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TSA PSA

I had no idea making popcorn on the stovetop was so easy! We recently bought a bag of Arrowhead Mills popcorn and followed the package instructions – 3 tbsp of oil, 3 kernals. When the kernals pop, you add 1/3 cup kernals and cover. Allow them all to pop until the popping slows (just like the microwave variety) and you’re done! Dress up any way you like – melted butter and sea salt, cinnamon and sugar, or smoked paprika (!) I am thinking some homemade kettle corn needs to be in our future!

Me a million years ago with an airplane!

How many of you guys have TSA PreCheck for traveling through airport security? It never occurred to me to apply for it because I heard you had to go to a formal interview (aka hours of time and probably not offered locally). Plus, I don’t travel that much, but after Tina mentioned in a recent post that it only took her a few minutes to apply and she had the interview in her hometown, I decided to look into it.

As it turns out, the whole process was MORE than easy. Here are the steps I took for both Thomas and myself:

  1. Filled out an online application (time = 5 minutes)
  2. Scheduled the “interview” for the following day at 11 and 11:10 am for the both of us at the DMV less than a mile from our house.
  3. Showed up with our passports for the “interview” which was actually just proving identity, signatures, and getting fingerprinted.
  4. Paid $85 each (good for 5 years)

Done and done. It was SO EASY! For some reason I thought the interview was literally someone grilling you with 100 questions (not that I have anything to hide, but still). The fingerprinting process was a breeze, and the lady who helped us was super nice and jokey.

I have heard that sometimes the TSA lines don’t really save you that much time, but the biggest pro to doing this in my opinion is you don’t have to take off/out your shoes, coat, laptop, toiletries, food, Kindle, etc. etc. The whole security process, while important, is such a drag. So I am thrilled to hopefully pass through without the hassle next time.

Oh, and kids under 12 can go with you!

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Comments

  3. Totally worth the money! I have global entry and for just a bit more than TSA pre-check you also get expidited entry when entering the US.

    I absolutely agree the value lies in not having to take your coat and shoes off or unpacking your bag items!

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  5. Usually if you are traveling with kids over 12 (but under 18), they will also be given TSA Pre status when you check in online. If they are not given TSA Pre status, there is a special line next to TSA Pre for those who are accompanying you. Important to know if you are traveling with teenagers.

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  8. I grew up eating so much popcorn on the stove… my dads is seriously the best.

    Another tip. tilt the lid to let the steam out… it makes for a crunchier pop.

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  9. I keep hearing that pre-check is a must but I still haven’t done it. haha! I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately so I really should do this.

    Also, I’m jealous your popcorn turned out! I tried it a few weeks ago and it worked PERFECTLY (though admittedly I felt like there were too many unpeopled kernels) but then I did it a few times after that and it hasn’t worked at all. I can’t figure out what I’ve done differently. 🙁 What kind of oil have you used?

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  10. I recently started popping my own popcorn on the stove after deciding it was ridiculous to pay $3-4 for a bag of popcorn. One trick I learned is to toss in 3 kernels in the oil when you start heating the oil. Once they pop, you know your oil is hot enough. Pull the pan off the heat and dump in the 1/3 cup popcorn- swirl the kernels in the hot oil for 30 seconds and then return to the stovetop heat. This method is pretty much fool-proof and almost every kernel pops.

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  11. TSA precheck is LIFE CHANGING – but I fly out of Dallas, and the lines are always crazy long, so maybe it’s just that airport? I dunno, and not having to take off your shoes, you can’t pass that up.

    Also – for making popcorn, we use coconut oil and it is delicious! It kind of gives it the flavor of kettle corn, but it’s good for you!

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  12. Some airports do have longer pre-check lines, but they’re still not as long as the regular lines! It all depends on the time of day I think. I often fly redeye as I live in Alaska and it’s the only way to arrive at a decent time if going further than the west coast.

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  13. I have intended to do this for some time. In fact, I have a credit card that covers the fee, but I just haven’t done it! Anyway, I got inspired and just filled out the form. Thanks for the kick in the pants.

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  14. I love my TSA pre check. It actually has encouraged us to fly more often. We live in Columbus, Ohio and find it to be much easier then going through the regular security line. We also fly in and out of Orlando often and it has helped SO much at this airport.

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  15. That sounds totally worth it!!! We lucked out with TSA pre-check this last weekend in West Palm Beach and it was soooo nice.

    Stovetop popcorn is absolutely the best popcorn IMO!!

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  16. The first flight I took after I got precheck there was not one other person in the seccurity line. I was kind of sad because I was so excited to use it.
    Since then, it saved me from missing a flight for vacation. I got stuck in traffic that delayed me by two hours. If I did not have precheck I would have missed my flight and probably at least a day of vacation.
    It definitely has saved me time on other flights since then. I would much rather be sitting at my gate relaxed than standing in a a huge line.
    I would have done Global Entry(because I usually travel outside the US at least once a year) but the nearest airport to do it is 3 hours away and only open M-F and I work full time. My sister has it and she is always standing there waiting for me while I go through customs.

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  18. Wait… you’ve never had stovetop popcorn?? Welcome to a new and exciting world of flavor and variety! Try it with Brewer’s yeast – it’s fantastic.

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  19. Just renewed my TSA pre! I travel domestically a ton for work, and it definitely saves time overall, although it depends on the airport and the number of precheck lines they open. Before my husband had it we went through separate security lanes at BWI and I was waiting for him as he walked out of security with breakfast in hand that I had just bought!

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  20. Definitely do the kettle corn! Coconut oil is a must, and if you add the sugar and salt at the very end after popping and just stir violently the sugar melts fast and it’s done in maybe two minutes. Look for any vendors with popcorn at your farmers market, they often have interesting varieties with a ton of flavor

    Reply

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