You Can Now Redeem 10,000 Mileage Plan Miles for Five Years of TSA Precheck - But Should You?
Expiration Date – April 30, 2016
We are very big proponents of TSA Precheck and believe it is the best $17 you will spend on travel each year (five years of TSA Precheck costs $85). And, at least until April, 30, 2016, Alaska Airlines is the first airline to offer TSA Precheck in exchange for award miles.
TSA Precheck members traveling through airport security checkpoints have access to shorter lines, are able to leave on their shoes, most jackets and belts and can leave their laptops and liquids in their bags. Basically you zoom right through security with very little hassle.
But to use 10,000 Mileage Plan miles for an $85 value is a really poor economic value. As you know from prior trvlvip Perks and Tips, we value Alaska Airlines bonus miles at 2 cents per mile, which is the value we would be willing to pay for Mileage Plan miles if we could buy them for cash and it’s also the minimum value we suggest you seek when you redeem miles. Therefore, 10,000 miles are actually worth $200. So, why would you use them for something valued at only $85?
While we don’t suggest it, if you decide to move forward with this offer, here are the steps you will need to take:
Email TSAredemption@alaskaair.com by April 30, 2016, with your name and Mileage Plan number.
Within 72 hours, Alaska will deduct 10,000 miles from your account and send you an email with your TSA Precheck authorization code.
Apply for TSA Precheck using that authorization code and schedule your screening appointment before November 30, 2016.
Customers applying are responsible for ensuring they are Precheck-eligible in advance as no refunds will be issued and miles cannot be redeposited, even if the code cannot be used. And no guarantees are promised that you will be approved for TSA Precheck.
Bonus trvlvip Tip: If the wait to schedule a TSA Precheck appointment is long at your home airport, consider another airport. If you have travel plans that will take you to other airports, try scheduling your appointment at one of those airports. The wait time at some of the smaller airports can be very short.
The Wrap-Up:
While we suggest TSA Precheck to all travelers, we do not suggest you use your valuable Alaska Airlines miles to pay for it. And if you have a travel reward credit card that reimburses you for the $85 fee, be sure to take advantage of that perk and if not, paying the $85 out of pocket is a much better way to go.
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