You arrive at the airport and the security line is wrapped around the building and your heart starts racing. You think there has got to be a better way to travel. You see people walking through a special TSA PreCheck line and envy begins to build. What is this TSA PreCheck line? How do I get TSA PreCheck? Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Our TSA PreCheck guide will show you just how valuable it is and how to simplify your travel.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a “Trusted Traveler Program” run by the Transportation Security Administration. The line is for those passengers that have been pre-screened by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and are approved as low risk travelers.
The benefits of having TSA PreCheck are that travelers do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or jackets. The TSA also estimates that 91% of those with PreCheck waited less than 5 minutes.
You will find the program available at 200 airports and there are currently 87 participating airlines.
Who is eligible?
TSA Precheck is eligible to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and lawful permanent residents (LPR- also known as a green card holder), members of the U.S. Armed Forces, passengers 12 and younger traveling with an eligible passenger.
- Information provided on the application is complete and truthful
- No past criminal convictions nor any pending criminal charges
- Immigration and customs laws have not been violated
- There are no ongoing investigations
What is the cost?
A TSA PreCheck membership lasts 5 years at a cost of $78 ultimately a cost of $15.60 per year.. You are able to renew your membership online for $70.
There are a number of credit cards and loyalty programs that offer a credit towards the application fee or allow members to use rewards points to pay for the application fee.
How do you get TSA PreCheck?
There are three simple steps for you to obtain TSA PreCheck.
- Apply. You can apply online at the TSA PreCheck site. The process takes approximately five minutes. Basic personal information is required including name, date of birth and contact information. You will need to schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers where you will be fingerprinted for a background check.
- Enroll in person. Attend a 10 minute in person appointment for your fingerprinting.
- Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation and begin to enjoy faster travel. You will need to add your KTN to your airline reservation if you want TSA PreCheck. You want to ensure that TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass.
Most applicants will receive their KTN( Known Traveler Number) in 3-5 days, however some applications can take up to 60 days. Applicants can receive updates on their status by email, phone, text, or by checking online.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
TSA PreCheck will save you a tremendous amount of time at the airport. It will also reduce the amount of stress when arriving at the airport as well.
It is reported that 90% of TSA PreCheck members spend five minutes or less in security lines. Which during busy times at the airport this could save 10 to 20 minutes or more.
If you are traveling with children under the age of 12, they can go through the TSA PreCheck with you as well. This alone will reduce anxiety of getting through the airport.
If you are like me and hate taking off your shoes to go through security, pulling out the laptop, and pulling out the liquids, TSA PreCheck is the way to go.
When is TSA PreCheck not worth it…
If you are not planning on traveling. If you don’t have any upcoming travel plans and don’t have any intention of traveling. Then there is no need for this program.
International travel is more your thing. TSA PreCheck will expedite your travels within the U.S .or departing from the U.S. It will not be the option for arrivals to the U.S. For this option you may want to check out Global Entry or CLEAR.
Your frequently used airport doesn’t have TSA PreCheck. If you are traveling out of an airport that doesn’t have TSA PreCheck then you may not be able to reap the benefits of the TSA PreCheck program as much.
Bottom Line
At a cost of $15.60 per year, TSA PreCheck is a tool that can make your travels less stressful and smoother. If you get a credit card that offers TSA PreCheck as a benefit the cost becomes even less.
Coming from someone who has traveled with young children (12 and under), the benefits of having TSA PreCheck are exponential.
Hence, you can start the application process, simply go to the TSA PreCheck application site.