How To Sign Up To Participate in TSA Pre✓™

10.18.2011

How To Sign Up To Participate in TSA Pre✓™

We’ve been getting a lot of interest and rave reviews since rolling out TSA Pre✓™ earlier this month and travelers have been asking  how they can sign up.

The good news is that you may already be eligible and just not know it. This summer, after partnering with American and Delta airlines, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify a limited group of potential participants to test the expedited screening concept, each airline and CBP sent communications out to the participant pool telling them how to opt into the TSA Pre✓™ pilot. If you are a United States citizen and an existing member of one of CBP's Trusted Traveler programs, such as Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS or one of the more frequent flyers with Delta and American you more than likely received one of those communications.  This might be a good time to search your inbox to find it!

There’s more good news:  if you didn’t get the initial communication or accidentally tossed it,  there is still a way to participate in TSA Pre✓™. Read on…

If you are a United States citizen and are currently a member of CBP’s eligible Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS), you areautomatically qualified to participate in the TSA Pre✓™ pilot as long as you are flying on a participating airline at a participating airport.  (If you’re a more frequent flyer with Delta or American, you must opt in to the program by responding to the communication sent to you, which is why it’s important to find that email and follow the directions in it.) 

The most important thing to know about TSA Pre✓™ during the pilot phase is:

• Participants flying on Delta Air Lines must be flying out of either Atlanta (ATL) or Detroit (DTW)

• Participants flying on American Airlines must be flying out of Miami (MIA) or Dallas/Fort Worth   (DFW)

This applies for both the participating airline frequent flyers and the CBP Trusted Traveler participants.

Booking Reservations

So now you’re ready to book your flight, and you want to participate – what do you do?  Current members of CBP’s Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS programs just need to place their PASS ID in the ‘Known Traveler Number’ field when booking their reservation. 

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Frequent flyers who have already opted in through their airline don’t need to do anything more – the airlines will send confirmation of their participation when they send us the passenger’s Secure Flight data.

At The Airport

American Airlines’ participants  must  use check-in kiosks at the airport to print their boarding pass.  Delta Airlines participants do not. 

The next important step is to go to the specific checkpoint that has been specially configured for TSA Pre✓™ at each airport. At these checkpoints, an officer will scan your boarding passes to verify that you are eligible, and if you are, direct you to the expedited screening lane.  If you go to the wrong checkpoint, you’ll miss the opportunity for expedited screening.  So if you’re eligible and flying anytime soon, I’d keep the information below with my boarding pass:

TSA Pre✓™ Checkpoints:

• Atlanta: T-South Checkpoint (Delta only)
• Dallas: Terminal C, Checkpoint C30 (American only)
• Detroit: Checkpoint 2 on the ticketing level (Delta only)
• Miami: D2 Checkpoint (American only)

The last key point I wanted to pass on is that  opting into the pilot will not guarantee expedited security screening for every flight. We have built random and unpredictable factors throughout the aviation security system to guard against terrorists gaming the system and this program is no exception.
 

I’m not done passing on good news. If you’re a United States citizen and not currently a member of one of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs, you can join one now and be eligible for TSA Pre✓™ after you’re enrolled.  Here are the basic steps for applying:

Go to the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) page and register for a CBP Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Once registered in GOES, you can move forward with your enrollment in one of the CBP eligible programs. If you’re having trouble, you can go here for a presentation on how to locate a PASS ID (or Membership Number) in the GOES account.

And if you’ve gotten this far in the post and are still wondering what the heck TSA Pre✓™ is, you can take a look at this blog post from our Administrator, John S. Pistole or check out the info at TSA.gov. 

Blogger Bob

TSA Blog Team

If you’d like to comment on an unrelated topic you can do so in our Off Topic Comments post. You can also view our blog post archives or search our blog to find a related topic to comment in. If you have a travel related issue or question that needs an immediate answer, you can contact a Customer Support Manager at the airport you traveled, or will be traveling through by using Talk to TSA.

