TWIC & TSA Pre Check

B

Bduett

This is a crazy ride!
Joined
Sep 13, 2023
Messages
317
I have searched for an hour (at minimum) trying to find the thread discussing military academy students (not USMMA) would get TSA Pre Check free but when it was announced it indicated all service academy students would get it. I have no idea how old the thread was (I have read a ton of stuff on this forum). So what I am going to say may be outdated…… and you may all go “yeah we know” but in the event you were like me and didn’t know here is what I found out.

DS submitted the application for TWIC card today. When going over the information the lady stated that you would get TSA pre check under your TWIC card…. I was caught off guard b/c I was thinking he didn’t- then I asked is it discounted if you buy together (still thinking there was a cost). She said no it comes with your TWIC card (makes sense as the same people do both background checks). She said your known traveler # (forgot what it is called) is on your TWIC card. You must put it in when getting your plane ticket to receive the benefit. It will populate on your boarding pass. You won’t get a TSA pre check card and you won’t be able to show your TWIC card in the TSA pre check. Your boarding pass showing you are allowed to go through TSA pre check gets you through.

So the red headed step children of the service academies get the benefit, it’s just low key. 🤣
 
Bduett said:
I have searched for an hour (at minimum) trying to find the thread discussing military academy students (not USMMA) would get TSA Pre Check free but when it was announced it indicated all service academy students would get it. I have no idea how old the thread was (I have read a ton of stuff on this forum). So what I am going to say may be outdated…… and you may all go “yeah we know” but in the event you were like me and didn’t know here is what I found out.

DS submitted the application for TWIC card today. When going over the information the lady stated that you would get TSA pre check under your TWIC card…. I was caught off guard b/c I was thinking he didn’t- then I asked is it discounted if you buy together (still thinking there was a cost). She said no it comes with your TWIC card (makes sense as the same people do both background checks). She said your known traveler # (forgot what it is called) is on your TWIC card. You must put it in when getting your plane ticket to receive the benefit. It will populate on your boarding pass. You won’t get a TSA pre check card and you won’t be able to show your TWIC card in the TSA pre check. Your boarding pass showing you are allowed to go through TSA pre check gets you through.

So the red headed step children of the service academies get the benefit, it’s just low key. 🤣
Click to expand...
Thank you for the info and doing all the digging! I am scrambling trying to find info and figure out what we need to do now! She doesn’t have a passport so we know we need to get that done asap.
 
Bduett said:
I have searched for an hour (at minimum) trying to find the thread discussing military academy students (not USMMA) would get TSA Pre Check free but when it was announced it indicated all service academy students would get it. I have no idea how old the thread was (I have read a ton of stuff on this forum). So what I am going to say may be outdated…… and you may all go “yeah we know” but in the event you were like me and didn’t know here is what I found out.

DS submitted the application for TWIC card today. When going over the information the lady stated that you would get TSA pre check under your TWIC card…. I was caught off guard b/c I was thinking he didn’t- then I asked is it discounted if you buy together (still thinking there was a cost). She said no it comes with your TWIC card (makes sense as the same people do both background checks). She said your known traveler # (forgot what it is called) is on your TWIC card. You must put it in when getting your plane ticket to receive the benefit. It will populate on your boarding pass. You won’t get a TSA pre check card and you won’t be able to show your TWIC card in the TSA pre check. Your boarding pass showing you are allowed to go through TSA pre check gets you through.

So the red headed step children of the service academies get the benefit, it’s just low key. 🤣
Click to expand...
DS just did this too & was so excited 😂. He requested pre-check because he’ll be flying a lot more but now we didn’t need to spend any extra $$ for it. Yay!
 
All military cadets/midshipman, officers and enlisted get free TSA precheck. They just use the number on the back of their CAC ID card. And yes, the TWIC card TSA is included as well. As a military mom I got myself the Global Entry card that includes TSA precheck for a faster way to get through customs when traveling to other countries. The Global Entry card is valid for 5 years and only cost like $15 more than the TSA only card.
 
