TSA pre check

I flew out of Vegas on a Sunday afternoon in February and I must say, I have never seen such a line up (...terminal 3). Has anyone ever tried that 3rd party company who offers yearly subscriptions to expedite you through the lines?

You could even sign up right at the airport and pay right on the spot to get in the front of the line. I never really looked at it in any detail, but it seemed interesting. Something tells me the cost was pretty expensive and was about $150 a year or something.

I applied for the TSA pre-check the middle of May. I called and made an appointment and filled out the paper work/questionaire ahead of time. I used my certified birth certificate and my Minnesota's driver's license as ID. The interview session only lasted around 15 minutes; I was asked the same questions that was on the application form. I was finger printed and paid the $85 application fee with my Visa card. They said I would hear from the TSA people within 30 days. Five days later I received an e mail with my TSA pre-check ID #. This was followed up about 10 days later with a letter from the TSA. Last week I flew out of MSP to visit my parents in Michigan. There were 5 people ahead of me in the TSA line. I put my cellphone in my carry on bag and that was all that I had to remove from my person. I didn't have to take off my shoes, belt or my watch. I didn't have to remove any liquids that I had in my carry on. It took me about 5 minutes to clear security. I don't even want to think how long it would have taken me in the regular line. I fly about 5 to 6 times a year, and my TSA precheck status is good for the next 5 years. The time, effort and expensive was totally worth it; no more standing in those long lines at the MSP airport anymore.

So, one other question. Does this mean you don't have to go through the scanner machine or pat down. By pat down, I mean we always opt out of the scanner and take the pat down. So would we avoid this all together? That would be well worth it!!!!

I don't think you can avoid both. Its one or the other.
Just to clarify, it is $85 for five years, so even if you only do one roundtrip a year, it is less than $10 a flight.

You go through the metal detector, but not the scanner.

If the metal detector beeps, you'll get patted or wanded 'til the 'thing' is identified.

Still better (and faster) than going through the scanner.

Southwest was offering a coupon for TSA pre check for 9000 RR points. We picked up 2.

You go through a metal detector, not a scanner; although they did swab my hands the last trip. I did have to empty my pockets of loose change and keys, but I didn't have to empty them completely...didn't have to take out my comb, handkerchief, wallet and didn't have to remove my wrist watch.

Thanks everyone! Sounds like it would be well worth it! I will look into that southwest coupon. Appreciate all the help. Might actually stop dreading the airports....

Signing up for TSA precheck is one of the best things dear wife and I have done. Used it for years already. Saved much time in Minneapolis and Vegas, several times each, and in Orlando once.

IMHO TSA precheck is just one more ripoff by the government trying to take your money. I fly over a dozen times a year. On several occasions I have gotten the random TSA precheck only to be told "that line is down." If you want to pay for it that is up to you but I never will.