Is TSA Precheck Really Worth the Hassle?
Since its inception in 2013, TSA Precheck has been touted as the fastest and easiest way to get through airport security. But how true is this? This article will discuss the cost of TSA Precheck, its benefits, and whether or not it’s really worth your time and money.
Four Reasons to Get TSA Precheck
Don’t want to wait in long security lines? Have a thing about taking off your shoes or removing your liquids, gels, and aerosols (LAGS)? Afraid of having to take out your laptop at security because you forgot its separate case with your power cord back at home? If so, then getting TSA Precheck might be right for you.
It will allow you to bypass most of these things when going through airport security screening.
There are four easy ways to obtain pre-screening: by applying online, applying by mail, or visiting an enrollment center. It is recommended that those seeking pre-screening use a private document company for their ID documents as some have reported mixed results using documents issued directly from government agencies.
How to Get TSA Precheck
The benefit of an expedited security experience alone should be enough to convince frequent flyers to sign up for TSA Precheck. For less than $85, travelers can join one of these trusted traveler programs and avoid having to remove their shoes or belt, their laptops from bags, or remove liquids from their bags.
There are several ways to get pre-screened: if you fly 25+ times a year and/or you have a credit card that has offered you TSA pre-screening in exchange for your frequent flyer miles, then apply for it through your airline.
What it Costs
$85 for five years of pre-approval, plus $17 for a background check every time you apply. (This fee is waived if you’re a member of a major airline’s frequent flier program.) The price tag alone may deter some, but don’t forget about time costs: applying for TSA Precheck involves filling out an online form with your passport number and other information, along with scheduling an appointment at one of the Enrollment Application Centers.
Plus, to be eligible, you must travel internationally at least four times in a 12-month period.
When/How Often Should I Use It?
If you travel regularly, TSA PreCheck might be worth applying for. The program allows you to skip some of the hassles that come with flying: You can leave your shoes and belt on, keep your laptop in its case, and don’t have to remove liquids from their containers. If you’re traveling with children or elderly family members who can’t go through regular security lines without assistance, it’s definitely worth using.
Even if you don’t travel frequently enough to make a membership worthwhile, it might be a good idea to enroll during peak travel seasons so that when you do fly, there are fewer lines and less time spent worrying about whether everything is exactly right in your bag.
What’s Next with TSA Precheck?
The newest and most revolutionary development with pre-screening is that it may soon be coming to non-US airports. However, it’s not as simple as signing up for TSA pre-check (which you can do here), since each airline has different rules and fees.
Once you have your approval letter, you’ll need to present it at an airport security checkpoint along with your regular boarding pass. The new program promises to speed up check-in times and make travel less of a hassle.