Essential Guide to TSA PreCheck:

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, updated regularly with new information and offers.

By this point, you’ve probably at least heard of express airport security programs, if you haven’t tried them. TSA Pre-Check.

TSA PreCheck can be one of the most valuable investments you can make as a frequent traveler, thanks to the amount of time it saves and the peace of mind it provides.

This is your ultimate guide to TSA PreCheckincluding how the program works, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth the money.

What is TSA Pre-Check?

TSA PreCheck is a “trusted traveler” program administered by the United States government. It allows low-risk, pre-screened passengers at the airport to use a PreCheck-assigned security line instead of going through the regular Transportation Security Administration line.

PreCheck users often get through security faster than usual because they do not have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, 1 liter plastic bag for liquids or electronics from their carry-on luggage.

These visitors are typically screened through walk-in security machines versus full-body scanners.

Travelers can now use TSA PreCheck lanes with more 200 US airports when flying again More than 100 domestic and foreign airlines participate.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

Program fees vary by provider. Apply through Idemia costs $78 and registers through Telos costs $85. Online renewal costs $70 through either provider.

To pay the registration fee, be sure to use one of about 40 co-branded airlines, hotels and other carriers. credit card offers up to $120 in statement credits for fees associated with trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck. Some popular travel rewards cards that include PreCheck application fees include:

A complete list of credit cards with this feature is available This.

Additionally, some loyalty programs let you use points or miles to cover membership fees. However, the profit per point is usually lower than it is now TPG point valuationTherefore, we recommend using a credit card to receive the statement credit instead.

Does TSA PreCheck save you time at the airport?

TSA PreCheck can help you save time waiting in security lines.

Not only can I personally attest to this, but 99% of PreCheck passengers reported waiting less than 10 minutes at airport security checkpoints nationwide as of October 2024, according to TSA data.

Waiting at the PreCheck line can be rare, especially during peak travel seasons or at certain airports. However, in general, this does not happen for most PreCheck users.

Personally, I get through PreCheck security in three minutes or less at airports I frequently fly into, including Chicago airport. O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington DC, St. Louis Lambert (STL) and New York City LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

I could praise TSA PreCheck all day but don’t take my word for it. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for TSA PreCheck; TPG managing editor Clint Henderson said it has saved him “hours of waiting over the years,” including on recent trip to Hawaii.

“I really love TSA PreCheck. I traveled to Hawaii with family members who didn’t have PreCheck. I took my nieces and nephews in the PreCheck lane while my brother had to wait normal waiting line,” he said. “We passed him through the security check for about 20 minutes and on the way back it was a similar story.”

That’s because travelers 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has this right.

As our staff has experienced, the benefits of TSA PreCheck are especially evident when traveling with people who are not enrolled in the program.

“A friend and I flew from Houston to Miami and didn’t really think about how busy the airport would be during spring break,” said Matt Moffit, senior credit card editor at TPG. I have PreCheck; My friend doesn’t.” “I got to the gate with about five minutes left before the end of my flight. My friend was 20 minutes behind me. Luckily, our flight was delayed by 40 minutes so we both made it in time, but it was a Good lesson about the value of flight.” privilege is.”

If you know you’re going through a particularly busy airport or are just traveling during a busy time of year, such as during the holiday season, TSA PreCheck can be a lifesaver.

“Every time I go through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), especially during the holidays, I’m glad there’s TSA PreCheck. I look at the normal line — it’s often repeated over and over again.” — and I’m glad I didn’t have to wait in it,” said TPG senior writer Katie Genter. “It’s not just Atlanta — I’ve had similar experiences in many airports in the US and it’s always frustrating when I fly in one Airlines do not participate in PreCheck.”

TPG Senior Editor Christine Gallipeau is also grateful for TSA PreCheck because she usually waits in line for less than five minutes.

“Every time I fly back to Orlando on vacation, I’m always grateful for TSA PreCheck,” she said. Typically, I wait no more than five minutes, whereas the regular TSA line is usually significantly longer.” “In the days before PreCheck, I was a solo traveler stuck behind all the families so I was very relieved to be able to get to the gate faster so I could try to get a hard-to-find seat while waiting wait. The board.”

In addition to the time saved, going through the PreCheck lane is also logistically easier because you don’t have to remove any belongings from your suitcase or body.

“Is it wrong that I only use PreCheck because I hate taking off my shoes?” TPG senior vice president of content Jamie Page joked. “It’s like my socks know when I have to go through the standard screening process and start falling apart as I walk through it. But seriously, PreCheck has saved me from waiting in long lines with cranky kids.”

Bottom line

TSA PreCheck is just one tool that really makes navigating air and airport travel easier, faster, and overall more efficient than it would be without it.

If you’re considering purchasing TSA PreCheck, remember that membership also includes a 5-year membership to Global Entry, so you can take advantage of the benefits of both programs for an additional $42 USD (as of October 2024). Global entry provide low-risk, pre-approved travelers arriving in the United States from abroad with more speed 75 airports.

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