Would you give your fingerprints to the TSA in exchange for a faster experience at airport security?

There’s nothing worse than waiting in a long line at the airport. You’re already running late but your line isn’t moving. Out of the corner of your eye, you see an alternative shorter line moving much faster than your line. You also notice that those passengers don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops liquids, belts, or light jackets. Those passengers must know a secret. That secret is the TSA Precheck program. If you want to save time at the airport, TSA Precheck is the best way to do it.

In December 2017, 93% of TSA Precheck passengers waited in line for less than five minutes. There are more than 5 million members already taking advantage of the program and 200 airports and 42 airlines provide TSA Precheck.

How to Get TSA PreCheck

To join TSA Precheck, you need to submit an online application and schedule an appointment at any of the 380+ enrollment centers. An additional requirement is to attend a 10-minute in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. The cost for a 5-year membership is $85 for TSA Precheck.
Here’s a pro tip: Many travel credit cards offer to cover this cost once every five years, check your credit card benefits if they offer it use to pay for the TSA PreCeheck application.

Why the TSA Needs Your Fingerprints

In June of 2017, the Transportation Security Administration announced that it was testing technology to identify passengers by their fingerprints. The FBI also inspects your fingerprints to make certain they match the same person and identity, but the FBI does not retain your fingerprints. Ultimately, using fingerprints in the airline boarding of passengers might make the process faster. The fingerprinting is now done by a fingerprint scanning machine instead of the old-fashioned way with ink and paper.

If you decide that fingerprinting is worth it, you will want to enroll in the TSA Precheck program.

When you enroll in the TSA Precheck program, you join a group of smarter travelers who save time during the security screening process. Visit TSA.gov to enroll so the next time you travel you have peace of mind knowing you’re on the list with a TSA Precheck boarding pass in hand. Expedited screening and TSA Precheck lanes will absolutely save you valuable time.

Travel With TSA Accepted Travel Gear

Another way to speed up your journey through TSA baggage check is to use the right kind of travel accessories. There are TSA accepted items that will help you save time no matter what line you’re in at the airport.

The Triple Security TSA Lockdown Luggage Lock, pictured below, allows the TSA to access your bag and helps to keep thieves out.

The Search Alert TSA Luggage Lock, pictured below, is a luggage lock that the TSA Airport Security won’t cut off. If you don’t use TSA-accepted luggage locks, you must leave your checked luggage unlocked so that TSA agents can open it if selected for inspection. The Search Alert re-settable combination luggage locks have a security feature that allows TSA security agents, using a secured access device, to open Search Alert TSA luggage locks without destroying the locks. Learn More here.

The TSA Flexible Cable Luggage Lock, pictured below, has an easy-to-use flexible cable shank. This luggage lock is TSA accepted and they won’t cut it off. It’s also easier to attach to zipper pulls with a flexible steel cable. Learn more here.

The TSA Combo Lock with 48″ Steel Cable, pictured below, is recognized by the TSA and features a special identification mark that alerts TSA personnel that they may open this lock with a proprietary TSA passkey that doesn’t damage the lock. Learn more here.

The Search Alert Heavy Duty Longer Shackle Case Lock, pictured below, is for use on equipment cases. The Search Alert feature lets you know when your equipment was opened and inspected at the airport by the TSA. Learn more here.

The Strapsafe 100 TSA Luggage Strap by Pacsafe, featured below, is the only security luggage strap that combines the patented “Baggage Constrictor TM” technology and TSA compliance. The strap cannot be loosened once locked, unlike other luggage straps, and the TSA can open it without damaging it. Learn more here.

There are also additional items that will come in handy for the TSA airport screening such as the TSA Airport Friendly Belt. It is 100% metal free belt that is TSA accepted and will not set off the metal detector so you don’t have to remove it when going through any screening line. Leather belts with no metal and other styles will help you sail smoothly through the TSA PreCheck lines.

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The Top Three Places for Germs on Airplanes and in Airports

InsuranceQuotes.com recently conducted 18 bacterial tests on six surfaces at three major U.S. airports and airline flights. According to the results of the test, there are three top areas at the airports and three top areas on the airlines with the largest collection of bacteria most likely to make you sick.

The bottom line is to pack a few items you deem necessary in your carry-on for peace of mind including hand sanitizer, disinfecting wet wipes, a travel pillow, and a travel blanket, these few items can make all the difference in the world for your health.

THE TOP THREE AIRPORT SURFACES WITH THE HIGHEST COLLECTION OF BACTERIA:

SELF-CHECK-IN KIOSKS. Think about how many people have touched the buttons on the kiosks before your arrival at the airport. Regular travelers use kiosks to save time so it’s important to take hand sanitizer with you on your next airline flight.

AIRLINE GATE BENCH ARMREST. Travelers oftentimes wait for an hour or more at the gates. As a result, they’re using the toilet or eating at the gate benches and touching the armrest repeatedly. Have they washed their hands when they used the facilities? Have they touched the floor when they picked up their bag? It’s a good practice to take a travel size of disinfecting or sanitizing wet wipes with you to wipe down the armrest.

WATER FOUNTAIN BUTTON. If you travel regularly, you might consider avoiding the water fountain and buying bottled water instead.

TOP THREE SURFACES ON AIRLINES WITH THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF BACTERIA:

LAVATORY FLUSH BUTTON. Grab a paper towel and push the flush button instead of using your bare hand.

AIRLINE TRAY TABLE. Think about how often they wash those tray tables. Use those sanitizing wet wipes to freshen that surface before you take off. You’ll have better health by the time you arrive at your next destination.

SEAT BELT BUCKLE. Every traveler is required to wear a seatbelt, so you have to touch it. So use those disinfecting wet wipes on the seat buckle too.

Having a few items handy as you start your trip can make all the difference. Health-conscious travelers pack the following.
hand sanitizer
1-ounce travel-sized sanitizing gel bottles are designed to clip onto bags, backpacks, and purses. The mild formula does not dry out the skin.

disinfecting wet wipes
Sanitizing wipes for on board tray tables, seat buckles and seat armrests on both onboard the aircraft and in airport waiting areas.

travel pillow
A personal travel pillow is hygienic. Select a pillow with a removable and washable cover for freshness. Many designs will compact down into a small carry case to minimize the room they take up. An inflatable pillow compacts down even more and is ultra-lightweight.

travel blanket
A clean and handy blanket can keep you comfortable and warm will in the sky. Use it at your destination too as an additional blanket for your bed, as a picnic blanket or lumbar roll on trains or busses.

My tip is to keep these items with your carry-on or luggage at home so you don’t forget to pack them. They can help keep you healthy, now enjoy your trip!

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