Editor’s Note: This is a regular post, updated regularly with new information and offers.
At this point, you’ve probably at least heard of, if not tried, the expedited airport security program TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck can be one of the most important investments you can make as a frequent traveler, because of the time it saves and the peace of mind it provides.
Here’s your ultimate guide to TSA PreCheck, including how the program works, how much it costs and whether it’s worth the money.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a “trusted traveler” program administered by the US government. It allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers at the airport to use a PreCheck-designated security line rather than going through the standard Transit Security Control line.
PreCheck users often go through security faster than they would otherwise because they don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, light jackets, plastic bag with liquids or electronics from their luggage.
These travelers are usually screened through security machines as opposed to full-body scanners.
Currently, travelers can use TSA PreCheck lanes at more than 200 US airports when flying on more than 100 participating domestic and international airlines.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
Program fees vary by provider. Applying through Idemia costs $78, and applying through Telos costs $85. Online renewal costs $70 through any provider.
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To pay for the application fee, be sure to use one of the nearly 40 airline, hotel and other credit cards that offer up to $120 in return statement credit for expenses associated with trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck. Some popular travel rewards cards that cover the PreCheck application fee include:
A full list of credit cards with this feature is available here.
Additionally, some loyalty programs allow you to use points or miles to pay for membership fees. However, the return per point is generally less than TPG’s current points rating, so we’d suggest using a credit card to get a statement credit instead.
Does TSA PreCheck save time at the airport?
TSA PreCheck can save you the time you would otherwise spend waiting in the security line.
Not only can I prove this personally, but 99% of PreCheck passengers reported waiting less than 10 minutes at airport security checkpoints nationwide as of October 2024, according to TSA data.
There may be rare occasions when there is a wait in the PreCheck line, especially during peak travel periods or at certain airports. However, on average, this should not be the case for most PreCheck users.
Personally, I get through PreCheck security in three minutes or less at the airports I frequently fly to, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington DC, St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
I could sing the praises of TSA PreCheck all day but don’t take my word for it. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for TSA PreCheck; TPG managing editor Clint Henderson said it has saved him “hours of wait time over the years,” including on a recent trip to Hawaii.
“I really like TSA PreCheck. I traveled to Hawaii with family members who didn’t have PreCheck. I took my nieces and nephews through the PreCheck lines while my brother had to wait in the regular line,” he said. “We beat him through security for about 20 minutes, and it was the same story when we got back.”
That’s because travelers 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when accompanied by an accompanying parent or guardian.
As our staff has experienced, the benefits of TSA PreCheck are clearest when traveling with people who are not enrolled in the program.
“A friend and I flew from Houston to Miami and we had no idea how busy the airport would be during spring break. I had PreCheck; my friend didn’t,” said TPG credit card senior editor Matt Moffit. “I got to the gate about five minutes before boarding. My friend was 20 minutes behind me. Luckily our flight was delayed by 40 minutes, so we both made it, but it was a good lesson that a good thing is a good thing.”
If you know you’ll be going through a very busy airport or you’re just traveling at a busy time of year, like the holidays, TSA PreCheck can be a lifesaver.
“Every time I go through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), especially during the holidays, I’m very happy to have TSA PreCheck. I look at the usual line – which often turns me back many times – and I’m glad I don’t have to wait in it,” said the senior writer of -TPG Katie Genter “It’s not just Atlanta – I’ve had the same experience at many US airports and I’m always annoyed when I fly an airline that doesn’t participate in PreCheck.”
TPG senior editor Christine Gallipeau also appreciates TSA PreCheck as she usually waits less than five minutes in line.
“Every time I fly home to Orlando for the holidays, I’m always thankful to have TSA PreCheck. I usually don’t wait more than five minutes, and the normal TSA line is usually very long,” he said. “In the days before PreCheck, I was traveling alone and waiting behind all the families so I’m very relieved to be able to get to the gate quickly to try to grab a seat that’s hard to find as I’m waiting for the board.”
In addition to the time saved, going through the PreCheck line is just as easy to organize as you don’t have to take any of your belongings out of your suitcase or onto your body.
“Is it wrong that I only have PreCheck because I hate taking my shoes off?” joked TPG senior vice president of content Jamie Page. “It’s like my socks know when I have to go through routine screening and start to fall apart as I go through there. But seriously, PreCheck has saved me from waiting in long lines and crazy kids.”
Bottom line
TSA PreCheck is one tool that truly makes traveling through airplanes and airports much easier, faster and more efficient than it would be without it.
If you’re considering purchasing TSA PreCheck, keep in mind that membership includes a five-year membership in Global Entry, so you can enjoy the benefits of both programs for an additional $42 (as of October 2024). Global Entry offers pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the US from abroad at more than 75 airports.
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