Latest news with #PreCheck
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
TSA agents found two loaded guns in carry-on bags at MSP Airport
TSA agents found two loaded guns in carry-on bags at MSP Airport originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Two loaded guns were found in carry-on bags by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this week. The separate discoveries were made on Tuesday when passengers presented their bags for screening, prompting MSP Airport police to be alerted and confiscate the weapons. The TSA says it has stopped 22 guns at MSP checkpoints so far in 2025. In the whole of 2024, it stopped 52. "With our summer travel season underway, we strongly encourage passengers to pack smart and start with an empty bag," said Marty Robinson, TSA's Federal Security Director for Minnesota. "Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, expensive mistake that increases risks to passengers and airport employees. Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried." Any passenger who brings a gun through security faces a fine and a five-year ban from TSA PreCheck eligibility. Guns can be brought on planes when they are placed in checked baggage and are left unloaded in a locked hardback case and packed separately from ammunition. Guns must be declared at the check-in counter. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Travel + Leisure
10-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Yes, You Can Get TSA PreCheck for Free—Here's How
As any frequent flier can tell you, TSA PreCheck is a surefire way to save yourself some hassle at the airport. Inaugurated in 2013, the TSA PreCheck program allows its members to skip the standard security line. Instead, PreCheck holders enjoy a dedicated, expedited line at the more than 200 U.S. airports where the program is active. Customers in the PreCheck line can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on through security, and, unlike in the standard line, electronics and small liquids can stay in the bag where they're packed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that around 99 percent of PreCheck passengers clear security in 10 minutes or less—making the program a game-changer for those who prefer arriving at the airport last-minute or who simply don't like waiting in long lines. One of the few downsides to TSA PreCheck is that it does cost some money. Applying for PreCheck typically costs $85 (or a few dollars less under certain conditions), a fee that covers your membership for five years once you're accepted. If you're savvy, though, there are some ways to become a TSA PreCheck member for free. Nearly 50 different credit cards will cover the cost of PreCheck membership as one of their cardholder perks. A few hospitality-industry loyalty programs will also pay PreCheck fees for their members, and one luxury travel club on the market will do so as well. No matter which method you prefer, read on to learn how to get TSA PreCheck for free. TSA PreCheck Line at ATL. Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images Thanks to the sheer number of cards that offer PreCheck as a benefit, applying with a qualified credit card is probably the simplest way to get PreCheck for free. The TSA keeps a list of the cards it partners with at any given time, and, as of May 2025, that list includes around four dozen cards. The eligible cards range from beginner-friendly credit lines with no annual fee to high-end cards that ooze exclusivity. That variety means there's probably an eligible card that could be a fit for you—if you don't have one in your wallet already. The terms of using credit cards for PreCheck membership tend to be the same across the board. When you apply for PreCheck (or apply for renewal of an existing membership), pay your application fee with the card you want to earn your benefit from. Once you've done so, your card provider will issue you a statement credit covering the cost of your application fee, usually within two statement cycles. Yes, that does mean you have to front the cost yourself with this method—but, at the end of the day, you'll still eventually have your PreCheck membership paid for. Most of the cards below offer a PreCheck benefit just once every four years or so, so plan carefully if you need to purchase a membership for multiple members of your family. The card benefits typically can be used for new applications or renewals, so once the benefit resets after four years, you should be able to use it again to renew your PreCheck every half-decade. Many of the qualified cards allow customers to choose whether they want to use this benefit for TSA PreCheck or for Global Entry, the Customs and Border Patrol program that expedites processing for members flying into the U.S. from abroad. But be aware, if you want to get Global Entry for free, your card probably won't also cover your PreCheck fees—these benefits typically cover just one or the other. (Of course, Global Entry includes PreCheck, so if you travel internationally often, you may want to splurge on the more comprehensive option.) Here are credit cards that cover TSA PreCheck: American Airlines Credit Union Visa Signature Credit Card Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Aeroplan Credit Card: $95 annual fee Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95 annual fee Capital One Venture Card: $95 annual fee Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: $95 annual fee HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $95 annual fee IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99 annual fee Navy Federal's Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card: $49 annual fee One Key+ Card: $99 annual fee PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95 annual fee Provident World+ Travel: $45 annual fee (waived in the first year) Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $49 annual fee (waived in the first year) Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $95 annual fee USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95 annual fee American Express Platinum Card: $650 annual fee American Express Centurion Card: $5,000 annual fee Capital One Venture X Card: $395 annual fee Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card: $550 annual fee Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595 annual fee Citi Prestige Card: $495 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650 annual fee HSBC Elite World Elite MasterCard: $495 annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650 annual fee MasterCard Black Card: $495 annual fee MasterCard Gold Card: $995 annual fee UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $650 annual fee United Club Card: $695 annual fee United Explorer Card: $150 annual fee (waived in the first year) United Quest Card: $350 annual fee American Express Business Platinum Card: $695 annual fee American Express Corporate Gold Card: $250 annual fee American Express Corporate Platinum Card: $550 annual fee Capital One Spark Miles Card: $95 annual fee (waived in the first year) Capital One Venture X Business Card: $395 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Business Card: $350 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Business Card: $650 annual fee IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99 annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: $199 annual fee If you want to earn free TSA PreCheck without the use of a special credit card, there are a few other options. First, a few rewards programs across the hospitality industry offer free PreCheck to their members, either as a member benefit or in exchange for points or miles. The programs currently offering this benefit are: IHG One Rewards Marriott Bonvoy Orbitz Rewards Platinum United Mileage Plus Finally, there is one last way to get your PreCheck costs covered. According to the TSA, the luxury travel community ASmallWorld offers PreCheck for free to some of its members. Something of a cross between a social networking site and a private members' club, ASmallWorld gives its members access to all kinds of travel benefits, from perks at hotel partners like the Four Seasons to upgrades on cruise and airline partners like Silversea and Etihad. Paid-for PreCheck membership is just the icing on the cake.
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Travel + Leisure
08-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Jeremy Renner Says TSA Agents Have to Help Him Bypass Security Now—Here's How
In 2023, actor Jeremy Renner suffered life-threatening injuries after getting crushed by his own snow plow on New Year's Day. Renner, thankfully, not only survived but is back living, acting, and thriving once again. He even has a new memoir, My Next Breath, which came out on April 29. To celebrate its release, he sat down with People Magazine to give a little preview—including how the accident led to one hilarious travel perk. According to Renner, as part of his recovery, doctors had to reconstruct his chest and one of his legs using titanium. Luckily, Renner says, the TSA agents at his local airport are in the know and ready to accommodate. "Switch the buttons on [the machines], so it doesn't go off like the Fourth of July. I'm not an airport person, but I don't seem to have too many problems," he said. And this isn't the only thing that Renner is good-natured about after his accident. "My swollen ankles, my back that keeps going out, or my jaw that just can't seem to bite down right, it's a great reminder of an attitude that got me to here in the first place," he said. "It's awesome. This is why I can't have a bad day. I know what a bad day feels like." If you, like Renner, have any metal in your body from any kind of surgery, the TSA says that you or your traveling companion "may talk to the TSA officer about the best way to complete the screening process." You can inform the TSA officer about your specific disability, medical condition, or needs in person or by using a TSA Notification Card or via any medical documentation you may have. One other good option is to enroll in PreCheck. "At TSA PreCheck lanes, you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, light jackets or belts during the screening process," the TSA states on its website. "If available, you can request screening by the body scanner machine, also known as Advanced Imaging Technology. However, removal of light jackets will be required." It critically added that you should "inform the TSA officer if you have any metal implants, a bone growth stimulator, a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other internal medical devices" as you should not go through the traditional scanners. Instead, "the TSA officer will conduct a pat-down." Of course, a positive outlook like Renner's will help you get through this process, too.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Do you need a REAL ID if you have TSA PreCheck?
