North Carolina Airport TSA PreCheck Pop Up To Speed Up Your Travel
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 27: Travelers walk past a newly-opened TSA Pre-check application center at Terminal C of the LaGuardia Airport on January 27, 2014 in New York City. Once approved, travelers can use special expidited Precheck security lanes. They can also leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, as well as keep their laptop and small containers of liquids inside carry-on luggage during security screening. The TSA plans to open more than 300 application centers across the country. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Ahhh, holiday travel sends waves of anxiety through most of us. But, a major North Carolina airport TSA pop up could speed up your travel process. Charlotte Douglas International Airport hosts the pop-up TSA PreCheck registration event December 11-15.
And, according to AXIOS Charlotte, the pop up for new applicants takes place near Door 1 and Checkpoint A. The hours are daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Also, appointments are first come, first served.
Plus, the application for the TSA PreCheck can start online. And, the cost is $78, good for 5 years. So, how exactly does the North Carolina airport TSA pop up help expedite your travel? Well, none of us enjoy the long lines when we just want to carry on with our plans. Therefore, getting your TSA PreCheck screening helps you avoid the long waits.
And, the tedious process of taking off shoes and jackets and belts can be a thing of the past with the TSA PreCheck screening. Plus, the credentials allow these travelers to leave laptops and liquids stowed in bags. And, even though you might not think it makes a huge difference it could mean the difference in making or missing that crucial flight.
So, as airports all over the world continue to see more and more traffic, every little bit helps. And, the way I see it, it’s one less thing to hassle with. Just take care of the screening once and you’re good for 5 years. Sounds like a plan, especially if you travel several times a year.
I always feel so much better once I make it through TSA and get safely to my gate with time to spare. And, this just adds another advantage. Therefore, if you have a chance you might want to explore the TSA pop up this week.
For more, see the full story from AXIOS Charlotte.
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Most of the time, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport. And that’s good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.
Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.
You don’t always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it’s important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.
Do I need a passport for cruises?
When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card usually suffices.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.
To make your trip planning a breeze, we’ve got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don’t have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.
Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.