TSA PreCheck Review 2024: Speed Through the Fast Lane During Airport Security Screening with Expedited Access Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .
Whether you're traveling for fun, family, or for work, one of the worst airport experiences is going through airport security. Not only can the lines take forever, but invasive bag searches and going through the body scanning machine can start off your trip on the wrong foot.
Savvy travelers take advantage of TSA PreCheck® at participating airports to expedite their path through airport security and get to their flight (or an airport lounge ) more quickly. Not only does this program offer shorter wait times, but travelers can keep their shoes and belts on while also leaving their laptops and liquids in their bags.
Learn more about TSA PreCheck® in our comprehensive guide, including where you can use it, how to apply, how much it costs, and which credit cards reimburse application fees.
TSA PreCheck BenefitsMore than 200 U.S. airports now offer expedited security lanes for TSA PreCheck® members.
TSA PreCheck® membership offers travelers a faster and smoother experience when going through airport security. It's ideal for frequent flyers, families traveling together, and anyone else who wants a better way to start their flight.
Faster Security Lines
Travelers with TSA PreCheck® can use dedicated screening lanes at participating airports that typically move more quickly than standard screening lanes.
On average, TSA PreCheck® lanes get travelers through airport security in less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes take up to 30 minutes. Saving 20 minutes at airport security can mean the difference between making your flight and getting left at the gate.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also offers the MyTSA app ( Apple , Google ) where you can check airport security wait times, confirm which items you can bring through security, and get other questions answered.
Streamlined Screening Process
TSA PreCheck® screening lines have shorter wait times on average, and they're more convenient for travelers as well. Since travelers don't have to remove clothing or items from their bags, they tend to get through security much faster than other passengers.
Members can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on when going through the scanners. Additionally, they can leave laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags. Keeping your clothes on and items in your bag leads to a more efficient and less stressful security experience, especially if you're rushing to make your flight.
TSA PreCheck Cost and RenewalThe cost of TSA PreCheck®depends on which provider you apply through. You'll also save money if you renew online.
Membership Cost
All TSA PreCheck® memberships last for five years, no matter which provider you apply through. The cost for each five-year period is:
New membership $77.95Renewal online $68.95Renewal in-person $77.95New membership $78Renewal online $70Renewal in-person $78New membership $85Renewal online $70Renewal in-person $70Memberships can be renewed online up to six months before expiration. Starting early ensures you'll continue receiving TSA PreCheck® benefits at the airport, even if the application process takes longer than expected.
How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free or at a DiscountTSA PreCheck® benefits are a bargain at $17 or less a year when you spread the cost out over five years. However, you can bring the cost down even lower by taking advantage of programs that reduce or eliminate the expense altogether.
Credit card benefits: Many of the best travel rewards credit cards , like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture Card , offer a statement credit to cover the application fee. You can pay TSA PreCheck® application fees for anyone; this reimbursement benefit is not limited to the cardholder alone. Check out our full guide to the best credit cards with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck to learn more.Loyalty programs: Some airline or hotel loyalty programs offer discounts or points redemptions for TSA PreCheck®. For example, you can redeem 11,000 United miles or 25,000 Marriott points to cover application fees.Employer reimbursement: Companies may cover application fees for employees who travel regularly on company business. Check if your employer offers reimbursement for TSA PreCheck® as a travel benefit.Global Entry: If you apply for Global Entry, it includes TSA PreCheck® for approved members at no extra cost. Global Entry application fees are $120 for five years.TSA PreCheck Eligibility and Application ProcessIf you want to get TSA PreCheck®, the process is fairly straightforward: Apply online, pay a non-refundable application fee, undergo a background check, and complete an in-person interview.
How to Enroll in TSA PreCheck
Here's how to sign up and conduct your interview.
- Visit the Trusted Traveler Program page
- Click "Get Started" under the TSA PreCheck banner
- Click "Apply Now" through one of three official providers – CLEAR , IDEMIA , or Telos
- Provide all required personal information to complete your application
- Wait for approval
- Visit an enrollment center to:
- pay your application fees
- undergo the interview
- get fingerprinted
- provide identification documents
- get an official photo taken
- Upon approval, receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Most applicants are approved within three to five business days. However, some cases may require additional review, and can take up to 60 days for approval. About 90% of applicants are approved for membership.
You can expedite your application by scheduling an online appointment or by calling (855) 347-8371. Additionally, you can apply through CLEAR and conduct your interview without requiring an appointment.
After receiving your TSA PreCheck® KTN, add it to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles. Most airlines automatically apply your KTN to new reservations if you've added the number to your profile.
You cannot use TSA PreCheck® security lanes if your reservation and boarding pass don't reflect your KTN. If you notice that your boarding pass doesn't specify "TSA Pre", you can go to the airline check-in desk and have an agent add your KTN for you.
Avoiding TSA PreCheck Scams
Some scammers use official-seeming TSA PreCheck® enrollment websites to lure travelers into paying extra money or revealing their personal information. Note the following tips to avoid getting scammed:
Go to the right website — When searching for TSA PreCheck application pages, confirm that the website ends in ".gov" instead of .com or other URLs.How much are you paying? — The official Trusted Traveler Program website lists the exact price range for TSA PreCheck enrollment across the three official providers. If you are asked to pay more than that, you're not signing up through an official provider. Is the website secure? — Seek out websites with the SSL mark in your browser search bar. This encryption makes it harder for scammers to steal data that you're transmitting.Avoid clicking on links — Instead of clicking on links through Google, type in the website URL you want to visit.Use a virtual credit card number — Virtual credit cards provide temporary card numbers that can only be used once or at a specific vendor. Some also limit how much can be spent. If someone steals the card number and attempts an unauthorized transaction, it will be declined.Are You Eligible for TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck® is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, and Canadian citizens enrolled in NEXUS are also eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck.
Parents with TSA PreCheck® can bring children 12 and under through security without restriction. Children ages 13 through 17 must have their own TSA PreCheck® boarding pass designation and travel on the same airline reservation as the adult they're traveling with. Any children traveling alone must have their own membership to use the TSA PreCheck® security lanes.
If you want your child to have their own membership, you must complete a separate application for each child. Effective October 1, 2024, the application fees for children under 18 are waived.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?TSA PreCheck® membership is definitely worthwhile for frequent travelers and families, while occasional travelers may be persuaded of the value if they have access to discounted or free enrollment.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Travelers who haven't used TSA PreCheck® before may wonder if the cost and application process are worth their time and money. Our experts checked popular online forums such as Reddit and FlyerTalk to see what everyday travelers have to say about their personal experiences with expedited airport security screening.
Experiences vary considerably depending on the airports you frequent, your travel times, and how often you fly. With that in mind, we're highlighting three traveler profiles to determine whether TSA PreCheck is worth it.
Frequent Travelers: Frequent flyers say that TSA PreCheck® is definitely worth it for the time and hassle saved. One Reddit user completed their application and approval process in 72 hours: "I applied for TSA PreCheck® on Monday afternoon, scheduled my in-person 'appointment' at a nearby Staples for Wednesday morning, and received my eligibility notice on Thursday afternoon."Occasional Travelers: If you only travel occasionally, weigh the program's enrollment against the potential benefits and frequency of travel. If you can get TSA PreCheck® for free, the program may be worth the effort. One Reddit user commented, "Everyone talks about the shorter lines, but that's not even the best part. You don't have to take anything out of your bag and your shoes, belt, and jacket stay on.": TSA PreCheck® can be a game-changer for families, especially those with young children, since children under 18 can use TSA PreCheck® benefits for free when traveling on a reservation with an adult who has a membership. Reddit members remind other parents that both adults need TSA PreCheck in order for the whole family to utilize expedited security lanes.TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR
CLEAR is a private biometric screening service that offers faster security experiences at airports, arenas, stadiums, and other venues. Its proprietary identification service uses fingerprint or retina scanning to verify your identity and expedite members through security.
