OPINION: It's A No-Go For Some Hoping To Join TSA Fast Lane

Now that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has opened its PreCheck fast-pass screening lanes at some U.S. airports, what percentage of preapproved travelers actually gets to walk through security without removing jackets and shoes, or taking liquids and laptops out of carry-ons?

Those eligible to apply for PreCheck -- for now either high-mileage frequent fliers invited by their airline, or members of the Global Entry, Sentri or Nexus expedited U.S./Canadian/Mexican border-crossing programs -- supply personal information in advance that the government uses to prescreen for flight risk.

TSA has said from the get-go that it will operate PreCheck on a per-flight basis, meaning it still will select some travelers for full screening (you don't find out until you get to the airport, where an agent scans a bar code on your boarding pass).

Anecdotal evidence suggests some are ending up in the slow lane more often than they expected.

"One of the agents said that of those eligible for PreCheck, only about 50 percent get the OK. An interesting statistic, but is it accurate?" asks one Alaska Airlines MVP Gold frequent flier. He's flown out of Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport three times since being approved but says he's been able to use the special lane once.

"My partner is also eligible," he wrote in an email. "Between us, we've had six shots at getting OK'd, and only once did one of us (myself) get to go through."

TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers wouldn't comment on the 50 percent figure but says she understands the frustration and urges patience.

"It's important for everyone to realize that PreCheck is really still in the pilot stage at 15 airports right now," Dankers said. TSA plans to have PreCheck in place at 28 airports by the end of this year.

As it stands, only passengers flying on three airlines -- Delta, American and Alaska -- can use PreCheck, depending on the airport. In Seattle, only those booked on Alaska can use the lane set up at Checkpoint 5 in the north end of the terminal.

My guess is that the best way to increase your odds for hassle-free screening is to apply for Global Entry, Nexus or Sentri. The government gathers far more personal information for these programs, so likely feels more confident about applicants' identities. Frequent fliers supply only their name, gender and date of birth.

I get my Nexus card next month, so will report firsthand after that.

In the meantime, send me an email about your experience with PreCheck. Include your full name and the city where you live. I'll share some of the responses in a future column.

Have a question or comment on travel? Contact Carol Pucci: [email protected].

Copyright 2012 - The Seattle Times