Airline travel is one of things I used to dread most. You have to get to the airport three hours early, wait in line while everybody takes off their shoes, belts, computers, chunky jewels, and all their other metal crap. A couple years ago I found a completely different way to travel: TSA Precheck. Now I go through security in 10 minutes or less — shoes intact.
I know what you may be thinking — but you don’t have to be a million miles flyer to get this prescreening treatment. I found this out a couple years ago, after noticing the much shorter “TSA Precheck” lines popping up at airport security checkpoints around the country. After a bit of research, I learned it’s something that anyone can sign up for. (If you’re a medallion-level traveler, I believe you are automatically grandfathered in.)
For those of us who don’t fly enough to get that kind of mileage in a year, you pay $85 to sign up — and it's good for five years. I know I’ll fly at least four or five times in a year so over those five years that ends up working out to less than $4 per flight.
The process is pretty straightforward too. You make an appointment at a TSA office and go in for a brief interview, fingerprinting, and background check. It's basically a trip to the DMV without the lines. The whole process took me less than 30 minutes. Once approved, you’ll receive your “Known Traveler Number” and you’re good to go.
Back when I did this, however, I had to drive all the way to the port of Stockton (I had no idea that Stockton is on the water) as it was the closest location. Fortunately for all of you there are now two offices in SF.
So now you have a choice when traveling. Spend 30 minutes sulking in line or relax and have your last fresh Anchor Steam at the bar. I know where I'll be.
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