What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is like having a toll pass…

In the states that have tolls on the highways, travelers usually can purchase an electronic pass. This pass allows them to drive through the tolls and pay electronically rather than having to stop and pay cash at every toll. For people who spend a lot of time on the highway, it can be a no-brainer investment. Similarly, TSA PreCheck is an excellent option for people who frequently travel, as it allows them to make it through airport security quickly and easily.

The application process to qualify for TSA PreCheck is relatively straightforward. You’ll start with an online application, which generally takes less than five minutes to complete. At that time, you’ll also make an appointment at one of the more than 380 enrollment centers.

Next, you’ll attend your in-person appointment. The appointment typically lasts roughly 10 minutes. At this time, you’ll undergo a background check, supply citizenship and identification documents, and provide a copy of your fingerprints. This meeting is also where you’ll pay your application fee, which is $85 as of March 2020.

After your appointment, you’ll find out that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) either approved or denied your application. If they’ve accepted your application, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number and will have access to PreCheck for five years at more than 200 participating airports and 60 participating airlines. If the TSA denies your application, you won’t have access to PreCheck and won’t get your application fee back.

From start to finish, the process takes relatively little time — and can save you a lot of time over your five years of PreCheck travel.

When you use your TSA PreCheck at the airport, you’ll go through a separate security line where you won’t have to remove your shoes, light jackets, belts, laptops, or liquids.

TSA PreCheck is available to United States citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. There’s no age restriction to qualify for TSA PreCheck. Children 12 years of age or younger can accompany their parent or guardian through PreCheck without having to be a member themselves.

Several factors might disqualify someone from qualifying for TSA PreCheck. When you sign up for the program, the Transportation Security Administration will check Interpol and international databases, terrorist watchlists, government databases, and any other information necessary to determine your eligibility.

Some crimes permanently disqualify someone from qualifying from TSA PreCheck. Those crimes primarily are crimes against the government and include: espionage, sedition, murder, treason, and terrorism.

Other crimes might temporarily prevent you from joining TSA PreCheck. These crimes include: arson, kidnapping, robbery, and assault.

Someone currently under warrant, or under indictment, for any of these crimes will not be able to qualify for PreCheck until the warrant or indictment is dismissed.

The TSA might also deny your application if you provide an incomplete application or supply false information on your application.

Finally, there are some situations in which the TSA might suspend or remove your TSA PreCheck access after you’ve already been approved. That might be the case if you violate any federal security regulations or bring a prohibited item onto an airplane.

We can all agree that standing in the security line at the airport on a crowded day can really put a damper on your vacation. For some, TSA PreCheck might be the answer. There are many pros, but also some cons.

Pros

TSA PreCheck can save you a lot of time waiting in line. Between skipping the line, avoiding removing your shoes and taking items from your bag, you can spend significantly less time in line.

According to The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as of Feb. 2020, 92% of PreCheck travelers wait less than five minutes to get through security. Not only does this make traveling more convenient, but it can also make a huge difference for travelers with mobility issues, or who struggle to be on their feet for long periods.

Another perk to signing up for TSA PreCheck is that the security process can feel a lot less invasive. First, you don’t have to go through the body scanner that some might find to be controversial. You can also avoid getting a pat-down by a TSA agent, which many find uncomfortable.

Cons

For people who travel regularly, TSA PreCheck can save you a lot of time. But is it worth it for everyone? Not necessarily.

TSA PreCheck comes at the current cost of $85. If you don’t travel regularly, it might not be worth it to sign up just because you’ve got one trip coming up. Suppose you and your spouse are going on one last big vacation with just the two of you before having kids. If you know you aren’t going to be traveling much for a while once the kids are around, TSA PreCheck might not be worth the fee for each of you.

Another potential pitfall with the cost of TSA PreCheck is that the application fee is nonrefundable. If you apply for the program and aren’t accepted, you won’t get your money back. For that reason, it’s best to read the requirements beforehand carefully.

Another downside to TSA PreCheck is that there’s no guarantee you’ll get to use it. First, not every airport has TSA PreCheck. If you end up at an airport that doesn't have PreCheck, then you’ll be waiting in line with everyone else.

Even if you’re at an airport that the program does service, you might still be asked to go through the regular line in some cases. For example, you’ll have to go through regular security if the name on your ticket does not exactly match your TSA PreCheck account. Additionally, the TSA uses undisclosed behind-the-scenes security measures that may flag travelers and may also randomly ask travelers to go through the normal security line.

Finally, some people might not be comfortable with the requirements to gain TSA PreCheck status. When you attend your in-person appointment, you’ll have to provide your fingerprints. Not everyone feels safe turning their fingerprints over to the government.

Based on the pros and cons, you can decide for yourself whether the program will be worth it for you.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both programs available to travelers to make airline travel a bit more seamless. While both help to streamline the process, they are two different programs.

First, let’s talk about program details. While TSA PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Global Entry is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Both programs last for five years — When your five years are up, you’ll have to re-enroll. TSA PreCheck currently costs $85 for those five years, while Global Entry currently costs $100, as of March 2020. Both programs are intended for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

TSA PreCheck only allows travelers to go through an expedited TSA security line rather than going through the normal line. In addition to the expedited line, you get to skip taking off your shoes, jacket (if lightweight), and removing certain items from your luggage.

Rather than helping customers leaving for their trip like TSA PreCheck does, Global Entry helps to streamline the travel process for travelers coming home from outside the United States. Global Entry allows participants to check in at a special kiosk rather than waiting in the long customs line. Global Entry participants can also skip filling out the paperwork that most other travelers must.

TSA PreCheck is beneficial for most anyone who regularly travels, whether it be domestic or international travel. Global Entry is usually particularly helpful for anyone who regularly travels internationally.

So which program is better? The good news is that it’s not an either/or decision. When you apply and are approved for Global Entry, you also receive TSA PreCheck for no additional cost.

Depending on what type of traveling you do, there are some other programs you might consider as well.

NEXUS is a program that allows U.S. citizens to enter Canada without going through the normal customs process, while SENTRI offers the same benefits for both Canada and Mexico. These programs may also include TSA PreCheck. NEXUS comes at the cost of $50, while SENTRI costs $122.50, as of March 2020.