By this point, at least you’ve probably heard of the express airport security program Pre-check TSA. Perhaps you’ve tried it yourself, or maybe you’ve seen the TSA’s Pre-Check line at the airport and wondered what it was.
Well, I’m here to tell you that TSA PreCheck is one of the most valuable investments you can make as a traveler, thanks to the amount of time it saves and the peace of mind it provides. bring.
This is your ultimate guide to TSA PreCheckincluding how the program works, how much it costs, and why it’s worth every penny.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a “trusted traveler” program administered by the US government. It allows low-risk, pre-screened travelers to use a security line designated by PreCheck instead of going through the usual US Transportation Security Administration line at the airport.
PreCheck users often go through security faster than they would otherwise because they go through without taking off their shoes, belt or light jacket, or taking off their clothing. quart size liquid bag or electronics from their carry-on baggage.
In addition, these travelers are often screened through a walk-in security machine versus a full-body scanner.
Tourists can now use TSA PreCheck lanes for more 200 US airports when flying over 85 domestic and foreign airlines participate.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
A 5-year TSA PreCheck membership costs $78. You can renew your application, online or in person, up to six months before the expiration date for $70.
To pay the subscription fee, make sure to use one of the approximately 50 airlines, hotels, and other co-branded airlines. credit offers up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for fees associated with trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck.
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A full list of credit cards with this feature is now available here.
Additionally, some loyalty programs allow you to use points or miles to cover membership fees. However, the return per point is often lower than it is now TPG . Point Valuationso we recommend using a credit card to get statement credit instead.
Does TSA PreCheck save you time at the airport?
TSA PreCheck can save you a huge amount of time you would otherwise spend waiting in line for security.
Not only can I personally attest to this, but 91% of PreCheck passengers said they waited less than five minutes at airport security checkpoints across the country in October alone, based on TSA . data.
A wait in the Check First queue can be rare. However, in my experience as a PreCheck user, I haven’t encountered this in almost a decade.
On average, I go through PreCheck security in three minutes or less at the airports I usually fly to, including O’Hare . International Airport (ORD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), St. Louis Lambert (STL) and 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 says it has saved him “hours of waiting for years”, including on a recent trip to Hawaii.
“I absolutely love TSA PreCheck. I’m taking my two nieces and nephews to Hawaii with my brother, who doesn’t have PreCheck. I put all three kids in the PreCheck lane while my brother has to wait in line. waiting in San Jose, California,” Clint told me. “We beat him through security about 20 minutes, and it was a similar story on the way back. We killed 20 minutes of waiting for our brother by buying souvenirs at the airport.”
As a reminder, travelers 12 years of age and younger can use the TSA Pre-Check lane when traveling with a parent or guardian with a boarding pass.
The benefits of TSA PreCheck are especially evident when traveling with people who don’t have it.
“Me and a friend flew from Houston to Miami earlier this year and didn’t really think about how busy the airport would be on the first Monday of spring break. I have PreCheck and my friend doesn’t. ,” TPG’s premium credit card said editor Matt Moffit. “I arrived at the gate with about five minutes to spare before the boarding process ended. My friend was 20 minutes behind me. Fortunately, our flight was delayed by 40 minutes so we both made it in time. , but it’s a valuable lesson in the importance of boarding. the privilege is.”
Even if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t have TSA PreCheck, having it can help them in ways you might not expect, says Ryan Smith, credit card writer for TPG.
“My wife lost her ID at the airport when we arrived in Alaska earlier this year. On the return flight I went through PreCheck while she had to do further checks, but I ran to their gate. me and told them she was coming,” he said. “She entered the plane as they were closing the door. It wouldn’t matter if she was able to get through the First Check line, so we really understood how huge the benefit could be.”
If you know you’re going through a particularly busy airport or just travel during a busy time of year, such as during the holidays, then TSA Pre-Check is a must-have.
“Every time I go through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), especially during the holidays, I’m happy to have TSA PreCheck. I look at the usual line — often repeated over and over again — and I do. so glad I didn’t have to wait in there,” said TPG senior writer Katie Genter. “It’s not just Atlanta — I’ve had a similar experience at many airports in the US and am always annoyed when flying with an airline that doesn’t participate in PreCheck.”
Like more than 90% of TSA PreCheck users, TPG editor Christine Gallipeau is grateful to TSA PreCheck because she usually waits no more than five minutes in line.
“Every time I fly back to Orlando for the holidays, I’m always grateful to have TSA PreCheck. Usually, my wait time in a PreCheck line is no more than five minutes, while regular security lines are packed with lots of extras. Families with young children and tons of devices are often significantly longer,” says Christine. “In the days before PreCheck, when I was a solo traveler stuck behind all the families, my wait times were usually close to an hour (if not longer), so I was very excited. I’m relieved to be able to get to the gate faster. I can try to grab a hard-to-find seat while waiting to board the plane.”
In addition to the time saved, going through the PreCheck lane is logistically easier, as you don’t have to take any belongings out of your suitcase or body.
“Is it wrong that I only have PreCheck because I hate taking my shoes off?” Jamie Page Deaton, TPG’s senior vice president of content jokes. “Like my socks know when I have to go through the standard screening process and start to break down when I walk through them. But seriously, PreCheck has saved me from having to wait in long lines with the kids. irritable child.”
bottom line
TSA PreCheck is just a tool that really makes navigating air travel and airports much easier, faster and more efficient than without it.
For more information on how to use TSA PreCheck, read on:
