MOLINE, Ill. — More than 20 million U.S. travelers are speeding through security lines at airports across the country. That's thanks to TSA PreCheck, a program letting passengers go through faster security screenings.
The Quad Cities International Airport is offering in-person signups for that program until August 30, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Like lots of frequent fliers, Pamela Marston chose to sign up for PreCheck. Those lines are usually shorter, and go by faster.
"It’s good, and it’s fast, and you know, I can do it right on my phone with the app," Marston said. "It’s really nice, especially for seniors."
Ashleigh Davis is the public relations and marketing manager for the QC Airport, and she's a PreCheck member as well.
"Even if there's a little bit of a backup at TSA, because you have fewer requirements of what you have to take off and put in a bin, the line moves much quicker," Davis said. "So you don't have to take off your shoes, you don’t have to take off your jacket, and then in some airports, they'll even make you remove your travel-sized liquids from your bag for separate screening. With PreCheck, you would be able to leave those in your bag."
Even at smaller airports like this one, Davis said PreCheck has its perks.
"Especially first thing in the morning, we have a lot of flights back to back to back, so certainly can expedite that process," Davis said.
If you want to get on board with PreCheck, you start by filling out the online form with some basic information. That information is verified in person at locations like the QC Airport. You can park in the short-term or long-term lots, and the airport will validate your parking.
PreCheck signup is at the front of the airport behind Door 2, next to the American Airlines ticket counter. You'll need to bring a proof of identity, proof of citizenship, fingerprints and a photo. You can find a list of acceptable documents here. Or, fill out the TSA required documents form to find out what you need.
New PreCheck enrollments cost $78 for five years. Appointments aren't required, but they're recommended to make sure you get your turn.
If the QC Airport is too far, you can look up closer PreCheck enrollment centers here.