Glacier Airport to host TSA Precheck certification week

Glacier Park International Airport is becoming a temporary hub for people to obtain their Transportation Security Administration PreCheck certification on the week of Feb. 26. Usually people have to travel over 400 miles to a larger airport to get the certification interview.

The certification allows folks checking into flights to go through a different security line that moves more quickly and doesn’t require as much scrutiny.

Travelers in the PreCheck line can leave on their shoes, belts and light jackets and outerwear. They can also leave their laptop in the case and not remove their travel-size liquids.

The TSA estimates the process expedites the security line significantly, and said a 2017 study showed that 97 percent of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in security lines when they flew.

The certification costs $85. To get it, travelers have to go to the airport for an interview and bring a proof of citizenship between Feb. 26 and March 2. TSA will also perform a background check and take fingerprints. The certification is good for five years.

TSA will accept walk-in appointments during that week, but they recommend setting up an appointment online beforehand. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day that week.

To schedule an appointment online, go to www.identogo.com/precheck. Click “Apply Now,” then select Kalispell as the location.

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.