Bduett said:
I have searched for an hour (at minimum) trying to find the thread discussing military academy students (not USMMA) would get TSA Pre Check free but when it was announced it indicated all service academy students would get it. I have no idea how old the thread was (I have read a ton of stuff on this forum). So what I am going to say may be outdated…… and you may all go “yeah we know” but in the event you were like me and didn’t know here is what I found out.

DS submitted the application for TWIC card today. When going over the information the lady stated that you would get TSA pre check under your TWIC card…. I was caught off guard b/c I was thinking he didn’t- then I asked is it discounted if you buy together (still thinking there was a cost). She said no it comes with your TWIC card (makes sense as the same people do both background checks). She said your known traveler # (forgot what it is called) is on your TWIC card. You must put it in when getting your plane ticket to receive the benefit. It will populate on your boarding pass. You won’t get a TSA pre check card and you won’t be able to show your TWIC card in the TSA pre check. Your boarding pass showing you are allowed to go through TSA pre check gets you through.

So the red headed step children of the service academies get the benefit, it’s just low key. 🤣
Click to expand...
Actually, TSA is (has 100 pct? Idk yet) doing away with viewing a boarding pass…either card stock, or on your phone. They only require your drivers license. Small update to this.

And you can look at your boarding pass to confirm that ‘TSA PRECHECK’ is reflected on it. Otherwise, if not attached, you are sent to the back of the ‘regular TSA’ line.

Ask me how I know. Wait, don’t, it wasn’t fun 🤣

But for real, all these new military travelers should sign up for the airline rapid rewards program, and dump your know traveler number into your record. Then going forward, you earn points towards free travel, upgrades, and TSA PRECHECK.

More bonuses: listen for pre boarding announcements for military with ID. And also, all airlines I’m aware of allow checked bags, free of charge, and ALSO (this is important sometimes) at a higher weight (75 vs 50 lbs is what I’m aware of).
 
justdoit19 said:
Actually, TSA is (has 100 pct? Idk yet) doing away with viewing a boarding pass…either card stock, or on your phone. They only require your drivers license. Small update to this.

And you can look at your boarding pass to confirm that ‘TSA PRECHECK’ is reflected on it. Otherwise, if not attached, you are sent to the back of the ‘regular TSA’ line.

Ask me how I know. Wait, don’t, it wasn’t fun 🤣

But for real, all these new military travelers should sign up for the airline rapid rewards program, and dump your know traveler number into your record. Then going forward, you earn points towards free travel, upgrades, and TSA PRECHECK.

More bonuses: listen for pre boarding announcements for military with ID. And also, all airlines I’m aware of allow checked bags, free of charge, and ALSO (this is important sometimes) at a higher weight (75 vs 50 lbs is what I’m aware of).
Click to expand...
Great info! Thank you! We are moving from using our Discover Card to a Miles Card. I’ll miss the cash back bonus but will prob appreciate the miles more.

Maybe a clarification on the bag info - it might just be domestic airlines that offer that? Or, maybe Qantas doesn’t like military peeps? DS had bag charges coming back from Australia last summer. Showed his orders, CAC card, etc - employee tried asking supervisor but it was a no go….
 
Boymomof3 said:
Great info! Thank you! We are moving from using our Discover Card to a Miles Card. I’ll miss the cash back bonus but will prob appreciate the miles more.

Maybe a clarification on the bag info - it might just be domestic airlines that offer that? Or, maybe Qantas doesn’t like military peeps? DS had bag charges coming back from Australia last summer. Showed his orders, CAC card, etc - employee tried asking supervisor but it was a no go….
Click to expand...
Idk about international. And idk if some airlines don’t extend that courtesy. Domestically, my guys have, once or twice, had to politely ask to speak with someone else, or check with a supervisor. Its always been resolved.

And to the ‘miles’ card vs discover: we changed from discover 8 yrs ago. I’ve flown free as a companion for a few years now (southwest. LOVE THEM). And we have met other milestones (I check their promotions on their app regularly)…DH just got 15k points dumped in yesterday for purchases Oct-Jan, which also qualified for a free companion pass for 3 mos (which we don’t need as I’m already for free….). We put EVERYTHING on the card to earn the points, and it has worked out well for us (plus SW is just awesome to military, free checked bags for non military, competitive rates and the absolute best cancellation policies that never expire).

