If you’re planning a trip from Minnesota, there’s no reason to worry about airport security lines. Thanks to the TSA PreCheck program, you can breeze through security without having to pull out your shoes or take off your belt. The program is available at over 60 airports nationwide and provides expedited screening for pre-approved travelers who have passed background checks and undergone interviews. In this article, we’ll explain how the program works in Minnesota so that you can start enjoying faster processing times right away!
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program that helps travelers get through airport lines in a matter of seconds.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program that helps travelers get through airport lines in a matter of seconds. If you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck, you’ll be able to use a designated lane when you go through airport security, which means you won’t need to remove your shoes, belt or light outerwear items such as jackets or sweaters. You’ll also be able to keep your laptop in its case and your liquids stored inside a carry-on bag (no 3-1-1 rules!). To top it off, TSA PreCheck members are screened using a “lighter touch” method than everyone else.
The benefits of enrolling in TSA PreCheck include:
- Traveling faster through airport checkpoints than non-PreCheck passengers
- Less time spent waiting at the screening area prior to boarding
- Reduced chance of being selected for additional screening by TSA staff because they have reduced access to where they can search your personal belongings during domestic flights (only certain items are allowed on board)
TSA PreCheck is available at over 60 airports nationwide, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Rochester International Airport (RST).
TSA PreCheck is available at over 60 airports nationwide, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Rochester International Airport (RST). Other airports with TSA PreCheck include:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Hobby Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
Enrolling in the program takes just 10 minutes and there are no background checks or interviews required.
Enrolling in the program takes just 10 minutes and there are no background checks or interviews required. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and have a valid passport or other secure document with your name, date of birth and photo. If you don’t have one of these documents, you can apply for a new one through an expedited process that should take less than two weeks to complete (see below).
You also need to bring:
- Current driver’s license or state ID card (or some other form of ID with your photo)
- Proof that you live in Minnesota
To enroll in the program, you simply need to complete an application online and then submit it, along with a $85 processing fee, at one of Minnesota’s two enrollment centers.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you simply need to complete an application online and then submit it, along with a $85 processing fee, at one of Minnesota’s two enrollment centers. They are located at the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Rochester International Airport (RST).
To apply for TSA PreCheck:
- Complete an online application through the DHS Trusted Traveler program website
- Pay $85 for the background check
- Submit paperwork in person at one of Minnesota’s two enrollment centers
You can find the MSP enrollment center on the departures level near where umbrellas are sold by Hudson News. The RST enrollment center is located inside the former Transportation Security Administration office on the upper level of the terminal building. Both centers are open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday except for federal holidays.
TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are available for the public at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The MSP enrollment center is located on the departures level near where umbrellas are sold by Hudson News, while the RST enrollment center is located inside the former Transportation Security Administration office on the upper level of the terminal building. Both centers are open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday except for federal holidays.
At both locations, you must bring two forms of identification that include your name and birth date (e.g., valid driver’s license or state ID card; passport; military ID card). You will need one form with your photo on it if you do not have two items with both your name and birth date.
The process takes about 15 minutes if all relevant information is provided in advance.
Appointments take approximately 10 minutes but you are welcome to schedule a longer time frame if you wish to ask questions about the process or need extra time at any point
When you schedule your appointment, you’ll be able to choose the time frame in which you’d like to get your face scanned and fingerprints taken. Appointments generally last 10 minutes but can be extended if you want more time for questions or concerns about the process. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
After completing your appointment, most participants receive their Known Traveler Number within two weeks but processing times may vary based on demand.
After completing your appointment, most participants receive their Known Traveler Number within two weeks but processing times may vary based on demand. In the event that you do not receive your number within 2 weeks, please call (888) 547-5511 for assistance.
You can make your trip far more enjoyable by enrolling in TSA PreCheck
If you’re traveling through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), you can make your trip far more enjoyable by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. The program offers expedited screening for eligible travelers who wish to keep their shoes, belts and light outerwear on during the screening process. This can save a lot of time, especially if there are many people with carry-on bags and laptops who need to be screened at once.
The other benefits of TSA PreCheck include:*
- ability to leave liquids in your carry-on bag;*
- ability to keep electronics in their cases for X-ray scanning; and*
- ability to leave your laptop computer or tablet in its case for X-ray scanning.*
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of TSA PreCheck and how to enroll in MSP’s enrollment center. If you’re still unsure about whether or not getting your Known Traveler Number is worth it, try it out for yourself! The program is free to join so there’s no risk involved. You can also check out our other articles on the topic if you want more information before making an appointment at one of our two locations.
