I was able to use TSA Pre✓™ going both directions in my Convention visit, Portland OR, and Las Vegas by air.

No undressing, no shoes off, no emptying pockets, just doff your hat and carry it through the metal detector. You can even leave laptops in a bag as you send it through the XRAY machine. I have finally learned to put my pocket knife in my checked bag, but TSA Pre✓™doesn't even check any more since you don't empty your pockets. Airports that have TSA Pre✓™ also have dedicated queues (usually only a couple of travelers ahead of you).

I had hundreds of chips and tokens in my carry-on returning home, but other than a delay of a few seconds as the operator fiddled with the display there was no problam at all, not even a comment.

If you travel more than a couple of times a year, TSA Pre✓™ is worth it. Unless your regular airline recommends you, the best way is to get approved for the GOES program. All info is on the www at the TSA site. Note: you will be photographed, fingerprinted, and "put into the system" when you get your GOES clearance .