flights, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled departure time. They can also check the TSA wait times for Lihue Airport using the MyTSA app.

Frequently asked questions