Plane travel is one of the most secure ways of getting to your desired location without any stress or delays. Nevertheless, merely the thought of standing in the airport’s long, hectic security lanes squeezes the passenger’s heart out. This panics the travelers and compels them to find ways to expedite the security check-in procedure. Fortunately, TSA PreCheck is your way out of the dreadful situation you want to avoid.
Do you know that according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) report, the busiest travel days occurred this summer, with over three million people taking their anticipated vacations and choosing TSA PreCheck to pass quickly through the checkpoints?
As of 2024, 99% of passengers who chose TSA PreCheck waited not more than 10 minutes in the security lanes to pass through the area. And, yes, it’s to be noted that the PreCheck Program has a community of over 18 million active passengers.
Before introducing you to the everything-s of TSA PreCheck, let us first provide you with some key points.
- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration authorizes TSA PreCheck.
- It allows passengers to pass through the security checkpoints without waiting.
- TSA PreCheck is available to passengers in every major airport in the United States.
- Passengers can obtain the TSA PreCheck facility by applying on the official site of TSA.
TSA PreCheck? What Is It?
TSA PreCheck refers to a membership program for passengers who, at all costs, would want to avoid long security lanes at the airport. This offers passengers the opportunity to expedite the security procedures at approximately a hundred airports across the United States of America.
Members of TSA PreCheck receive a KTN (Known Traveler Number), which helps the airlines to know that this passenger is eligible for the benefits of TSA PreCheck. For your information, around 90 airlines are the participants of TSA to simplify the airport passenger screening process.
You must add your Known Traveler Number to your booked flight reservation and receive a “TSA PreCheck” sign on your boarding pass. After this, you will be able to use the dedicated lines.
It’s important to note that not all airlines have participated in the program. Hence, you must confirm with the airline you are flying with whether they are the members.
Children aged up to 12 years are not required to have their separate TSA PreCheck membership (if they are flying with a guardian/adult/parents) who are program members. On the other hand, children between thirteen to seventeen years old are eligible only if their boarding pass reflects the TSA PreCheck status.
| Real ID | Passengers above 18 must have government-approved documentation or ID proof to travel and pass through TSA PreCheck at the airport. This includes: State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card, etc. |
| Liquids Rules | Passengers passing through TSA are allowed to carry quart-sized bags of gels, aerosols, liquids, pastes, creams, etc, in the carry-on luggage, which must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less. |
| Travel Redress | DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program by TSA offers solutions to passengers who encounter difficulties passing through the security procedures or inspections at the airport. Connect if you cannot print your boarding pass, denied or delayed boarding, are referred for additional screening at the airport, etc. |
| Digital Identity | Passengers can opt for the touchless ID program by TSA to breeze through the process. You must scan your ID in the digital ID reader to get a message on your device requesting consent to share your ID proofs with the TSA department. |
| What Can I Bring | TSA allows passengers to bring an array of items on board, either in carry-on luggage or in checked luggage. On the other hand, some items are entirely prohibited on the plane. The products that you carry must be size and weight-specific per the TSA. If any of the product alarms during the TSA screening, it will go through additional checks. |
| Emerging Technology | TSA is doing its best to enhance the security of passengers by taking into consideration the emerging technologies. This includes using the Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs), Biometrics Technology, Computed Tomography, and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT). |
How Does TSA PreCheck Works?
Began back in 2013, the TSA program speeds up the process of security screening at the airport. Travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck will find dedicated lanes at the airport, heading towards the security checkpoints. The passengers are not required to remove belts, lightweight jackets, shoes, etc, during the screening procedure. Items in the carry-on bag are also not separated for checks. If you carry a laptop and items in your carry-on luggage, you can leave them as it is. However, if the alarm rings at any given point, the passenger is pulled aside for additional checks, leading to potential delays.
While a passenger may think these procedures to be useless, the case is different. A passenger-cum-terrorist used his sneakers to smuggle explosives on a flight from Paris to Miami in 2001, vandalizing the security of hundreds of people. Given that hazardous and illegal items are usually hidden by such people inside their belongings, it becomes crucial to opt for extra security measures. You must know that TSA is able to identify a passenger and check on his background if anything seems doubtful.
Requirements to Avail of TSA PreCheck
The citizens of the United States of America, lawful permanent residents, and the US Nationals are eligible to benefit from the TSA PreCheck program. Those who are interested can navigate the official site of TSA to apply online. Once the TSA approves and books you an interview, you are expected to follow the instructions and bring in your documentation, id proofs, photographs, and other relevant documents for the further procedure. If you are an immigrant, you can check the details through the Homeland security website.
Benefits Passengers Get With TSA PreCheck
Undoubtedly, TSA PreCheck is the best thing that has happened to passengers since 2013. So, even if you are forced to fly on the weekends or holidays during the peak hours, TSA will give you some leverage. The benefits include the following:
- There is a dedicated security lane for TSA members at the airport.
