If you’ve ever stood in line at airport security and thought that there must be an easier way, then you’re in luck. TSA Precheck: The Reason Why You Need It. Travel With Less Hassle
With TSA Precheck, you can skip the long lines and get through security quickly and efficiently with minimal hassles. Here’s what you need to know about this program that could change your travel experience forever!
You Need TSA Precheck to Get Through Airport Security Quickly and Easily
Should I buy TSA pre-check?
One of my biggest gripes with traveling is waiting in line at airport security. As I watch people shuffle through one line after another, I get increasingly frustrated. There’s a faster way, though: enrolling in TSA pre-check allows you to head into a dedicated security lane for just $85 (or $17/year if you already have Global Entry).
It pays for itself after just a few trips. Even if you fly once or twice per year, it’s worth it—and it’s so easy to sign up! Here are three reasons why you need a TSA pre-check.
What are the benefits of buying TSA pre-check?
Once you’ve been approved for pre-check, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when booking your trip. The cost is $85 for five years, which works out to $17 per year. To buy it directly from TSA, click here.
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Where can I buy TSA pre-check?
You can get an application for TSA pre-check by visiting tsa.gov/tsaconfidenttraveler. If you’re approved, you’ll be sent a Known Traveler Number, which will be added to your booking record when you reserve your flight online with any participating airline or travel provider.
Once you have your KTN, verify it by going online to tsa.gov/precheck or at a designated kiosk at participating airports—the sooner, the better as it may take up to 48 hours for verification if time is of the essence.
The fee for five years of eligibility is $85 (the price was raised from $100 in October 2015). Because payment is made at time of application, you must pay with a credit card; personal checks are not accepted.
Do I get charged an application fee?
You will not be charged an application fee. The only fee you will be required to pay is $85 for a background check through US Government agencies. If you are approved, your five-year status is valid as long as you update your information (address, name change, etc.) every time there is a change.
This can all be done online from anywhere in just a few minutes.
Do I need special identification?
Yes. It’s possible to apply for a program called TSA PreCheck, which allows you to go through expedited security without removing your shoes, belt or light outerwear. However, you’ll need either an active credit card or $85 in cash (for non-cardholders) for each application.
This fee is good for five years—and if approved, lasts as long as you keep up with payments and remain in good standing with American Express.
For most people, it’s worth it: You can expect your trip through airport security lines to be over 10 minutes faster on average—but that savings of time will add up if you’re getting through more than once per week.
How do I get approved for TSA pre-check?
Currently, there are three ways to get approved for TSA pre-check: Fly frequently (at least once every 120 days), have Global Entry/NEXUS, or be selected as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Program participant through a trusted traveler program other than Global Entry or NEXUS.
All travelers can go online at www.tsa.gov/precheck, complete an application, pay a fee of $85 for five years (or $17 per year) and schedule an appointment at one of over 200 enrollment centers across the country within 24 hours with no additional documentation required.
If you are approved by TSA, you will receive an identification card in about two weeks that you’ll need to bring with you each time you fly.
Is there a fee to join?
You don’t have to pay an application fee or any kind of annual membership fee. If you’re approved, your five-year membership will be valid for life, no matter how many times you use it. The only fees that apply are if you decide not to join (the application is free). In that case, they charge an $85 non-refundable background check fee.
And if you do have your membership revoked—for reasons like being convicted of a felony—there’s an $85 nonrefundable application/processing fee in addition to other penalties as determined by TSA.
Just because there aren’t monthly or annual fees doesn’t mean that applying for TSA Precheck is completely free though.
How long does it take to get through security with TSA pre-check?
I recently did a test run at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD). After going through security with TSA pre-check, I compared my experience with two other standard security screenings. At O’Hare, you have three choices: get stuck in regular security lines; pay $10 more per person for priority screening; or upgrade your boarding pass so that you can use TSA pre-check.
If you go through regular screening, you will wait on average 21 minutes to get through security, but if you go through pre-check instead, it takes about 7 minutes.
That makes a huge difference if there are 10 or 20 people waiting in line in front of you.
How do I use my Known Traveler Number?
The Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a unique nine-digit number that verifies you’re eligible for TSA Pre√®. It’s issued by your airline or travel provider after they verify your information against government databases. You can also use it when booking reservations, as it allows you access to special check-in lines at airports.
To find out if you have a KTN and how to use it, contact your airline or travel provider directly.