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Any frequent flyer would agree that security lines are the worst places at the airport. It’s a good thing that TSA Precheck exists because flyers can now cruise through these security lines and avoid huge and noisy crowds.
But what is TSA Precheck exactly? It’s a membership program that allows flyers to line up through a dedicated lane where they undergo smoother and less intrusive security checks. This means that you don’t have to remove your personal belongings like shoes, jackets, and laptops.
In this article, we’ll discuss more on what TSA Precheck is all about, from its requirements, pricing, and benefits.
Read More: Delta And TSA PreCheck Rolls Out Facial Recognition Tech In Atlanta Airport
What Is TSA Precheck?
Following the attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011, the U.S. government has tightened security measures at U.S. airports. Hence, TSA Pre✓, aka TSA PreCheck, was created, and it’s a membership program that allows pre-approved travelers to skip security checks at airports.
TSA Precheck is handled by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the program was first launched in December 2013. Its part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Travelers Program, along with other security programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
How To SignUp For A TSA Precheck Membership
Visit the Trusted Travelers Program website and select TSA PreCheck among the 5 options provided on the homepage. Just click through the “Get Started” button and follow the instructions.
As you proceed to the next pages, you’re required to provide basic information such as your contact details, address, birthday, citizenship, place of birth, eye color, hair color, and many more. You’re also required to answer some basic security questions about whether you were involved in any crime or are mentally unstable.
TSA PreCheck Requirements & Eligibility
Providing your information isn’t enough, so even if you don’t raise any red flags, you still won’t be eligible for a TSA Precheck membership if you don’t meet the following criteria below:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be U.S. National
- Must be a lawful Permanent Resident
You need to show proof that would verify your eligibility. For example, U.S. citizens and nationals may provide a valid U.S. passport, while lawful permanent residents may provide a permanent resident card.
How Much Does TSA Membership Cost?
Upon completing the initial requirements and confirming your eligibility, you’re required to pay a non-refundable fee of $85. The membership is valid for 5 years.
You will receive a confirmation letter through email after payment. It will contain all the details about your in-person interview, which is done at an enrollment center.
TSA Precheck interview questions aren’t that hard because they’re usually just a confirmation and verification of the information you’ve provided on your online application.
Renewing Your TSA Precheck Membership
You only have to renew your TSA Precheck membership every five years, and luckily, the TSA Precheck renewal process is even faster and cheaper too.
There’s no need for additional background checks, and you can even renew your membership online as early as 6 months before your membership’s expiration date. Don’t worry, your new membership date will still start on the day that your membership expires.
Benefits Of TSA Precheck
TSA Precheck members will have the TSA Precheck logo written on their boarding passes. Just show this to any TSA staff, and they will lead you to the dedicated lanes. Here are the main benefits that you’ll get with your membership:
Shorter Waiting Times
Members don’t need to remove their shoes, belts, jackets, and other personal belongings in their carry-ons at security lanes which speeds up the entire screening process. TSA has stated that members have waited less than 5 minutes when going through TSA lanes in July 2022.
That’s a lot of time saved because people without TSA Precheck memberships typically take 45 minutes to get through airport security in most U.S. airports.
Free Membership For Kids
TSA Precheck is available to all ages, and the same rates apply, but memberships are free for kids who are 12 years, provided that their parents have an active membership.
Nationwide Reach
You can find TSA Precheck lanes in more than 200 airports and 81 airlines. As of this writing, here’s a complete list of the airlines participating in the program.
- Advanced Air
- Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air Choice One
- Air France
- Air India
- Air Serbia
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Aruba Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Avianca
- Azul Airlines
- Boutique Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Cape Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- China Airlines
- Condor Airlines
- Contour Aviation
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Eastern Airlines
- Edelweiss Air
- EL AL Israel
- Elite Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Eurowings Discover
- EVA Air
- Finnair
- Flycana
- Frontier Airlines
- Global Crossing Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Icelandair
- InterCaribbean Airways
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Key Lime Air
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- LAN Peru S.A.
- LATAM Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air
- Omni Air International
- PAL Express
- Philippine Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Seaborne Airlines
- Silver Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Southern Airways Express
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Sunclass
- Sunwing Airlines
- Swift Air
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Swoop
- TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- Ultimate Jet Charters
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Viva Air Colombia
- VivaAerobus
- Volaris
- WestJet
- World Atlantic
TSA Precheck is currently expanding its coverage to more airports and airline partners to provide an enhanced security experience for all passengers. However, be mindful that not all lanes are open full-time, so you might want to double-check first before you proceed with your trips.
Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck Benefits
There are travel credit cards that can give you a free TSA Precheck membership through a statement credit. You apply for any of the cards below, use your card to apply for a TSA Precheck membership, then you’ll get a reimbursement in your credit statement.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- American Express Platinum Card
- IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card
If you’re a frequent traveler, you can actually get more value if you acquired your TSA Precheck membership through a credit card. Even if you pay annual fees, you’ll get more travel benefits from your cards like lounge access, travel and buyer protection, free night awards, and statement credits.
For example, the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card gives you a free night award on your card anniversary year.
Meanwhile, the Platinum Card from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve Card come with a free Priority Pass Select+ membership that gives you access to more than 1300 airport lounges around the world.
Plus, these cards also let your earn loyalty points which you can redeem for award flights or stays.
TSA PreCheck VS Global Entry
Only U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and lawful permanent residents can qualify for a TSA PreCheck membership. If you’re a foreigner, there’s an alternative way for you to avail all the benefits that TSA Precheck provides, and that is through Global Entry.
Basically, signing up for a Global Entry membership comes with TSA Precheck membership. Here’s a breakdown between the two.
TSA Pre Check
- TSA PreCheck membership cost is $85, which is valid for 5 years
- Valid for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Lawful Permanent Residents
- Expedites airport security procedures for members departing U.S. airports
Global Entry
- Global Entry membership costs $100, and it’s also valid for 5 years.
- Includes all TSA pre-check benefits
- Valid for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Lawful Permanent Residents
- Valid for foreign nationals living in these countries; click each country for more information on how to apply:
- Expedites security checks at Customs and Border Protection security lanes for members entering the U.S.
Ideally, you’d get more value if you purchase a Global Entry membership instead because you’ll still get all the TSA PreCheck benefits. Plus, it’s only $15 higher in terms of cost.
TSA Precheck FAQS
Who Can Apply For A TSA Precheck Membership?
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents
How Much Does TSA Precheck Cost?
A TSA Precheck membership costs $85 which is valid for 5 years. Renewing your membership online will cost $75 for 5 years.
Do Kids Need To Pay For A TSA Precheck Membership?
Children under 12 who are traveling with an eligible parent or guardian with a TSA PreCheck membership do not need to apply. applying.
Does The Name On My Flight Booking Need To Match The Name On My TSA Application?
Yes. You should use the same name for both your TSA online application and future flight reservations.
Where Can I Find A TSA Precheck Enrollment Center?
You can find an enrollment center here. Just enter the postal code, city, or airport code in the search bar.
Read More: Atlanta Airport Gets A Dedicated Delta TSA Precheck Bag Drop Lobby
Bottomline: Should I Get A TSA Precheck Membership?
Absolutely! Regardless if you’re a frequent traveler or not, the benefits you’ll get heavily outweigh the cost. Imagine paying only $17 per year and you get to skip the long waiting lines at the airport. It’s already worth it even if you just made one trip per year.
If you don’t have any criminal history, getting approved is fairly easy. The online application, in-person interview, and all the waiting time in between would mostly take about a day or two. Compared to the long waiting times you’ll experience at airports, two days is worth the wait.
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