Speed up your preflight time

Johns Hopkins University is helping its employees join the ranks of fast-moving, shoe-wearing, more relaxed passengers who enjoy TSA PreCheck expedited screening at airports across the country.

The university travel program has arranged for representatives from MorphoTrust USA to be at Homewood's Charles Commons for one week, Sept. 19 to 23, to process TSA PreCheck enrollments. Participants will need to make an appointment online and arrive with documentation of identity and citizenship and the $85 application fee. On site, applicants will be fingerprinted for a background check.

Once the background check is completed—typically within 30 days—qualified low-risk travelers will receive a "known traveler number" to use when making airline reservations. They will not need to remove their shoes, outerwear, or belts; unpack their laptops; or follow the guidelines for carrying liquids in small amounts. Sixteen airlines currently participate in TSA PreCheck, and the program has dedicated lanes at security checkpoints in 167 U.S. airports.

"We can't make security less crowded, but we can help our travelers access the most efficient service and the fastest lines by bringing the TSA PreCheck enrollment to them," says Amy Page, director of travel and expense programs. "I think many people who have seen the program in action at the airport will be excited to join."

All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to participate and may bring family members who also wish to enroll. The fee and requirements apply to each individual.

To make an appointment, go to the enrollment website and follow these steps:

• Select "Apply Now."
• Complete steps 1 through 7.
• At step 8, type in the code: SP-JOHNSHOPKINS.
  • Make sure you are choosing "Johns Hopkins University."
  • It will say it is a private event and not open to the public.
  • Make sure the green "Selected" button shows.
• Click "Next" at the bottom of the screen.
• At step 9, select your appointment time (the first available shows; you can use the drop-down to choose a different date and/or time).

A valid U.S. passport is sufficient for identification, and a full list of other acceptable documents is on the TSA website. The application fee is payable by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.