As I’ve mentioned in the past, TSA Pre-Check is one of the few good things to come from the TSA in… well, ever. Basically it gives “trusted travelers” (select airline frequent flyers and Global Entry members) access to pre-9/11 style security (minus the liquids ban), where they don’t have to take off their shoes, and where they can leave their laptops in their bag, etc. It’s awesome and really makes the airport experience a bit less miserable for road warriors.
Up until now it has only been valid for domestic itineraries, though starting for travel today it will also officially be valid for international itineraries. The press release from the TSA is short on details, so it’ll be interesting to see how it works in practice. Specifically, I wonder if it’ll work as consistently for international travel as it does for domestic travel.
For what it’s worth, unofficially Pre-Check has been working on international itineraries for a long time now. Not for the international flight itself, but for international itineraries with connecting flights. I’ve gotten the “three beeps” (which indicate you have Pre-Check) and have been allowed to use the Pre-Check lane on my last two international itineraries.
So it’s great that this is finally official.



