Is TSA PreCheck still worth it for travelers going into 2024?
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows enrolled travelers to go through an expedited security line at more than 200 airports in the United States.
In the PreCheck line, you don’t have to worry about taking off your shoes, removing your laptop or other electronics from your bag, taking off your belt, and other security hassles.
The lines for PreCheck are also significantly shorter than regular security lines, with 99% of travelers waiting under 10 minutes.
However, the program reached 15 million members earlier this year. It also faces competition from similar programs such as CLEAR.
So is TSA PreCheck still a good option for travelers in 2024? Here’s what you need to know!
Worth It For Frequent Travelers
First things first, let’s address the main question you might have — is TSA PreCheck worth the money and the time it takes to apply?
The answer is yes; it’s most definitely worth it for frequent travelers in the United States!
If you only fly once or twice per year, it may not be worth the cost or the time you’ll need to spend completing the application and enrollment interview.
But if you fly more frequently, it is definitely worth it. As mentioned above, 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait in line for under 10 minutes. This is a huge time savings compared to waiting in the regular security line at most airports.
It also makes air travel a little more comfortable since you don’t have to take off your shoes, belt, or light jacket or remove electronics and liquids from your bag.
Only $78 For 5 Years
Now let’s talk about the cost. TSA PreCheck costs $78, but it’s good for 5 years.
So basically you’re paying $15.60 a year for the ability to wait in significantly shorter airport security lines and enjoy a less invasive experience.
Upon renewal, it’s only $70 for the next 5 years.
Some credit cards even cover the cost of the TSA PreCheck application fee (check out some of our favorites!), so you could end up getting it for free if you’re a cardholder with this benefit.
New Airlines Recently Added
TSA PreCheck is constantly expanding. You can use your benefits at more than 200 airports across the United States and more than 90 airlines.
Just this week, TSA announced that four new airlines have been added to PreCheck.
If you’re flying with one of the following airlines out of the United States, you’ll now be able to use your TSA PreCheck benefits:
- Norse Atlantic Airways
- Lynx Air
- Starlux Airlines
- Fiji Airways
This is, of course, in addition to the 90+ airlines already covered by TSA PreCheck, including every major airline in the United States and abroad.
Better Option Than CLEAR
If you’re still on the fence about whether TSA PreCheck is worth it, you may also be considering a popular alternative, which is the non-governmental program CLEAR.
This program has more than 17 million members, and it’s similar to TSA PreCheck in that it lets you access an expedited security line at the airport.
However, you still have to remove your shoes, belt, electronics, liquids, and so on.
However, CLEAR costs $189 annually, so it’s significantly more expensive than PreCheck. It’s also only available at 54 airports in the United States, as opposed to the 200+ airports with PreCheck.
Recently, travelers with CLEAR have been complaining about extremely long waits in the designated CLEAR line — waits of more than an hour in a line that is supposed to be expedited.
This confirms that TSA PreCheck is likely the better option, giving you a lot more for a lot less money.
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