TSA Pre(check)

Factual Questions
1

I am considering opting in to the TSA Pre check program, that’s supposed to expedite screening - you submit a bunch of information, they have a background check and interview. (See Global Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection and subsequent links if interested)

At the very end, it asks you to select SENTRI, Global Entry, NEXUS, iirc. Those are all foreign travel options. I don’t really need any of those at the moment, although I found I’ve been to 12 different countries in the past 5 years when I was answering one of their questions.

My questions:

  • Is it possible to do this without going through one of those?
  • Is the cost going to be $100 regardless? Is there an extra charge for TSA Pre?

I can’t determine this just from the website. May call TSA, but figure you all are much smarter than the government/TSA.

2

Your link says, “U.S. citizens who are members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI Trusted Traveler programs are eligible to participate TSA’s Program.” So it sounds like you need to go through one of those to participate.

3

There are some indications that certain frequent fliers are being allowed into this program without participating in the others (for example, Wikipedia states this for Delta and United, to name two). That’s the kind of thing I’m seeking to verify.