TSA opens new PreCheck center at Sea-Tac for faster airport screening
Feb 13, 2014, 12:14 PM | Updated: 1:19 pm
The TSA has opened several new PreCheck enrollment centers in the Seattle-area to allow more travelers to sign up for the program that helps speed security screening at Sea-Tac Airport and elsewhere. (AP image)
(AP image)
A lot more travelers will soon be able to avoid some of the inconveniences of airport security and use those fast, PreCheck security-lanes at Sea-Tac Airport thanks to an expanded effort by the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA formally opened a new PreCheck enrollment center Thursday in Seattle, plus three others around the area for travelers to apply for the program. TSA has also opened centers in Everett, Fife and Anacortes.
With PreCheck, passengers are allowed to leave on their shoes, belts and light coats. They can also keep their laptops in their cases and leave liquids in their carry-on.
The service was previously available only to passengers in some airlines’ or members of several trusted-traveler pre-screening programs.
The program was launched in October 2011 and is now available at 116 airports nationwide.
To enroll, applicants must pay a non-refundable $85 fee for a five year membership. They have to undergo a background check and provide personal information and fingerprints. If approved, travelers are given a “Known Traveler Number” which allows use of the lanes. Applicants are advised to start their application at the TSA website.
TSA officials have said repeatedly the program actually enhances security by allowing security to focus on passengers they know less about.
The Seattle PreCheck enrollment center is at 4123 4th Ave. South and is now open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
