Skip the wait: Apply for TSA PreCheck at Staples, not the airport

If you have been conditionally approved for Pre-check TSA and are unable to schedule an interview due to a backlog of applications for the Trusted Traveler Program, you can complete the process at Staples near you.

While it’s been a feature available at Staples since 2018, it’s a timely opportunity to sign up for TSA PreCheck before the Transportation Security Administration expects a busy travel season at other locations. the airport in the next few weeks.

As a reminder, TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program that allows travelers to bypass TSA security through a PreCheck-only line where they don’t have to take off their shoes, laptop, liquids, belts or light jacket. Currently, TSA PreCheck is available at More than 200 US airports when flying 85 domestic and foreign airlines.

TSA PreCheck can save you a huge amount of time you would otherwise spend waiting in line, with 92% of users reporting that you had to wait less than five minutes at yard security checkpoints. flew nationwide in November, according to TSA data.

Here’s how to complete the TSA PreCheck application process at Staples.

To start this process, first, enter your zip code online to see if one of the participating Staples is convenient for you. For example, you can check-in at nine locations in the New York City area, as illustrated below.

After you choose a location, start the registration process as usual through the TSA PreCheck website. This includes completing an application with identifying information, including your date and place of birth, current address, height, weight, and eye color, among other metrics.

Once you are conditionally approved for TSA PreCheck, you must schedule an appointment to meet in person at the enrollment center where Staples is located.

When booking your appointment on the government website, select the option to interview at an enrollment center “located inside Staples” and confirm that you are scheduling at your desired store location.

Aside from its location, the interview process shouldn’t be any different from interviewing at Staples than at one of the 400 government admissions centers, many of which are located at the airport. For a complete list of admissions centers, see here.

During the interview, get fingerprinted and background checked, with the whole process taking just a few minutes. After your interview, you will receive a letter in the mail with your Known Traveler Number within two to three weeks, if not sooner. In the interim, you can also check the status of your application online and find out much faster if you’ve been approved, at which point you can start using TSA PreCheck on your next trip.

TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a 5-year membership, which you can then renew online for $70. However, you can save or sign up for free by holding one of about 50 airlines, hotels, and other co-branded airlines. credit offers users a statement credit refund of up to $100 for subscription fees.

Note that this credit is usually available every four to five years, so check the terms for your particular card for the exact frequency.

See here for a complete list Discount credit card for TSA PreCheck.

bottom line

The pandemic-induced backlog of applications means it can take weeks or even months to schedule interviews for Trusted Traveler Programs, such as TSA PreCheck. One way to speed this process up is to see if there is a Staples enrollment center in your area.

While appointments are appreciated, Staples says you can also come in for this service. However, we recommend that you schedule an appointment to ensure service.

For more information on how TSA PreCheck works, read: