If you travel by plane more than a couple of times per year, this $78 airport hack is worth it for American travelers.
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows you to enter an expedited security line at more than 200 airports across the United States. In the PreCheck line, you will enjoy a shorter wait time, and you don’t have to take off your shoes or belt, remove your electronic devices, or remove small liquids from your luggage.
Here’s why TSA PreCheck is worth it for travelers right now:
Only $78 For Five Years
Once you apply for TSA PreCheck, it’s good for five years.
Last year, the cost for TSA PreCheck was reduced from $85 to $78. This works out to a little over $15 a year, which is very much worth it for the time you will save at the airport.
After five years, it’s only $70 to renew your TSA PreCheck for another five years.
More Than 200 Airports And 90 Airlines
Travelers at more than 200 airports across the United States have access to TSA PreCheck, flying on over 90 domestic and international airlines.
Recently, TSA added four new airlines, including low-cost French airline French Bee and Caribbean airline Cayman Airways to its PreCheck service.
This means that travelers flying on these airlines on international flights from the United States will be able to enjoy PreCheck benefits, in addition to travelers flying on more than 90 other major airlines.
Cheaper And Better Than Clear
Clear is a similar membership for travelers that allows access to shorter security lines at the airport. However, Clear is an inferior option compared to TSA PreCheck.
While TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports, Clear is only available at 53 airports.
It’s also $189 per year, as opposed to $78 for five years with PreCheck.
Easier To Apply Now
Applying for TSA PreCheck is a simple process, but it does require visiting an in-person enrollment center (many are available at airports or government buildings.)
Previously, it could be difficult to find an appointment available at a nearby enrollment center, but TSA PreCheck recently partnered with Telos Corporation to offer more enrollment centers.
This makes it easier and quicker to get your PreCheck application approved.
Teens 17 And Under Can Now Go With Parents
Previously, TSA PreCheck only allowed children 12 years old and under to go through the TSA PreCheck line with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck.
Teenagers needed their own TSA PreCheck membership in order to go through the PreCheck line with parents who have PreCheck.
However, a recent change now allows teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years to use TSA PreCheck when flying with a parent or guardian who has it.
This now makes it a lot easier for families to travel together with PreCheck.
Saves Time At Airports
Earlier this year, TSA PreCheck announced it now had over 15 million members.
This might put off some potential applicants, who may worry that the high number of TSA PreCheck members may weaken the benefits of the service.
However, the bottom line is that TSA PreCheck is still a time-saver.
Even with over 15 million members, the majority of travelers at an airport on any given day do not have PreCheck. Plus, PreCheck lines move faster than regular security lines since travelers do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove items from their luggage.
Overall, it’s estimated that 95% of TSA PreCheck travelers wait less than five minutes in line to go through security.
