About 6 years ago, I was in a job where I traveled a lot and often on very short notice. After a few trips, I decided to invest in the TSA Pre-Check Program to save myself some time at the airport before a flight. Since then, I’ve used it on dozens of trips, and would absolutely say that it’s worth it. There are a few things that you should know before deciding if it’s right for you too.
What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?
At over 200 US Airports, you’ll likely find a much shorter TSA PreCheck line. You’ll often save 30 – 45 minutes of standing in line to get to the TSA desk. Once at the TSA Desk, you’ll scan your boarding pass and ID as usual. Then head to the screening station. With TSA Pre-Check, you’ll avoid needing to take off your shoes or light jacket. In addition, you don’t need to take laptops or your 3-1-1 bag of liquids out of your bag. Generally, I’ve passed through the metal detector machine, and as long as I don’t set it off, I grab my bag and am on my way.
Pro Tip: Although it’s not always guaranteed, most of the time I have found that anybody that I booked tickets with also got pre-check automatically added to their ticket, even if they don’t have it normally. But, if they don’t get it, then you’re stuck waiting 45 minutes for them to get through the regular security screening process.
Are there any downsides to TSA PreCheck?
To be honest, there aren’t many. The three biggest are that your approval in the program isn’t guaranteed.
- The reasons for disqualification are fairly limited.
- It only works at US Airports, so if you travel internationally, you’ll need to get used to waiting in lines on the way back.
- If you have a habit of booking tickets last minute (like less than 24 hours before travel), you may not get PreCheck, and then you’ll need to use a normal TSA line.
But, I found that adding my KTN (Known Traveler Number) to my airline profile generally increases the chances that I get PreCheck. But if I’m flying an airline that I don’t have a frequent flyer profile already, I might be in the regular line.
How much does TSA PreCheck Cost?
The TSA Pre-Check program is $85 per 5-year period, with an additional 5-year renewal being only $70 (for online renewals). That comes out to be $17 a year for the first 5 years and then $14 a year after that. Beyond the financial cost, there is the time cost. There is a short required interview to obtain TSA Precheck. TSA claims it only takes about 10 minutes at one of several hundred TSA Enrollment sites around the country.
What do I need to bring to my TSA PreCheck Interview?
Similar to getting a REAL ID, you’ll need to bring documentation of your identity and citizenship. So, a US Passport, or a Driver’s License and Birth Certificate. More information on what you’ll need to bring can be found on the TSA Website.
How does TSA PreCheck Work?
Unlike most membership programs, there is no membership card or key tag or similar. It’s just a number, known as a KTN or Known Traveler Number. You’ll need to make sure to keep that somewhere safe. Any time you book a plane ticket, you’ll just add your KTN in the required field.
When you receive your plane ticket, you should see “PRECHECK” printed on it somewhere. The same applies to Digital E-Tickets. That designation on your ticket gets you access to the TSA Pre-Check lines for airports that have dedicated lines.
It will get you to the front of the line and expedited screening for those that don’t have dedicated lines. Most airline frequent flyer programs also allow you to add it to your profile so it will automatically add your KTN to all of your flight bookings.
Does TSA PreCheck actually save time?
I have found in my personal travels, that TSA PreCheck has always saved me time. The TSA PreCheck Line is always much shorter than the normal security screening line. Also the savings in time from not having to take things out of my bag, or remove my shoes.
When I travel with others who don’t have TSA PreCheck, I always clear security first, generally by 10 or more minutes. Sometimes up to 45 minutes faster. I’ve used TSA PreCheck over a dozen times now, and every time found it to be a quick, seamless experience. So far, I haven’t had a negative experience.
How long does it take for TSA PreCheck approval?
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) reports that PreCheck Approval generally takes 3 – 5 days. But in some cases can take up to 60 days. You can check your status on the TSA Website. You’ll receive an email as soon as your application is processed.
How many people in the US have TSA PreCheck?
According to the TSA, just over 10 million people in the United States have TSA PreCheck. This is evidence that the program works and that people find it valuable. Of course, the more popular the program becomes the more you’ll find lines at the TSA PreCheck Screenings.
Why do people get denied TSA PreCheck?
“If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing false or fraudulent documents, making a bomb threat, or bringing a firearm, explosive, or other prohibited item to an airport or onboard an aircraft, you are denied expedited screening for a period of time. The duration of disqualification from participation in TSA PreCheck is related to the seriousness of the violation and/or a repeated history of regulatory violations.”
TSA Website
How many people go through TSA every year?
In 2021, TSA Officers reported that they screened 585.3 million travelers, an average of 1.6 million passengers per day.
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry
The TSA has a Global Entry Program that will make customs easier on my way back into the US from international destinations and includes TSA Pre-Check as part of the program. It’s $100 for 5 years, so slightly more than PreCheck by itself. If you ever travel internationally, it’s worth looking into.
It’s a little more of an involved process, including a full background check, employment, address history, and interview. It may save you some time at customs when returning from international trips.
Think Global Entry might be better for you? Check out here if its worth it.
Is TSA PreCheck worth getting?
With over a dozen trips completed using TSA PreCheck, I can say that I absolutely find it worthwhile. It speeds me through the security line. It simplifies the process of getting through security. And the only real downsides are that I can’t use it everywhere, the cost, and having to give up some personal information. If you don’t like standing in line at TSA screening, this is absolutely worth it. Now that you’ve gotten your PreCheck don’t forget to check out what items you need for your long flights.
Disclaimer: The TSA is tasked with protecting our air travel, and even if you are in a pre-screened program, you may have a different experience for a whole variety of reasons. The TSA stresses that they change their security procedures regularly to ensure that they continue to be effective, so they may change at any time without notice.
