OPINION|
Answer Man: Until a few months ago, you could go to Staples in Springfield to apply for approval for TSA PreCheck, which makes it easier and quicker to board planes. That's no longer available. The closest location is now Fayetteville, Arkansas. Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri and almost twice the population of Fayetteville. Why don't we have the service available here? — Dick Moger, of Springfield
It's not available here because Staples no longer wants to do it.
Many Staples stores across the nation have offered the PreCheck service, says Mark J. Howell, regional spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration.
But if there isn't enough volume to make it worthwhile, many of the stores stop offering it, Howell says.
Those approved for TSA PreCheck can pass through airport screening faster. They are not required to remove their shoes or belt.
They don't have to remove a light jacket or other light outerwear. And they don't have to remove their 3-1-1 toiletry bag to have it inspected.
A “3-1-1 compliant bag” has no more than 3 ounces of liquid, must fit into a one-quart bag, and you can only have one.
Where can you get TSA PreCheck near Springfield, Mo?
I called the local Staples store, 2135 E. Independence St., and through a series of phone prompts, I ended up going through the enrollment process myself. I ended it when I got to the list of where I would have to go to physically apply:
- Fayetteville, 3155 N. College St
- Columbia, 3302 W. Broadway Business Park Court.
- Overland Park, Kansas, 6600 College Blvd.
I had plugged in my zip code. I live in southeast Springfield.
For whatever reason, the distances provided on the website are inaccurate.
It stated Fayetteville is 88 miles away. It's 131.
It stated Columbia is 132 miles away. It's 163.
It stated Kansas City, Mo., is 163 miles away. It's 173.
Regardless, the point Dick makes is that this is no longer convenient if you live in the Springfield area.
Options other than driving to Arkansas
Also, how could there be less volume here in Springfield, population 169,724, than in Fayetteville, population of 95,230?
Kent Boyd, spokesman for the Springfield-Branson National Airport, tells me the airport does not offer the service. But there are options other than driving to Fayetteville.
The first option is to wait for the TSA to send a mobile TSA PreCheck unit to the Springfield-Branston National Airport, Howell says.
Right now, nothing is scheduled at the Springfield airport.
If you would like to have one scheduled, you need to contact Idemia, the company the federal government contracts with to oversee the TSA PreCheck program. Here's the website.
Another option is to apply at a major airport, perhaps during an extended layover.
Howell says the big airports in Atlanta and Chicago, for example, have locations where you can apply.
Finally, it's possible another Springfield company will step in to fill the void. Howell tells me that in some cities UPS provides the service.
The cost for TSA PreCheck is $78; it's good for five years.
Renewals can be done online.
Why be pre-screened if your spouse isn't?
For the in-person visit, you need identifying information such as a driver's license and a birth certificate. Other documents can be used. Applicants are screened for a criminal background.
Howell says the in-person application process, in which you will be fingerprinted, takes about 15 minutes.
It wasn't Moger who actually had the problem. At least not directly.
He was able to renew his TSA PreCheck status online. But he often travels with his wife, who does not have the same status.
What's the point of breezing through security, he asks, when he still has to wait for his wife?
This is Answer Man Column No. 38.
