TSA PreCheck

With TSA Pre-​Check, usually do not have too bad or long of a time going through the TSA lines. But during Thanksgiving holiday weekend I (and a number of fellow travelers) were bounced pass three TSA checkpoints until we hit the northernmost checkpoint in McNamara (Delta) Terminal. Reason given was the first thing had long lines, but checkpoint number 4 had the longest Pre-​Check line of them all! Blew my mind!

Since everyone is reviewing TSA precheck, I gotta put in my 2 cents here. So here goes.
As an employee at DTW we are required to go through the precheck lanes since there is no employee entry line anymore. They stopped that, right after precheck became active.
However, we employees are directed to «jump in front» of passengers already waiting patiently in line only because we are employees, by the TSA there. (Yes I hear the grunts and curses when I jump in line).
Lately at the North the TSA precheck at checkpoint one closes down at 6:30 am, so if one arives after that time, one has to mingle with passengers and jump their line.
So as an employee, I sincerely apologize to y’all waiting there patiently before me, when I or one of my fellow airport employees have to jump to go up front, but thats the standing rules of the TSA.

It’s time for me to update: I’ve been through DTW several times this summer and fall and PreCheck is finally working smoothly. They seem to have eliminated many of the issues with combining family lines into PreCheck, meaning that you can actually get the benefit that you paid for by registering. Several times I have been able to walk straight through, no one else in line, and get to my flight in plenty of time. (These recent visits have been through North Terminal, so I can’t speak to an improvement over at McNamara.)

Just a question.
Why is a VA, Federal Govt. issued card, not a recognized form of identification? I have tried to use it a couple of times and have been asked for my Drivers License instead.

in and out no problem. Very quick today.

Travel is more convenient with TSA precheck. The TSA agents are friendly and helpful.
DTW does a fantastic job compared to other airports. You can keep a laptop, liquids in your luggage and you get to keep your coat and shoes on. It is quick and easy like how traveling used to be.
Now, if only we can get luggage check-​in fees removed then we’ll be all set.

There is a TSA PreScreen application booth near the fountain in Concourse A. I applied for the service by giving the attendant my enhanced drivers license and debit card. After 10 minutes of providing info and listening to rules I was told there was an $ 85 fee for the application process. That was the first I was told there was a fee. I felt duped. Had I know there was a fee I wouldn’t have applied and given them my personal information. I’m not sure if the kiosk operators are a business or a government agency. Either way, the process seemed duplicitous to me.

I’m a little more disappointed in the dtw precheck each time.
The precheck concept is definitely 5 stars, and it certainly is a lot more convenient than normal security procedures. The problem is that the staff consistently presumes I’m in the wrong line!!! Perhaps I look a little too young and female to use this service? =\ I’m getting peeved at regularly being directed to go to the other lines. Please ask to see my boarding pass first.
I’m not sure if this is a permanent change, but the sky priority and TSA precheck lines on the check-​in floor have been merged. This is a terrible idea, because the precheck volume is MUCH less here at dtw so precheck loses most its efficiency and benefit.

Some belts with large buckles still set it off! Oh well, I guess we can forgive that minor issue for the fact that you can leave your liquids and electronics in your bag, and your shoes and coats on! I couldn’t recommend more highly getting into the program, which I believe is now open to the general public.

Two thumbs up for Detroit Metro’s PreCheck station. For once I didn’t have to go to the other side of the airport to find PreCheck, at Detroit it’s right next to the regular security check, in the center of the terminal.
This one was in fact to fast, that I walked right up, through my bag with my laptop and toiletries on the belt, kept on walking right through the metal detector with my coat and shoes on, and grabbed my bag on the other side, which had gone through immediately.
I literally did not stop at all, just walked right through! Gotta love it.