One way to make your vacation better is to spend as little time as possible in the airport. Programs like TSA PreCheck can help you bypass long lines during a busy travel season.
It seems like each holiday throughout the year has come with record-breaking travel crowds, and this winter is no different. AAA expects this year's number of domestic travelers to pass the previous record, which was set in 2019, with 119.3 million people expected to travel between December 21 and January 1.
There will be an expected 3 million more travelers this holiday season compared to last year, per AAA, so you could likely see crowded airports and long lines at the Transportation Security Administration screening. To combat lengthy wait times, TSA PreCheck provides an expedited screening program in approximately 200 airports across the United States.
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With a TSA PreCheck membership, you can drastically reduce the time spent waiting in the security line. Even better, you won’t have to worry about removing your shoes, electronics, belt or jacket when being screened.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
A five-year TSA PreCheck membership costs about $78, and you can renew it for $59-$78, depending on what method you use to renew, up to six months before it expires.
It could cost you less, though, as select travel rewards credit cards cover some or all TSA PreCheck application fees through statement credit reimbursement.
Children 12 and under can join their parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes, but children 13 to 17 have to have the logo on their boarding pass, which happens by booking them on the same airline reservation with the PreCheck-enrolled parent or guardian.
Before you buy, keep in mind your application to be deemed a low-risk traveler includes an in-person enrollment portion.
Is TSA PreCheck worth the money?
With a $78 one-time fee, you pay about $15.50 per year over five years. What do you get for your money? Shorter wait times. Up to 99% of PreCheck members wait less than 10 minutes at security, according to the TSA. Quick service via TSA PreCheck is also great for frequent fliers who plan to take multiple trips over the course of a year.
The lines at TSA PreCheck theoretically move faster than a traditional TSA security line because there are fewer security requirements with PreCheck. For example, you don't have to take off your shoes or remove your laptop from your briefcase. In addition to saving time, PreCheck members are happy with those conveniences. Note, though, that passengers 75 and older don't have to take off their shoes regardless which line they're in.
Even if you're not rushing to catch your plane every time you travel, TSA PreCheck can come in especially handy at some of the busiest airports. With the ability to breeze through the security line, you'll have more time to make your way to your gate — which in bigger airports, could be quite a trek from TSA.
Get TSA PreCheck benefits with Global Entry
If you often travel internationally, you may be better off applying for Global Entry. Run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership and includes a TSA PreCheck benefit.
Plan on it taking from four-to-six months for your application to be processed. You can get updates and track the status of your application at check the Trusted Traveler Program website.
Additionally, it offers expedited customs processes when returning to the United States from out of the country. Instead of dealing with customs interviews and paperwork, Global Entry members can complete their customs declaration at a Global Entry kiosk.
Is TSA PreCheck the same as Clear?
While going through airport security, you may also see signs for Clear. Clear is a company that uses biometrics for security clearances, and there are now many airports that use it.
PreCheck and Clear are different services. With Clear, you go through a different security line and, theoretically, get to skip the traditional security line and instead be escorted to the front of it.
Much like how Global Entry gives you TSA PreCheck, you can get both Clear and PreCheck. However, there's an extra cost associated with the Clear and PreCheck bundle.
For more details on the differences, see our article on Clear vs TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry.
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