[arcticbull]

> Outside of the US airtravel is still relatively similar to rail. You have to be on time, you have to handle the baggage, but you can walk through xray and security within minutes and only need to show the ticket on your phone.

Same if you have Pre and Clear. I usually get to the airport 30-40m early.

That said I'm usually at the train station 10m before departure with bags.

[rwmj]

Why don't all the bad actors just apply for the same programme?

[cj]

Clear doesn't let you skip security. It basically just allows you to cut to the front of the line for a fee. You still have to go through the x-ray machines, etc.

TSA Pre actually does reduce security requirements (e.g. you can keep your shoes on...) in exchange for, I've always assumed, a mini-background check when you apply for the program.

[devilbunny]

> mini-background check when you apply for the program.

You'll get fingerprinted, etc., and while it's nothing like a serious security clearance, they do look you up rather thoroughly.

Note: my only direct knowledge comes from applying to Global Entry, which is a pickier program, but Precheck does collect biometrics (at least facial and fingerprints). Global Entry was around 15 minutes for the interview process (both formal and informal; I knew the two guys outside the interview and fingerprint room didn't really just want to talk to me to pass the time), but that was a decade ago.

One interesting anecdote from my interview is that I was told that the #1 reason Global Entry applications failed at the time was that one of the questions was whether or not you had ever been arrested - not convicted - and people would say no. Not an auto-disqualifier to have been arrested, but lying about it was.