TSA PRE CHECK is a program that allows travelers to expedite through airport security with designated lanes. It’s one of the Trusted Traveler programs, alongside Global Entry, Nexus, and Sentri.
To enroll, applicants must fill out an online application and arrange an in-person interview at an enrollment center. They also need to bring all required documentation and fingerprints.
Cost
TSA PRE CHECK is a program that expedites airport security lines. Available at more than 200 airports, it costs $78.00 for five years and grants you access to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes instead of standard security lines.
Before using the service, you must apply online and go through an enrollment process that includes a background check and fingerprinting. In exchange, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which can be used when booking flights.
The application process can take up to three weeks, and you must book an interview at an enrollment center ahead of time. You can locate enrollment centers by searching on the TSA website. Be sure to bring along a photo ID, driver’s license, and passport for verification purposes.
Once approved, you can take advantage of TSA PreCheck whenever you travel – with the exception of times when it isn’t in effect, such as military trips or traveling to and from airports without a PreCheck program. Children under 12 may use TSA PreCheck lanes with their parents or guardians but must be accompanied by an adult member who also utilizes this service.
You can also take advantage of Global Entry, which is similar to TSA PreCheck but only covers international travel into the U.S. For $100 you’ll get to skip the regular security line when entering and departing from America.
Another alternative is CLEAR(r), a program that utilizes your eyes and fingers instead of traditional IDs to verify your identity. While not as popular as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, it can save time at the airport by decreasing wait times.
It’s worth noting that many credit cards offer statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry when fees are charged to your card. This can be an effective way to reduce costs, though this benefit must only be used periodically.
If you’re looking to save money on a TSA PreCheck membership, consider getting a premium travel credit card that provides this benefit. Chase Sapphire Reserve(r) offers an $85 TSA PreCheck statement credit that’s good for five years – the statement credit will be posted automatically to your account so there’s no need to worry about paying it out of pocket.
Pros
TSA PRE CHECK is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration that allows air travelers who are considered low-risk to pass through airport security quickly and efficiently. While it doesn’t guarantee an on-time flight, using this service can make a huge difference in your travel plans and help keep stress levels at a minimum.
Frequent travelers or parents with young children will appreciate this option, as they don’t need to take off their shoes and belts and can leave laptops and carry-on liquids in their bags instead of having them go through screening. Plus, it’s affordable if your credit card will cover the fee.
You must visit an enrollment center in person, complete a background check and fingerprinting, then pay $85 for five years of membership. While that may seem like a lot to spend on something you won’t use often, having this insurance is worth considering when your travel plans get hectic and airport lines get long.
Once a member, you can renew your membership any time up to six months before it expires. You can do this online or by visiting an enrollment center in person. In order to do this, provide TSA with your Known Traveler Number and enter your date of birth.
Unfortunately, you must wait a bit to see if your application has been accepted. Some enrollment centers, particularly those located near major airport hubs, often have long wait lists for their days and times; therefore, it’s essential to book an appointment as soon as possible after submitting your application.
One of the most frustrating aspects of TSA PreCheck is finding a convenient time to visit an enrollment center – even if you need an answer quickly. In some cases, you may need to visit multiple enrollment centers before being accepted, and some visits can take up a lot of your day.
Cons
If you’ve ever waited in an airport security line for hours, then you know how frustrating it can be. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this bad — especially if there are several steps you can take to expedite the process.
One option you might want to consider is TSA PRE CHECK, an expedited screening program available in 200 airports nationwide. Joining costs $85 and you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), otherwise known as PASS ID), which you must use during your journeys.
TSA PRE CHECK has several advantages, such as saving you time standing in line and forgoing some standard security requirements like taking shoes off or taking laptops out of bags. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as accessible as other programs like Global Entry or NEXUS.
The primary disadvantage of TSA PRE CHECK is that you must apply in advance and go through an interview, background check, and fingerprinting before receiving benefits. This can be time-consuming if traveling during peak seasons when appointments need to be scheduled well in advance of your trip.
Another aspect to consider is that if you have any criminal history, your application may be denied. In such cases, the Department of Homeland Security offers the Travel Redress Inquiry Program as a possible resolution.
Although this doesn’t guarantee approval for TSA PRE-CHECK, it may help. That is because if a TSA agent finds out about your criminal record, they may likely not grant permission to pass through security at an airport checkpoint.
Therefore, make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is registered in either your frequent flyer profile or added at check-in when purchasing tickets online. If unsure, do not hesitate to reach out to either TSA or the airline for assistance.
Once approved for TSA PreCheck, the rest of the screening process should be relatively straightforward. As long as you don’t have any felony charges or criminal history, completing all steps without issue and receiving your KTN is usually quite effortless.
Bottom Line
TSA PRE CHECK is a program that allows travelers to skip the traditional security check and save time during the flight. However, there is an application fee involved.
Most credit cards offer statement credits to cover this fee, and some travel rewards credit cards even have it! Several travel rewards credit cards have this benefit as well, allowing you to apply for both TSA Pre CHECK and Global Entry (a similar program covering international flights entering the U.S.) periodically but not simultaneously.
Utilizing your credit card for the application fee not only offers you valuable travel rewards, but it can often translate to up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PRE-CHECK applications.
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