CBP Arrests Wanted Fugitive Alien at Philadelphia Airport

Mali Man, Previously Ordered Deported, Wanted on Sex Assault Charges
(Tuesday, October 18, 2011)




Philadelphia — Customs and Border Protection officers at Philadelphia International Airport arrested an illegal alien Saturday who was wanted in Philadelphia on charges that included sexual assault, corruption of minors and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.

CBP officers turned Amadou Dambagi, 38, a citizen of Mali living in Philadelphia, over to Philadelphia First Judicial Warrants Squad.

Dambagi was waiting in the International Arrivals Hall for his 22-year-old wife when CBP officers encountered him and another Mali man. Dambagi’s wife arrived from Paris, France, and CBP officers attempted to validate her intent to visit the United States.

Officers escorted the two men to the secondary inspection area after neither could produce a Permanent Resident Card and both admitted to be living in the United States for several years.

Records indicated that Dambagi entered the United States in 1998 and never left. A biometric examination revealed two aliases, an active Philadelphia Courts arrest warrant, and a deportation order from 2008.

“Customs and Border Protection preaches the importance of conducting effective and complete interviews on arriving international passengers, and the arrest of this illegal alien on sexual assault allegations is illustrative of this approach,” said Allan Martocci, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “Most foreign visitors are visiting the United States for legitimate purposes, such as vacation or business. It is incumbent upon CBP officers to weed out those who violate U.S. immigration laws by living and working here illegally.”

Dambagi will be deported once his criminal charges are adjudicated.

Records also confirmed that the second man, 32-years old, had been in the United States illegally since 2009. He is being detained until he can be removed.

The woman was determined to be inadmissible as an intending immigrant without an appropriate immigrant Visa. She returned to Paris Saturday night. She arrived on a French passport, but is also of Mali descent.

“The arrest of a dangerous wanted fugitive, who is also an illegal alien, resulted from exceptional police work,” said Martocci. “Hopefully this can lend some closure to the victim’s family that justice will be served.”

Charges and allegations contained in any criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Agents Seize Weapons, Ammunition; Solar Panel from Smugglers

Tucson, AZ. – Two firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, one solar panel, and several radios, cell phones and binoculars were seized this weekend by Tucson Sector Border Patrol, a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Joint Field Command-Arizona.

Ajo Station agents arrested a U.S. citizen and four illegal immigrants Saturday in possession of one AK-47 assault rifle, one fully loaded 30-round magazine, a solar panel, and several radios and cell phones. Smugglers often use solar panels to power their communication devices in remote areas of the border. The subjects were apprehended after agents stopped their vehicle south of the Border Patrol checkpoint on State Road 85. The subjects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the weapon, ammunition and other items seized.

Also on Saturday, Casa Grande Station agents arrested a U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle 100 rounds of 7.62 ammunition and 100 rounds of .38 Super Auto ammunition into Mexico. The vehicle, driver and ammunition were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

On Sunday, Tucson Station agents conducting checkpoint operations on State Road 86 seized a loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun after a record check revealed the weapon had been reported stolen. The firearm was turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

As Arizona law enforcement efforts continue to disrupt transnational criminal activities, the Border Patrol and other federal, state, local and tribal agencies are committed to keeping Arizona communities safe. Partnerships between law enforcement agencies serve as a formidable force against smugglers and other criminals.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attached site for more information. ( Arizona )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Announces New Hours of Operation at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

Miami - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is committed to facilitating the flow of legitimate travel while ensuring the primary mission to protect the American public from terrorist and the instruments of terror. In an effort to meet the needs of South Florida’s general aviation community, CBP will be extending the daily hours of operation at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

click for hi-res Traffic into Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport has increased 14 percent in the last year, leading CBP to expand its hours there.

Beginning Oct. 23, CBP will operate at the airport from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

“South Florida is a mecca for international travel arriving from Bahamas, Caribbean islands, central and south America. CBP is committed to meeting the needs of our private sector,” said Port Everglades CBP Port Director Jorge Roig. “The convenient location to downtown Ft. Lauderdale and easy access to major roadways makes Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport an ideal location for this growing market.”

