Sachin Walls
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program at Houston Airport that offers a smarter security process and an improved air travel experience. The program allows passengers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, as well as their laptops in cases and compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Houston Airport has introduced new TSA PreCheck enrollment pods, which have reduced wait times and streamlined the security process. The enrollment process involves providing biographic information, fingerprints, and valid identity and citizenship documentation, with an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience |
| Benefits | Passengers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on. They can also keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids in a carry-on bag |
| Eligibility | Open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents |
| Enrollment Process | Apply online at www.TSA.gov/tsa-precheck and then go for an in-person screening at a TSA Pre✓ Enrollment Center |
| Enrollment Requirements | Biographic information, fingerprints, valid identity and citizenship/immigration documentation, and an application fee of $85 for a five-year membership |
| CLEAR Membership | Clear members can enjoy faster security screening and avoid long lines at select airports, including Houston Airport |
| Houston Airport Terminals | William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
| Hours of Operation | Vary by terminal and day of the week, with some terminals open as early as 3:30 am and as late as 8:45 pm |
| Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) | Houston Airport utilizes AIT to detect threats such as weapons, explosives, or other concealed objects |
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What You'll Learn
TSA Pre✓™ enrollment
TSA Pre✓™ is an expedited security screening program that provides smarter security and an improved air travel experience for travellers departing from the United States. The program allows passengers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, as well as their laptop in its case and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bag.
Enrollment is open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents. The process involves three steps:
- Submit your TSA Pre✓™ application online at www.TSA.gov/tsa-precheck. This step can be completed in as little as 5 minutes.
- Complete your enrollment in person at a TSA Pre✓™ Enrollment Center. You can either schedule an appointment or walk into any enrollment location. There are over 400 enrollment centers nationwide, including over 350 off-airport locations. You can find the location nearest to you on the TSA website.
- Provide the required documentation, including biographic information (name, date of birth, address, etc.), fingerprints, valid identity and citizenship/immigration documentation, and a non-refundable application fee of $85 for a five-year membership.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via email or phone notification, along with instructions on retrieving your KTN online. You can then add this number to your airline reservations to start enjoying the benefits of TSA Pre✓™. The entire process typically takes 3-5 days, but some applications can take up to 60 days.
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TSA Pre✓™ benefits
TSA Pre✓™ is an expedited security screening program that provides a smarter security system and a better overall air travel experience for travellers departing from the United States.
Benefits of TSA Pre✓™
Reduced Wait Times
TSA Pre✓™ significantly reduces wait times at airport security checkpoints. Members can enjoy faster processing and avoid lengthy lines, making their travel experience more efficient and convenient.
Keep Your Shoes, Light Outerwear, and Belt On
One of the notable advantages of TSA Pre✓™ is the ability for travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on during security screening. This means no more hassles of removing and putting them back on, streamlining the security process.
Laptop Can Stay in Its Case
With TSA Pre✓™, travellers are allowed to keep their laptop in its case. This benefit saves time and provides peace of mind, as travellers don't have to worry about unpacking and repacking their electronic devices separately.
Carry-On Liquids Allowed
TSA Pre✓™ members can keep their 3-1-1 compliant liquids (3.4 ounces or less) in their carry-on bags without having to remove or dispose of them during security checks. This convenience simplifies the packing process and ensures travellers can bring their essential liquids onboard.
Known Traveller Number (KTN)
Once approved for TSA Pre✓™, travellers receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN). This number allows access to dedicated TSA Pre✓™ lanes at security checkpoints, further expediting their journey through the airport.
Biometric Data and Efficient Enrolment
The enrolment process for TSA Pre✓™ has been streamlined with the introduction of enrolment pods at Houston Airport. These pods, courtesy of Clear, collect biometric data, which can be used for future trips, making the enrolment process faster and more efficient.
TSA Pre✓™ offers a range of benefits that enhance the airport experience, providing travellers with a smoother, faster, and more comfortable journey through security checkpoints.
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CLEAR membership
CLEAR is an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider that offers in-person TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals. CLEAR has expanded its locations to enroll and renew consumers in the Trusted Traveler program by opening new locations, including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
CLEAR offers a streamlined and expedited security clearance service at airports across the country through its annual membership. The membership costs $189 for an individual, with additional family members added for half the price. Airlines also offer Clear memberships at discounted rates or even for free.
CLEAR's TSA PreCheck enrollment provides a fast and efficient airport experience, with members typically getting through security screening much faster. Members can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on while passing through security, and electronics and 3-1-1 compliant liquids can remain in their carry-on bags.
CLEAR also offers a paid membership program called CLEAR+, which provides additional benefits. CLEAR+ members can access designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints, saving time and avoiding lines. CLEAR+ membership is currently available at select airports and is priced at $199 annually. When bundled with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR offers special pricing for the first year, resulting in savings of up to $77.95.
CLEAR+ also offers exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, and access to CLEAR Perks, a suite of benefits exclusive to CLEAR+ members. Additionally, CLEAR provides a family plan option, allowing members to add up to three family members or friends to their membership for $119 per person.
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Advanced Imaging Technology
Houston Airport was selected as one of the first airports to introduce Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). This technology enhances the security screening process by allowing TSA staff to detect potential threats such as weapons, explosives, or other prohibited objects concealed under layers of clothing.
Here's how it works: AIT utilizes advanced scanning technology to create a detailed image of each passenger. This scan allows TSA staff to identify any suspicious items without the need for a physical search. Passengers undergoing screening have the option to decline AIT and instead undergo a physical screening or a pat-down.
However, it's important to note that some passengers may be required to undergo AIT screening in accordance with TSA regulations. In such cases, the TSA agent will explain the procedure beforehand, and passengers always have the right to request a private screening if they prefer.
The introduction of AIT at Houston Airport is part of an effort to enhance security measures and improve the overall travel experience. By implementing advanced technology, TSA aims to provide smarter security checks, reducing wait times and making air travel more efficient and enjoyable for passengers.
TSA Pre✓ is another example of their expedited security screening program. It is designed to provide a smoother and more convenient security experience for travelers departing from the United States. With TSA Pre✓, enrolled travelers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening. They can also leave their laptops in their cases and carry compliant liquids in their bags.
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TSA Enhanced Pat-Downs
TSA Pre✓ is an expedited security screening program that connects travellers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience. The program allows passengers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids in a carry-on bag.
TSA Pre✓ lanes are available at security checkpoints in Houston Airport. However, even passengers who normally receive expedited screening, such as TSA Pre✓ passengers, may at times receive a pat-down. A pat-down may be carried out by a TSA agent on a random basis, when the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, or when someone prefers a "pat-down" instead of being scanned in the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or full-body scanner.
TSA officers will explain the procedures as they conduct the pat-down. They will use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body, such as the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks. In limited cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist.
Passengers always have the option to ask for a private screening, where they can be accompanied by a companion of their choice. A second officer of the same sex will always be present during private screening.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA Pre✓ is an expedited security screening program that connects travellers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.
TSA Pre allows passengers to keep their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, as well as their laptop in its case and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in a carry-on bag.
Enrolment is open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents. You can apply online at www.TSA.gov/tsa-precheck and then go for an in-person screening at a TSA Pre✓ Enrollment Centre.
The TSA Pre✓ Enrollment Centre is located in Terminal C, Baggage Claim and is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Enrolling in TSA Pre allows travellers to save time by bypassing long lines and going straight to security screening.
