Community Chat

[muttmom]

On 8/16/2014 Chalcedony said: I too would like to know how people are being randomly selected. I got into the program using my Global Entry number, which required a background check, interview, and fingerprinting. If passengers are being granted PreCheck without the background check, it seems to defeat the purpose of the program.

That was my question, too. My husband needed an extensive background check.

[Elstongunn]

I have been chosen for PreCheck, and I have no idea why!

I was asked one time to take my Danskos off because one agent said they had a metal piece in the sole (?). No biggie to me.

I was so used to opening up my laptop bag for scanning that the one TSA agent and I had a very brief "struggle" on the line...me trying to unzip it and lay it flat, and the agent trying to close it saying, "You don't have to do that"!

[Elstongunn]

On 8/16/2014 Chalcedony said: I too would like to know how people are being randomly selected. I got into the program using my Global Entry number, which required a background check, interview, and fingerprinting. If passengers are being granted PreCheck without the background check, it seems to defeat the purpose of the program.

I've NEVER had a background check done on me.

Well....not that I KNOW of, anyway!

[Madisson]

I read an article on the internet that said possibly if you have ever had an employment background check or been fingerprinted, you may be given TSA Precheck status...but I think that was just an educated guess. Later in the article it said the TSA will not release the criteria they use to give people TSA Precheck status. I was at one time a Federal employee. I wonder if that helped me get the preapproval when I've flown lately.

[Qwackertoo]

On 8/16/2014 Madisson said:

I read an article on the internet that said possibly if you have ever had an employment background check or been fingerprinted, you may be given TSA Precheck status...but I think that was just an educated guess. Later in the article it said the TSA will not release the criteria they use to give people TSA Precheck status. I was at one time a Federal employee. I wonder if that helped me get the preapproval when I've flown lately.

Possibility for sure. I had a "Secret" security clearance at one time. Just plain secret, not TOP Secret and a background check & investigation was performed.

[LaterGator]

I usually get TSA pre-check too. I did work for the Feds and the State at one time but its been so long ago, I'm sure the records are gone. Also, I have been fingerprinted too but that was like 45 years ago.

I am disabled and use a cane and carry an oxygen generator. I always thought that would have been the reason. At this point, I have no idea.

[lulu2]

My husband had pre-check status but if we travel together he does not use it. (unfortunately he cannot bring me along with him)

[Madisson]

On 8/16/2014 LaterGator said:

I usually get TSA pre-check too. I did work for the Feds and the State at one time but its been so long ago, I'm sure the records are gone. Also, I have been fingerprinted too but that was like 45 years ago.

I am disabled and use a cane and carry an oxygen generator. I always thought that would have been the reason. At this point, I have no idea.

LaterGator, I don't know how old you are, but I read online that "elderly" (whatever age they consider that to be), are automatically moved to the precheck lane. Unfortunately, the screeners cannot always tell a person's age just by looking.

There is also a phone number for disabled passengers to call (TSA Cares toll free 1-855-787-2227) in case you do not get precheck status. You are supposed to call 72 hours in advance of your flight. I do not think it gives you precheck status, but just explains what you should expect during screening.

Once you are fingerprinted, you are always in the Federal system, so if that is one of the criteria they use, that might be helping you. I know I was a Federal employee and fingerprinted 35 years ago, and I was told once that my fingerprints were still in the system.

Also, I don't know if you are in a wheelchair, but my mother uses one at the airport. When she travels with us, she is automatically moved to the head of the line (or sometimes to the precheck lane). They usually let us go along with her if we do not automatically have precheck status.

[LaterGator]

Hi Madisson. I'm not in a wheelchair all the time but I do use one in the airports because it's too far to walk for me. I can't breathe well. Security does look at our driver's licenses and our DOB is on them so I guess they could figure it out. I must be flagged in ""the system"". It's really the only time in my life that I get to go to the head of the line. LOL