Out of the top ten general aviation facility airports for international travel in the U.S., five are located in South Florida. Of those five, Ft. Lauderdale Executive currently ranks second busiest. Last year arriving international passengers at Ft. Lauderdale Executive showed a double digit increased year to date of 14 percent from 24,808 in fiscal year 2010 to 28,306 in fiscal year 2011. Total arriving aircraft grew 2 percent during the same period.

With the future of international travel on the rise and South Florida clearly a favorite hotspot for entertainment and warm water beaches, CBP will be ready to accommodate the traveling public.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Officers Seize Meth, Heroin At Southern Arizona Port

San Luis, Ariz. — Local Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Tucson Field Office, a component of CBP’s Joint Field Command, arrested three people over the weekend on drug charges involving 51 pounds of methamphetamines and heroin worth more than $760,000.

San Luis officers referred a 24- year-old Mexican man for a secondary inspection of his Ford truck after he attempted to enter the United States Saturday. Following an alert by a narcotics detection canine, officers searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment concealed in the vehicle’s undercarriage. Officers then removed one 18-pound package of methamphetamines, valued at nearly $280,000 and seven packages of heroin weighing nearly 15 pounds and valued at almost $202,000. The drugs and vehicle were processed for seizure.

Friday, a 43-year-old Mexican man was arrested after officers found more than three pounds of methamphetamines in his possession during a secondary inspection of his Nissan sedan. A narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs, leading to the discovery of crystal methamphetamine concealed inside the car’s battery. The drugs, worth more than $51,000, and vehicle were processed for seizure.

Also Friday, a 23-year-old Mexican man was arrested after officers found nearly 15 pounds of methamphetamines in his Ford sedan. Again, a narcotics detection canine helped officers locate the drugs during a secondary inspection. The methamphetamines, worth nearly $227,000, and vehicle were processed for seizure.

All subjects were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Individuals arrested are charged with a criminal complaint, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the U.S. Border Patrol, Air and Marine, and Field Operations under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. OFO officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Officers at South Texas International Bridges Seize $4.1 Million in Cocaine During Weekend Enforcement Actions

Hidalgo, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo/Pharr International Bridges seized approximately 129.5 pounds of cocaine in four separate and unrelated narcotic seizures. The combined estimated street value of the cocaine is $4,146,000.

On October 15, 2011 CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by a Mexican national, age 42, from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle and male driver to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized 10 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 27 pounds that were found hidden with a compartment behind the back seat. The estimated street value of the cocaine is approximately $770,375.

Later during the same day on a separate unrelated seizure, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge referred a Mexican registered taxi cab and a male passenger to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, the passenger was identified as a Mexican national from Tulanzingo, Hidalgo, Mexico. In an ice chest belonging to the traveler, CBP officers found and seized six packages of alleged cocaine. The cocaine weight of 13.9 pounds has an estimated street value of $44,590.

On October 16, 2011, a CBP officer at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge referred a 2009 Mazda CX-7 SUV and its occupants to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, the male driver and female passenger were both identified as Mexican nationals, ages 24 and 21 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In secondary, CBP officers seized 20 packages of alleged cocaine that were found hidden within the dashboard area of the vehicle. The 47 pounds of cocaine has an estimated street value of $1,510,000.

Hours later on the same date, CBP officers working at the Pharr International Bridge encountered a northbound 2008 Mazda CX-7, SUV and its occupants, two Mexican male nationals, ages 23 and 32 and a Mexican female, age 21, all from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

A CBP officer referred the vehicle and male driver to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized 20 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 41 pounds that were found hidden within the vehicle. The estimated street value of the cocaine is $1,325,000.

CBP officers seized three vehicles and transferred five male and two female travelers to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigation for further investigation.

“This was a busy weekend as far as narcotic seizures and our officers, as always, met the challenge of intercepting these hard narcotics and keeping them from entering our country,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr. “I commend our frontline officers for a job well done.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Washington Street near East Eagle Closed

(Buffalo, NY Erie County) Washington Street near East Eagle Closed for Fire Operations attempting to contain falling roofing from nearby building due to high winds. Use caution in area.