So yes, you can get creative and earn serious flight benefits with a miles card. I’m sure all of them are great. We are jus mostly SW users.
 
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justdoit19 said:
Idk about international. And idk if some airlines don’t extend that courtesy. Domestically, my guys have, once or twice, had to politely ask to speak with someone else, or check with a supervisor. Its always been resolved.

And to the ‘miles’ card vs discover: we changed from discover 8 yrs ago. I’ve flown free as a companion for a few years now (southwest. LOVE THEM). And we have met other milestones (I check their promotions on their app regularly)…DH just got 15k points dumped in yesterday for purchases Oct-Jan, which also qualified for a free companion pass for 3 mos (which we don’t need as I’m already for free….). We put EVERYTHING on the card to earn the points, and it has worked out well for us (plus SW is just awesome to military, free checked bags for non military, competitive rates and the absolute best cancellation policies that never expire).

So yes, you can get creative and earn serious flight benefits with a miles card. I’m sure all of them are great. We are jus mostly SW users.
Click to expand...
I worked for DC for 10 years so it pains me to move away from them 🥺 because it is the best CBB card out there hands down …. But - just our monthly purchases alone will earn us so many free tickets - it just makes sense. Like you, we only use a CC for everything. Unfortunately, we had our identity stolen via our Debit Card & were cleaned out. You eventually get the $ back but what a mess. We have one debit card between us and rarely use it (we were so beaten down by that situation I’m not sure we will ever use it again!).

I love SW too! Unfortunately they fly out of Midway from Chicago - way too south for us (especially during rush hour or those busy holiday times). We do use them occasionally & never regret it! Just took them to Vegas two weeks ago!
 
justdoit19 said:
Actually, TSA is (has 100 pct? Idk yet) doing away with viewing a boarding pass…either card stock, or on your phone. They only require your drivers license. Small update to this.

And you can look at your boarding pass to confirm that ‘TSA PRECHECK’ is reflected on it. Otherwise, if not attached, you are sent to the back of the ‘regular TSA’ line.

Ask me how I know. Wait, don’t, it wasn’t fun 🤣

But for real, all these new military travelers should sign up for the airline rapid rewards program, and dump your know traveler number into your record. Then going forward, you earn points towards free travel, upgrades, and TSA PRECHECK.

More bonuses: listen for pre boarding announcements for military with ID. And also, all airlines I’m aware of allow checked bags, free of charge, and ALSO (this is important sometimes) at a higher weight (75 vs 50 lbs is what I’m aware of).
Click to expand...
So you are saying that TSA is no longer looking at the boarding pass? Interesting that we would be told that yesterday.
 
It's still a bit hit and miss on the DL only for TSA. Some still ask me for my boarding pass but mostly its just the DL. Some are now not even taking it but asking me to run it in the machine myself.

I suspect its related to a technology update. I have noticed some airports are now also doing facial recognition which is new in just the last few months.

If you fly internationally, I highly recommend the Global Entry. The GE lines at immigration can be infinitely shorter than the standard lines and save you an hour or more depending on airport and timing. PreChek gets you nothing internationally, only domestically. Also look in to which airports outside the US allow you to clear immigration prior to arrival in the US. I know Dublin and I think Dubai and one or two others. When I come back from Europe I always go through Dublin, there has always been literally no line.
 
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Bduett said:
I have searched for an hour (at minimum) trying to find the thread discussing military academy students (not USMMA) would get TSA Pre Check free but when it was announced it indicated all service academy students would get it. I have no idea how old the thread was (I have read a ton of stuff on this forum). So what I am going to say may be outdated…… and you may all go “yeah we know” but in the event you were like me and didn’t know here is what I found out.