(WHTM) — The enforcement of REAL IDs for air travel has begun, but there are still many questions about exactly how the program will work. For those flying, a REAL ID is needed when you enter airport security. If you do not have a REAL ID, the process for getting to your flight will be longer for TSA agents to verify your identity. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nittany Insiders There are some people who have TSA PreCheck, a program for expedited screening that makes 'risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival.' Travelers with TSA PreCheck can also keep their shoes on during security screening and keep their laptops in their luggage. However, since TSA PreCheck involves additional screening of passengers, there are questions about whether a REAL ID is needed for PreCheck passengers. According to the TSA, 'All travelers, including TSA PreCheck enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., passport) in order to fly once TSA is enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airports.' You can obtain a REAL ID by visiting your state's driver's license agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Toronto Star
07-05-2025
- Toronto Star
Most airports are operating smoothly on the first day of the REAL ID requirement
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Most airports around the United States operated smoothly Wednesday as new REAL ID requirements took effect because travelers without the updated document were still allowed to move through security easily. Those without the IDs were given flyers informing them that going forward they would need to present REAL ID or other federally accepted ID for air travel within the U.S. 'The ID you presented is NOT REAL ID-compliant,' the flyer reads. 'You will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification for your next flight or you may expect delays.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW It includes a QR code travelers can use to see a list of acceptable identifications. At Philadelphia International Airport, a TSA agent was pre-checking travelers' IDs as they entered the security check line. Agents had flyers ready for those who didn't have compliant IDs, according to Philadelphia Department of Aviation spokesperson Heather Redfern. Many airports reported wait times of a few minutes at security checkpoints on their websites on Wednesday morning, although some had longer waits. LaGuardia Airport reported no wait at one TSA PreCheck checkpoint and wait times ranging from 2 to 11 minutes in the general lines. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's website showed wait times at its security checkpoints ranging from 5 to 16 minutes. Nashville International Airport reported a wait time of less than 20 minutes on Wednesday morning. 'The Department of Homeland Security's REAL ID policy is now in effect, and we are pleased to share that the TSA lines are moving efficiently,' the airport said in a social media post. 'You can help ensure that continues by bringing your REAL ID if you have it when you are coming to the airport.' The day ahead of the deadline, people lined up at government offices across the country to secure their compliant IDs. In Chicago, officials established a Real ID Supercenter for walk-in appointments, while officials in California and elsewhere planned to continue offering extended hours for the crush of appointments. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I'm here today so I won't be right on the deadline, which is tomorrow,' said Marion Henderson, who applied for her REAL ID on Tuesday in Jackson, Mississippi. Travelers without REAL ID still will be able to fly Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday assured people who don't yet have a REAL ID but need to take a domestic flight Wednesday that they will be able to fly after clearing additional identity checks. Some complained about the need to secure the ID after waiting in line for hours. Michael Aceto waited in line at a DMV in King of Prussia, in the Philadelphia suburbs, for about two and a half hours Tuesday before getting his REAL ID. 'It's a pain in the butt. It's really a lot of time. Everybody's got to take off from work to be here,' he said. 'It's a big waste of time as far as I'm concerned.' The Transportation Security Administration warned people who don't have identification that complies with REAL ID requirements to arrive early at the airport and be prepared for advanced screening to avoid causing delays. TSA posted on X that people may get additional screening but it wasn't clear how many passengers, if any, were pulled aside for extra screening. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW New requirements prompt questions and advice The new requirements have been the subject of many Reddit threads and Facebook group discussions in recent weeks, with numerous people expressing confusion about whether they can travel without a REAL ID, sharing details about wait times and seeking advice on how to meet the requirements. Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have REAL IDs. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification, like they have already been doing. Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law 'may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,' Noem said. 'But people will be allowed to fly,' she said. 'We will make sure it's as seamless as possible.' REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been repeatedly delayed. ¨The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals that were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are,' said Thomas Carter, TSA's Federal Security Director in New Jersey. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Carter said those without a REAL ID should give themselves extra time to clear security. 'If they do that, I do not have a belief that this will cause people to miss their flights if they take that additional time in,' he said. REAL ID also will be needed for certain federal facilities Besides serving as a valid form of identification to fly domestically, people will also need a REAL ID to access certain federal buildings and facilities. State government offices that issue driver's licenses and state IDs have seen a significant increase in demand for REAL ID and some have extended their office hours to meet the demand. Some officials have recommended people wait for a while to get REAL ID compliant licenses and cards if they don't have flights planned in the next few months. 'We are encouraging people who have passports or other REAL ID-compliant documents and people who don't have travel plans in the next few months to wait until after the current rush to apply for a REAL ID,' said Erin Johnson, a spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Johnson said that the department has seen a significant increase in demand for REAL ID in recent weeks. In February, there were more than 48,000 applications for a REAL ID; that has nearly doubled to over 99,000 in April, she said. ___ Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., Janie Har in San Francisco and Joseph Frederick in Newark, New Jersey, and Tassanee Vejpongsa in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, contributed to this story.
