Traveling Soon? All About TSA PreCheck And If It's Worth It

Kyle Gomez
·5 min read

We cover the cost and benefits of this expedited airport line option.

There are two types of airport travelers—those who want to get to the airport three (or more!) hours early and those who like to stroll through security and immediately board the plane. I personally feel the most alive when I briskly mall-walk from security to the gate with only minutes to spare.

While every traveler is different, TSA PreCheck might be something everyone can find value in. Below, we break down all of the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

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What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows travelers to use dedicated screening lanes which have boasted wait times of five minutes or less.

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TSA PreCheck Cost

How much is TSA PreCheck? Your PreCheck status is a five-year membership that costs $78.

Who Is Eligible for TSA PreCheck?

Travelers who are able to go through the expedited PreCheck lanes include:

  • U.S. Citizens enrolled in TSA PreCheck

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are members of SENTRI

  • U.S. citizens, permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS

  • Members of Global Entry

  • Passengers 12 and younger who are traveling with an eligible passenger

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TSA PreCheck Benefits

With your PreCheck status, you are able to use specific TSA PreCheck screening lanes that allow you to breeze through airport security in record time due in large part to the background check done during the application and enrollment process.

TSA PreCheck travelers are not required to remove:

  • Shoes

  • Belts

  • Laptops from bag

  • Light Jacket/Outerwear

  • 3-1-1 Compliant Bag (a one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters)

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TSA PreCheck Application

How do you apply for TSA PreCheck? The TSA PreCheck website makes it very easy to apply with 4 easy steps. 

  • Step 1 requires that you provide all basic applicant information.

  • Step 2 is a series of eligibility questions that allow you to decide if PreCheck is right for you.

  • Step 3 allows you to select the required documents you wish to bring to the enrollment appointment.

  • Step 4 allows you to schedule an appointment at a designated enrollment center based on the location information you enter.

The entire online application process takes less than five minutes. It's important to remember to bring all of the necessary documentation to your enrollment center appointment. Using the enrollment center locator, TSA offers you the ability to choose your enrollment center based on your location information. I was able to choose between my local airport terminal and a variety of Staples locations.

The enrollment center appointment is straightforward and easy. When you arrive at your scheduled appointment time, a TSA agent will review your necessary documentation, ask all required background check questions and get your fingerprints. The entire in-person appointment takes 10 minutes and continues the trend of streamlined easy enrollment.

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TSA PreCheck Status

You've applied, but now what? In three to five business days, you can expect to receive your KTN (Known Traveler Number), though some applications can take up to 60 days. You can easily check for updates on your enrollment application status by email, phone, text or by checking online.

Once you've received your KTN, keep it in an easy-to-remember location—you are required to supply airlines with this number at the time of reservation so that you are able to enjoy the benefits of this program.

TSA PreCheck Renewal

Every five years, you are eligible to renew your status. Online renewal is $70 for another five-year membership and for $78, you may renew your membership in person.

Using TSA PreCheck Correctly

If you've applied your KTN information to your airline reservation, your boarding pass will now have a TSA PreCheck indicator on it. This indicator allows you to use the dedicated PreCheck screening lanes at all participating airports.

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<p>Via TSA.gov</p>

Via TSA.gov

Loyalty Programs

There are currently 38 credit cards that offer loyalty programs that range from allowing members to use reward points to pay for the application fee, to providing a statement credit and, in some cases, they cover the TSA PreCheck application as a member benefit. It is important to note that when the time for renewal comes, most of the loyalty programs cover the renewal cost as well. It's worth checking if your credit card offers these programs.

Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?

Everything about the TSA Precheck enrollment is so quick and painless that it is hard to come up with a reason not to apply. And if you happen to have a credit card that offers to cover the $78 application fee, this seems like a no-brainer. Get TSA Precheck, enjoy airport cocktails hours ahead of your flight or use it to see how much time you can shave off of your already-tight preflight arrival. Either way, keep your shoes on and leave those long TSA lines in the past.

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