- For a separate screening, you do not have to pile your laptop or remove your shoes, coat, etc. It lets you quickly go through the security checkpoints at over 100 airports in the United States.
- An effective prescreening process by TSA proves that you are a generally law-abiding citizen who’s up to no good or bad, for that matter.
Simply put, TSA PreCheck saves you the most important thing in life: time.
How to Get TSA PreCheck Without Charges?
Passengers often pay for this service via their debit or credit cards. But wait! Do you actually have to pay? Well, some passengers get it without paying any charges. Here are the ways if you want to do the same:
- The Department of Homeland Security sometimes randomly issues TSA PreCheck as a marketing effort, but it can be an opportunity for you. So, grab it by signing up.
- Active military members of the US Armed Forces are automatically entitled to this service. If you are one, you can add your Department of Defense identification number as KTN and receive the service. This includes the personnel of the Reserves and National Guard, cadets, and midshipmen.
- Some of the hotel loyalty programs, as well as the airlines, allow you to redeem points and miles, which you can use to pay for TSA PreCheck’s application cost.
- How can we forget the credit card benefits? Many credit card companies reimburse the amount paid for TSA PreCheck service every 4-5 years, such as United Explorer Card, Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
How Much Does It Cost To Get TSA PreCheck?
The passengers have to pay an amount of $78 to get TSA PreCheck. Once you are a member, your plan’s validity is good to go for the upcoming 5 years. It’s important to check whether your membership is still active whenever you are flying. If it’s active but you are still unable to access TSA PreCheck, connect with the representatives of the airline you are flying with and questions about their participancy
Credit Card To Offer Access To TSA PreCheck
Numerous Credit Card companies offer the benefit of TSA PreCheck included in the membership. Per the TSA, these cards include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Commerce Bank World Elite Mastercard
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Card
- Mastercard Gold and Black Card
- Marriott: Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card and Bonvoy
- HSBC: Premier World Mastercard, Elite World Elite Mastercard
- Citi: Prestige Card, AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard,
- Capital One: Venture Card, Venture X, Spark Miles Card, Venture X Business Card
- Delta SkyMiles: Platinum American Express Card, Reserve American Express Card
- US Bank: Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card, FlexPerks Gold American Express Card
- Truist: Business Travel Rewards credit card, Enjoy Beyond credit card, Enjoy Travel credit card
The Steps To Sign Up or Enroll For TSA PreCheck
All lawful permanent residents of the US and US citizens can follow the aforementioned steps to sign up for the TSA program:
- Visit the official site of TSA and tap on “Apply Now.”
- Complete the questions asked to confirm your eligibility.
- Provide the documents requested for verification by the TSA.
- Select any of the 600+ enrollment centers to schedule your interview.
- Check your email confirming your appointment with the TSA representatives.
Make sure to bring in all the requested documents to your interview venue.
Is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry The Same? Learn the Difference
While understanding TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, the passengers wonder which is what. While both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are manufactured to streamline a passenger’s air travel, they differ. Let’s understand the key difference between TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry.
| Programs | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
| Known For | Domestic passengers | International passengers |
| Enrollment Centre | 600+ | 100+ |
| Fee of Application | $77.95 – $85 ($68.95 – $70 online renewal) | $120 |
| Membership Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Access to expedited U.S. Customs lanes | No | Yes |
| Access to TSA PreCheck security lane | Yes | Yes |
| Can bring minor children with you (12 & under) | Yes | Only if they have a separate membership |
Is TSA PreCheck Worth The Hype?
Wondering whether TSA PreCheck is worth it? Well, all the compiled information suggests that TSA PreCheck is worth it. The benefits outweigh the dollars that you spend on buying the membership. In addition, as it gets you through the security checkpoints faster than regular passengers, you won’t have to wait in the long lanes anymore. TSA PreCheck is a valuable service that saves you from traveling frustration and chaos at the airport.
Recent Inquiries!
Yes. TSA PreCheck is definitely worth it as it saves you time and frustration at the airport. You can freely and quickly get through the dedicated security lanes.
TSA PreCheck costs a passenger around $77.95 – $85. However, if you are using a credit card that reimburses the amount, you will get it for free.
TSA PreCheck evaluates the passenger’s identity to follow up with risk assessment even before the passenger steps into the airport for his departure.
TSA PreCheck is only for lawful residents, citizens, and nationals of the United States of America. Incomplete or false information during the application process can also lead to ineligibility.
During the security procedure, you won’t need to remove your shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets into a separate bin.
Standard screening requires passengers to remove their items and place them on an X-ray belt. However, TSA screening eliminates the need to remove the items during the process.