If you're tired of standing in increasing long lines for your chance to take off your belt, shoes and jacket ahead of being groped and probed — not to mention having to uncase your laptop computer every time you fly — it's time to consider making application to the Transportation Security Administration for their Pre-Check program.
The crew at South Bend International says that individuals can now register for TSA PreCheck status at the H&R Block offices in Mishawaka and move into the short line with less hassles. There is an $85 fee, but it covers your enrollment in the program for five years making it just $17 a year.
You do have to pre-enroll and schedule an appointment with the H&R Block folks first, you can't just waltz in and make your application. Click the link below to accomplish that pre-enrollment and appointment request. Once you are slated for the appointment, you will be expected to provide fingerprints and confirm your identity and proof of citizenship with a passport or valid driver's license and social security card. The H&R Block Mishawaka office is located at 828 West McKinley Avenue.
Once you have been approved for enrollment, the TSA will administer a nine-digit number known as the Known Traveler Number of KTN you can use when booking flights in the future from South Bend International or any other airport you will be departing from.
PreCheck from TSA is essentially a pre-screening that makes risk assessments on passengers who voluntarily participate prior to arrival at airport checkpoints as trusted travelers, giving them expedited screening benefits.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to easily pass through security checkpoints in designated PreCheck lanes where you will no longer have to remove the following items:
- Shoes
- Belts
- Light outerwear and jackets
- Liquids in 3-1-1 compliant bags
- Laptop computers from your bag
TSA PreCheck has been available at South Bend International for more than three years now, but the H&R Block registration site is new in Mishawaka. South Bend International's three air carriers provide non-stop flights to ten cities and worldwide connections.
Here's the link for pre-enrollment and appointment scheduling for TSA PreCheck:
