What is TSA PreCheck?
Through the Transportation Security Administration TSA PreCheck, a Department of Homeland Security division, passengers rated low-risk may accelerate the security screening procedure at certain U.S. airports by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. 98% of TSA PreCheck users took fewer than five minutes to go through security in March 2021 alone.1. Over 10 million tourists have signed up for the PreCheck program as of 2021.
There are often designated lines at the security checkpoint for qualified passengers. They can keep their lightweight coats, shoes, and belts on. In addition, they could keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliance bag—which allows tiny amounts of gels and liquids, such as a travel-sized mouthwash bottle—in their carry-on bags rather than taking them out, as ordinary travelers require.
How TSA PreCheck Works
Launched in December 2013, the goal of the TSA PreCheck program is to expedite confirmed travelers’ flow through security checkpoints, which often become congested as people assemble to catch planes. Passengers are usually required to take off any clothes and personal belongings that can contain dangerous chemicals.
For instance, there have been efforts to smuggle and detonate bombs aboard airplanes using shoes. Due to efforts to conceal materials inside by removing components, electronic equipment, including laptops, is often inspected at checkpoints.
By identifying which travelers pose the slightest danger to flight security, TSA PreCheck enables them to pass through security checkpoints without removing their shoes, belts, coats, computers, or liquids from their luggage.
Requesting TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is available on 79 airlines and about 200 airports.
The TSA website is where you may start the online application procedure. Nevertheless, you must enlist in person by visiting one of the more than 380 application sites. You must provide identification papers, legitimate proof of identity, and fingerprints there. Foreign national travelers must fulfill certain residence conditions to be eligible for the program.
The average time for the online application is less than five minutes, and the in-person appointment takes around ten minutes.
Upon being granted TSA PreCheck status, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). When you use that number to book a ticket, your TSA Pre status (which appears as TSA PreTM) will be immediately assigned to your boarding pass.
You may begin using the speedier lanes designated for TSA pre-passengers at participating airports.
$78
How much does it cost to get TSA PreCheck status and start traveling? Your membership is good for five years, after which it may be renewed; however, the money is non-refundable.
Credit Card Cost Coverage
As a member perk, TSA PreCheck is accessible with several credit cards. Some let members use their reward points to pay for TSA PreCheck, while others give regular statement credits. The TSA claims that these cards consist of:
- Bank of America credit card with Premium Rewards
- Certain American Express credit cards: Capital One: Spark Miles Card, Venture Card, and Venture X Card
- The Sapphire Reserve Card from Chase
- Citi offers the Prestige Card and the Advantage Executive World Elite MasterCard.
- Trade World Elite Mastercard from Bank®
- Reserve American Express Card with Platinum Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
- Citi Expedia® Rewards Voyager Card
- HSBC: Premier World Mastercard, Elite World Elite Mastercard
- Marriott: American Express Bonvoy Brilliant Card
- MasterCard Gold Card and Black Card
- Trust: Enjoy Beyond credit card, Enjoy Travel credit card, Business Travel Rewards credit card
- Visa Infinite Credit Card from UBS
- US Bank: American Express FlexPerks Gold Card, Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Alternative Programs for Travelers
TSA PreCheck is limited to use while flying. Other government systems the Department of Homeland Security runs include Global Entry, Nexus, and SENTRI, which expedite trusted passengers’ security clearance by confirming their identities.
Pre-screened passengers flying, driving, or sailing between Canada and the United States are covered under the NEXUS program. It was fifty dollars.
The SENTRI program governs travel by air or land from Mexico into the United States. The price is $122.50.
Trusted passengers going abroad by car, ferry, or airplane may pass through customs and border control easily, thanks to Global Entry. It has a $100 price tag.
TSA PreCheck status is also included in these programs for citizens of the United States.
Private programs are another option to expedite your journey. Among them is Clear, a biometric data-based security technology program designed to assist in passenger identification. There are currently about 50 airports using Clear, in addition to other places like stadiums.
More than 200 U.S. airports and 85 different carriers offer TSA PreCheck.
Comparing TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear
Several programs, including TSA PreCheck, provide a smoother airport experience. It enables law-abiding citizens and permanent residents of the United States to bypass airport security lines. A five-year membership costs $78.
TSA PreCheck is only accessible for flights departing the United States, though. For international travel, a similar service called Global Entry enables trustworthy travelers to pass through border and customs checks efficiently. For five years, it costs $100.
A proprietary identification technology program is called Clear. Persons may pass through airport or stadium security more swiftly because biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, instantly authenticate passenger identities rather than having airport personnel manually compare persons to their identity cards. This is more costly than PreCheck or Global Entry. Clear costs $189 and lasts only one year.
What Are the Requirements?
The TSA PreCheck Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, violations of transportation security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses.
Applicants must complete an online application and schedule an in-person screening interview at a regional TSA office. A non-refundable processing fee is also required.
What Are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?
Travelers with TSA PreCheck status can enjoy faster-moving dedicated security lines at airports and not have to remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets. Gels and small liquids may often remain in carry-ons as well as laptops.
How can I apply for TSA PreCheck?
First, submit a short online application via the TSA’s PreCheck website, then schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Enrollment centers may be identified by searching by zip code or address.
Can my children join me on the pre-check line?
Yes, minors 12 and under may join a parent or legal guardian with TSA PreCheck in the specialized lanes if flying together, even if they do not have their known passenger number.
Is it a security vulnerability?
The TSA believes that TSA PreCheck is safe and that all participants are thoroughly vetted and undergo repeated criminal history checks. Critics have stated that the screening process is defective and that people with evil intent might misrepresent remarks made during in-person interviews.
Still, there have been no known security incidents related to PreCheck since its inception in 2013.
The Final Word
Participants in the program have bypassed lengthy security checks by using special lanes with fewer screening requirements since 2013. The program is open to all U.S. citizens and legal residents who do not have a criminal past. To enroll, there is an online application and an in-person interview. The application costs $78, and enrollment lasts five years, after which it may be renewed for future 5-year years.
Conclusion
- A U.S. government program enables visitors who are considered low-risk to take advantage of an accelerated security screening procedure at U.S. airports.
- Passengers using TSA PreCheck benefit from shortened lineups at airport security, fewer clothing requirements, less stringent scanning, and other perks.
- You may start the TSA PreCheck application online, but an in-person fingerprinting and background check appointment is also necessary.
- For $78, you may get TSA PreCheck status, which is valid for five years.
- As of 2021, the program has over 10 million active registrants, having started in 2013.