DS submitted the application for TWIC card today. When going over the information the lady stated that you would get TSA pre check under your TWIC card…. I was caught off guard b/c I was thinking he didn’t- then I asked is it discounted if you buy together (still thinking there was a cost). She said no it comes with your TWIC card (makes sense as the same people do both background checks). She said your known traveler # (forgot what it is called) is on your TWIC card. You must put it in when getting your plane ticket to receive the benefit. It will populate on your boarding pass. You won’t get a TSA pre check card and you won’t be able to show your TWIC card in the TSA pre check. Your boarding pass showing you are allowed to go through TSA pre check gets you through.

So the red headed step children of the service academies get the benefit, it’s just low key. 🤣
Click to expand...
The requirements for the TWIC and TSA precheck eligibility are at TWIC TSA Precheck FAQ.
 
Bhalf said:
Thank you for the info and doing all the digging! I am scrambling trying to find info and figure out what we need to do now! She doesn’t have a passport so we know we need to get that done asap.
Click to expand...
Have you received the Logging In packet of information yet? Pretty much all you need to do with respect to the passport (and TWIC) is well outlined in that document.
 
JohnPAKP65 said:
Have you received the Logging In packet of information yet? Pretty much all you need to do with respect to the passport (and TWIC) is well outlined in that document.
Click to expand...
Nope. Her FedEx acceptance package said to expect it to arrive in May. 😭
 
KPEngineer said:
It's still a bit hit and miss on the DL only for TSA. Some still ask me for my boarding pass but mostly its just the DL. Some are now not even taking it but asking me to run it in the machine myself.

I suspect its related to a technology update. I have noticed some airports are now also doing facial recognition which is new in just the last few months.

If you fly internationally, I highly recommend the Global Entry. The GE lines at immigration can be infinitely shorter than the standard lines and save you an hour or more depending on airport and timing. PreChek gets you nothing internationally, only domestically. Also look in to which airports outside the US allow you to clear immigration prior to arrival in the US. I know Dublin and I think Dubai and one or two others. When I come back from Europe I always go through Dublin, there has always been literally no line.
Click to expand...
And to tie this in with an active AMEX PLATINUM thread, GE fees are reimbursed for the cardholder, plus one (pretty sure a plus one…).
 
Bhalf said:
Nope. Her FedEx acceptance package said to expect it to arrive in May. 😭
Click to expand...
As a heads up, the Logging In document for the Class of 2025 can be found at Logging In Class of 2025. I emphasize that it was for the Class of 2025 but in my experience it doesn’t change much year to year. Things like prices, clothing to bring, etc. might change but it will be a good guide of the actions you will be expected to complete, many prior to arrival. Take the time to read it and perhaps get a jump on things.
 
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justdoit19 said:
And to tie this in with an active AMEX PLATINUM thread, GE fees are reimbursed for the cardholder, plus one (pretty sure a plus one…).
Click to expand...
Its AUs, not plus one. All Tier1 cards offer this benefit, not just the Platty.
 
JohnPAKP65 said:
As a heads up, the Logging In document for the Class of 2025 can be found at Logging In Class of 2025. I emphasize that it was for the Class of 2025 but in my experience it doesn’t change much year to year. Things like prices, clothing to bring, etc. might change but it will be a good guide of the actions you will be expected to complete, many prior to arrival. Take the time to read it and perhaps get a jump on things.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much!
 
justdoit19 said:
Actually, TSA is (has 100 pct? Idk yet) doing away with viewing a boarding pass…either card stock, or on your phone. They only require your drivers license. Small update to this.

And you can look at your boarding pass to confirm that ‘TSA PRECHECK’ is reflected on it. Otherwise, if not attached, you are sent to the back of the ‘regular TSA’ line.

Ask me how I know. Wait, don’t, it wasn’t fun 🤣

But for real, all these new military travelers should sign up for the airline rapid rewards program, and dump your know traveler number into your record. Then going forward, you earn points towards free travel, upgrades, and TSA PRECHECK.

More bonuses: listen for pre boarding announcements for military with ID. And also, all airlines I’m aware of allow checked bags, free of charge, and ALSO (this is important sometimes) at a higher weight (75 vs 50 lbs is what I’m aware of).
Click to expand...

So this came up on my google start page today ... convenient or creepy, I am not sure which.

TSA removes Boarding Pass requirement
 
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