This Amazing Country - the USA - Thank You

[WalterB]

I looked into it a while ago (2 - 3 months?) and it looked like a real PITA to me. Yes, going thru security is a real pain but I've never head any real problems, so I'm still debating.

[rokkerr]

I looked into it a while ago (2 - 3 months?) and it looked like a real PITA to me. Yes, going thru security is a real pain but I've never head any real problems, so I'm still debating.

It was $100 which if for any reason you are not approved you lose.
It takes about 30 minutes to fill out the forms.
I had no idea they really only want people who are sugary clean... hopefully I don't get dinged for being a slimey pornographer...

[WalterB]

I looked into it a while ago (2 - 3 months?) and it looked like a real PITA to me. Yes, going thru security is a real pain but I've never had any real problems, so I'm still debating.

It was $100 which if for any reason you are not approved you lose.
It takes about 30 minutes to fill out the forms.
I had no idea they really only want people who are sugary clean... hopefully I don't get dinged for being a slimey pornographer...

For $100 I won't tell them....

[Davest]

I don't know if it is because of how much I have traveled the past few years, but I find that way more than half the time I am TSA pre-check without the paid version.

[rokkerr]

I go into TSA tomorrow to be interviewed for my GOES card...
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-trav ... /how-apply

[WalterB]

A "GOES" application? Where the hell you going? You just GOT here.

"Regardless of your age, you must have your own GOES account."

"Even though you're only 2 years old, you must get on your parents computer and sign up for your own account."

"A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application."

"Well, after a quick, 30 second check, we've determined that you are not eligible. But we're going to keep your $100 anyway, just because we're the government and, we can do that."

I don't know if you've read that entire website, Rokkerr (clicked all of the links,) but I'd suggest you do. The more you can do to be sure you have everything available and ready, the faster the whole thing will go.

Are you going to need a good, stalwart, red-blooded, upstanding American citizen to stand up and vouch for you? Well, you'd better not give 'em my name then - especially if they check criminal records.

I may be flying to Tampa later this year, so I think I'm going to look into the TSA Pre-Check thing. They charge you $85 bucks for it (and, of course, they keep your money even if you fall flat on your ass,) but if it helps things go smoother, maybe it's worth it.

Oh, and, congratulations, again.

[rokkerr]

The TSA precheck is included with GOES

[WalterB]

Can you put me on your application? I'll buy the next beer!

[hennar2017]

OK! What is a TSA and a GOES test. I hate all these abbreviations! lol

[WalterB]

You've never heard of the TSA? I would assume everyone had heard of that. It's the Transportation Security Administration. These are the people who feel you up at the airport when you fly anywhere. They're always in the news for feeling up old people and little kids.

They are the people who, if you yell hello to your friend Jack at the airport (you know, "Hi, Jack!") will drag you to their dark basement dungeon and beat you mercilessly.

Personally, I'm thrilled to still be felt up.

I hear they are working on a new TSA machine. They all ready have a machine you walk into to get x-rayed for explosives. With the new machine, if it detects explosives, bomb-proof shields come down and a laser detonates the explosives (and you.) If you are at the airport, listen for a muffled boom, followed by an announcement:

"Attention Stand-by travelers. A seat has just opened up on United flight 1732 to Tel-Aviv. Please proceed to Gate 27."

[rokkerr]

Happy to say I passed the smell test...

I am allowed into the USA without regular border checks AND through the TSA pre-check (I can do things like keep my flip flops on)

[WalterB]

Yeah, but can you get out of El Paso with a car full of Porn? LOL

And, Congratulations. Now you're one of us. You now get to pay 53% of your income to Uncle Sam.

[rokkerr]

It's $85 for the TSA pre-check....
Here is the link... https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

Unless you have zero interest going to a foreign country
...to me... spend $100 on the GOES pass instead..

Good for 5 years ($20 a year)

[WalterB]

Thanks for the heads up. I'd like to get to England sometime within the next 100 ye...OK, the next couple years. So, If I have to send $85 anyway, $15 more gets me the whole banana (as it were, )

Might even help me get out of El Paso with a boatload of porn, lol.

[hennar2017]

Well, as you can tell I do not fly and don't plan on it either! I prefer to keep my feet on the ground. So I don't know anything about the TSA. Thanks Walt for explaining it to me, I think! lol

[PeterL22]

You've never heard of the TSA? I would assume everyone had heard of that. It's the Transportation Security Administration. These are the people who feel you up at the airport when you fly anywhere. They're always in the news for feeling up old people and little kids.

They are the people who, if you yell hello to your friend Jack at the airport (you know, "Hi, Jack!") will drag you to their dark basement dungeon and beat you mercilessly.

Personally, I'm thrilled to still be felt up.

I hear they are working on a new TSA machine. They all ready have a machine you walk into to get x-rayed for explosives. With the new machine, if it detects explosives, bomb-proof shields come down and a laser detonates the explosives (and you.) If you are at the airport, listen for a muffled boom, followed by an announcement:

"Attention Stand-by travelers. A seat has just opened up on United flight 1732 to Tel-Aviv. Please proceed to Gate 27."

Hey I always feel disappointed when I don't get any attention from airport security - do I really look so old and feeble that I'm not a threat.
Similar thing to when I visited Arizona and nobody wanted to check my ID in bars etc - totally depressing!

[WalterB]

You know, Rokkerr, I just happened to think of something on this trip westbound. The next time you leave El Paso (hint hint hint) when you go through the border patrol checkpoint, and the nice man with the dog asks "US citizen?", all you have to do is nod, smile and say "Yep!"

But when he looks over at Vicky, and his eyes blow up like two balloons, and he says "are you carrying drugs in there?" you're on your own.

[hennar2017]

Ha Walt! If he saw Vicky he wouldn't care if she was carrying or not he would use that as an excuse to "frisk" her!

[rokkerr]

You know, Rokkerr, I just happened to think of something on this trip westbound. The next time you leave El Paso (hint hint hint) when you go through the border patrol checkpoint, and the nice man with the dog asks "US citizen?", all you have to do is nod, smile and say "Yep!"

But when he looks over at Vicky, and his eyes blow up like two balloons, and he says "are you carrying drugs in there?" you're on your own.

... next trip though El Paso???? Once was enough...

[rokkerr]

My first vote in this country (my country) is just over 2 weeks.... pretty chuffed about that...