Even if you have plenty of time until your flight departs, no one enjoys standing in lengthy security lines at the airport TSA check points. I always size up the available lanes and avoid falling in behind families with small children – and their requisite stroller, diaper bag, kid’s backpack of travel toys and the general inefficiency of doing anything with children in tow. Instead I’d rather follow the practiced business traveler who knows the drill and has their laptop out and jacket off before they get to the plastic bins. An even faster, smoother way to clear security at 133 U.S. airports is to obtain a Known Traveler Number and be eligible for selection to use the expedited screening TSA Pre✓® lanes where you don’t have to remove shoes or laptops.
What is a Known Traveler Number?
When you join one of the four Trusted Traveler programs, you are assigned a unique Known Traveler Number that indicates you have gone through a background security check. TSA recently announced that over a million travelers have enrolled in the TSA Pre✓® program and 3.6 million more travelers participate in one of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. Additionally, members of the U.S. Armed Forces use their Department of Defense ID number as their Known Traveler Number.
Why You Need a Known Traveler Number
Originally, some frequent flyers were invited to opt-in to the Pre✓® program by virtue of their status, but did not pay for the membership and were not assigned a Known Traveler Number. Because the volume of eligible travelers has grown so large, TSA has recently said that they plan to reduce the frequency of random selection for frequent flyer opt-ins to receive expedited screening. TSA recommends that travelers who “want to keep receiving TSA Pre✓® on a consistent/reliable basis for the next five years” enroll in one of the four trusted traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Travel Maestro tip: Richmond International Airport has a permanent TSA Pre✓® center or find other locations near you.
It’s important to note that membership in one of the programs does not guarantee expedited screening, but if you do not have a Known Traveler Number, your odds have become considerably lower to be selected.
Travel Maestro tip: If you fly internationally, the Global Entry pass is a wise investment. The cost is $100 for five years and it allows you to clear Immigration in minutes when returning into the U.S., plus you are assigned a Known Traveler Number that makes you eligible for TSA Pre✓® domestically (without additional charge).
Once you have a Known Traveler Number, be sure to let your Covington Advisor know it so we can ensure that it is always included in your airline reservations.
You may enjoy some of our other articles on tips and trends in Business Travel.
Do children need their own Known traveler numbers?
That’s a good question, Sue. Thanks for asking. Children under 12 without their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be allowed to accompany eligible parents in the express security lanes. 13 and older will need to go through regular security. Further TSA’s website indicates:
* Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening (which Pre-check allows anyway).
* Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
* Remove infants and children from their carriers and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
* Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.
For families that travel even twice a year, I think a KTN makes the security experience MUCH easier!