Why I Love TSA PreCheck and You Will, Too
If you are planning to travel domestically within the U.S. at least a few times in the next 5 years, you should seriously consider applying for TSA PreCheck.
I’ve been using TSA PreCheck since 2021 when we wanted to spend as little time as possible in a tightly packed airport security line on our first vacation after the pandemic shutdowns. Now that we are used to sailing through the airport, I don’t think we’ll ever go back!
Here’s a quick overview of TSA PreCheck, the benefits, and what the application process entails.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
Per the TSA website, TSA PreCheck is “an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.” If you’ve flown in the past, you’ve probably seen signs for the separate TSA PreCheck lines at security checkpoints.
The program includes a background check process you pay to go through ahead of time in order to receive a TSA Known Traveler Number. Anytime you buy a plane ticket, you enter your Known Traveler Number when you book your flight which will add a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. This will then allow you to go through a different security screening process at over 200 airports throughout the U.S..
The Benefits of TSA PreCheck
1) It Saves You Time
If you fly in and out of a major airport, then you know that how much time you spend in the airport security line can vary significantly. And if you tend to fly during major holidays, the lines can be especially long.
According to the TSA, 99% of passengers with TSA PreCheck wait less than 10 minutes in security. Ten minutes! When you are trying to wrangle your family and your luggage through the airport security process, the less time you spend, the better.
Part of this can be attributed to the fact that TSA PreCheck passengers do not have to remove their shoes, light jackets or items like laptops and approved liquids from their bags, which definitely slows down the standard lines. Also, there are just fewer people that have opted in to going through the TSA PreCheck process which equals fewer people in line.
2) It’s a Bargain (And Might Even Be Free)
Depending on the approved TSA provider you go through, the initial application process currently costs between $78-$85 (as of December 2023) and your Known Traveler Number is good for 5 years. This means that TSA PreCheck costs only about $16-17 per year!
Even if you only travel once a year over the 5 years you have TSA PreCheck, it can be well worth it. My family visits my in-laws across the country at least once a year, not to mention our own family vacations and traveling for business. The $78 we paid up front has definitely paid off, especially those times we’ve been stuck in traffic or on a train to the airport that is just crawling along.
And depending on the credit cards you have in your wallet, you may be able to get your TSA PreCheck fee completely covered! A number of travel and business credit cards include reimbursement for the cost of PreCheck as a perk. You can find a complete list of credit cards that include this option here.
3) Kids Are Covered by Parents’ TSA PreCheck
If you’re wondering how this applies to children, the good news is that any child 12 and under can join their parents in the TSA PreCheck line without having to go through the application process themselves. Children 13-17 are also covered under their parents’ TSA PreCheck as long as their tickets were booked on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.
So no matter how many children you have, you only really need to pay for TSA PreCheck for the adults in the family for everyone to be covered!
My frequent flyer living her best life at MCO.
How to Apply
The application process for TSA PreCheck does take a bit of effort, but it absolutely pays off in the end.
You first need to complete a short application online, and then make an in-person appointment at a TSA-approved application center. You will need to bring a selection of approved documents with you to the appointment to confirm your identity.
When you arrive, you’ll present your documents and your fingerprints will be taken. You’ll answer a series of questions and then be on your way in about 10-15 minutes.
Start the TSA PreCheck application process
According to the TSA website, most people will be approved and receive their Known Traveler Number 3-5 days after their appointment, but it can take up to 60 days so you will want to go through this process well before you plan to travel.
You can also find a helpful list of FAQs on the TSA website.
Yes, it does take some time and effort to go through the TSA PreCheck process, but the benefits outweigh the hassle of completing this process once every 5 years. I have absolutely found that having TSA PreCheck has made traveling a much more enjoyable experience for me and my family.
If you’re considering going through the process, I’d highly recommend that you take the leap and apply for TSA PreCheck before you book your next flight!
If you’re starting to think about your travel plans for 2024, reach out!
