How to Avoid This Common TSA PreCheck Mistake — I Nearly Messed This Up Myself!
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Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.I like my Global Entry pass because it grants me TSA PreCheck too. And I like it even more because I got the 5 year pass for $0. My application fee was reimbursed by a credit card!
Pay with any of these travel credit cards and you’ll get a statement credit to delete your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee (up to $100):
- Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card (terrific for simple travel rewards)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (great for folks who know they’ll be traveling a lot and will use the perks)
- United℠ Explorer Card
I must say, it’s very easy to use TSA PreCheck, but there is ONE thing you must not forget — and I know because I did! I’ll show you how I fixed it quickly.
Very Common TSA PreCheck Mistake
When you’re approved for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck you’ll be given a Known Traveler ID number. The thing is, you’ve got to enter it into your frequent flier accounts! Or onto your Expedia account, etc. Luckily, you can save it with your profile so you only need to do this once.
So I was flying an airline I don’t usually fly and I booked directly with them. I didn’t realize I hadn’t entered my Known Traveler ID until I got to airport and saw that my boarding pass did NOT say TSA PreCheck on it. The horror!
No, seriously, I felt really dumb. Oops! So I told the gate agent my story and she started playing a tiny violin for me. No, she was gracious, and entered my Known Traveler Number into her computer machine and printed me a new boarding pass stamped with the magical words, “TSA PreCheck.”
Remember, enter your number into your airline accounts!
Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck is better than No TSA PreCheck. So don’t make this mistake! And don’t make the mistake of paying for this service! Get the fee reimbursed by credit cards such as:
- Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- United℠ Explorer Card
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