A recent application for TSA PreCheck was unsuccessful because the system was unable to read the traveler's fingerprints.  They had to travel to Staples for fingerprinting, but after several unsuccessful efforts, they must now go to the airport to try again.  They may lose the $76 fee if it doesn't work out.  This is not an isolated incident.  Since fingerprints can fade over time, many applicants—especially elderly adults—find fingerprint scanning difficult.  Before being granted permission, many have had to make multiple attempts or even travel to various places.
 
TSA no longer issues a physical card with the PreCheck number, which is another recent change that has left some people perplexed.  Rather, passengers receive the number over email and must remember it while making travel arrangements.  The entire procedure seems needlessly complex for a program design to only travel.  It would make sense to have a backup verification technique in place if fading fingerprints are a recognized problem.
 
For a service that offers convenience, travelers are paying a premium.  Losing money due to a technical issue hardly seems fair, and TSA ought to offer more transparent fixes. Stay tuned with us for more updates.
 
 
 

 

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