The company offers several services including CLEAR Plus and CLEAR Reserve. CLEAR Plus is an annual membership that offers expedited entry at 58 airports nationwide. Meanwhile, CLEAR Reserve is a free service that offers a 20-minute window for expedited service through airport security. CLEAR Reserve is currently available at 13 North American airports, and four airports in Europe.
Children enrolled in CLEAR Plus can use its kiosks without being accompanied by a registered adult.
Cost: $199 per year; $119 each for up to three adults; $0 for children under 18Interviews: Members can sign up online and complete their interview in person, or complete the entire process at a CLEAR kioskTSA PreCheck vs. Other Expedited Screening Programs
Beyond CLEAR, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates four other Trusted Traveler programs that travelers can apply for. Each program caters to a different type of traveler based on where and when they travel. Here's how TSA PreCheck® compares against the other programs:
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
TSA PreCheck offers dedicated security lanes at the airport before your flight, while Global Entry provides expedited clearance at customs and immigration when returning from an international trip. Adults and children of all ages must have their own Global Entry membership, even if the child is a baby, infant or toddler.
Cost: $120 for Global Entry for five years; $0 for minors under the age of 18Interviews: In-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center or Enrollment on Arrival at 69 participating airportsPro Tip: Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck®, so you may be able to get both services for the price of one.
TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS
NEXUS grants pre-approved travelers expedited entry when traveling between the U.S. and Canada. This membership can be used at designated northern border ports of entry, marine reporting locations, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks when traveling to the U.S. from Canadian preclearance airports.
. $120 for NEXUS for five years; $0 for minors under 18. In-person interviews must be conducted with both Canadian and U.S. officials at a NEXUS enrollment center, or at Enrollment on Arrival at eight participating airportsTSA PreCheck vs. SENTRI
SENTRI offers dedicated primary lanes into the U.S. for eligible travelers who frequently travel between the U.S. and Mexico. Membership includes one registered vehicle for the SENTRI lane, but you can add up to three more for an additional fee.
Cost: $120 for NEXUS for five years; $42 for each additional vehicleInterviews: In-person interviews are available in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and TexasTSA PreCheck Frequently Asked Questions Can I use TSA PreCheck for international flights? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. TSA PreCheck® members can use fast-track airport security screening lanes on eligible flights at more than 200 U.S. airports. Pairing TSA PreCheck with Global Entry membership expedites travelers through customs and immigration when returning from international travel. What if I have a criminal record? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Approval for TSA PreCheck® includes a background check that may uncover disqualifying criminal convictions. False application information or certain violations of federal security regulations may lead to your application being denied or having an existing membership canceled or revoked. Can I get a refund if my application is denied? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. No. When applying for TSA PreCheck®, the application fees are nonrefundable. Evaluate the application rules to ensure you qualify to avoid an unpleasant surprise. Using a credit card that reimburses TSA PreCheck® application fees ensures you won't lose money if you're denied. How much does PreCheck TSA cost? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. TSA PreCheck® costs between $77.95 to $85 for initial enrollment, or $68 to $78 for renewal, depending on which official provider you use. What does having a TSA PreCheck get you? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. TSA PreCheck® allows travelers to utilize the fast lane for airport security screening at more than 200 U.S. airports. How long does the TSA PreCheck process take? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. The TSA PreCheck® application process typically takes three to five business days to complete, and requires an online application as well as a background check, fingerprinting, and an in-person interview. Is it worth getting TSA PreCheck? Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. TSA PreCheck® is worthwhile for frequent flyers, families, and anyone with access to free or discounted membership.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed TSA PreCheck
Travelers who want to minimize time and frustration at airport security should consider getting TSA PreCheck®. This Trusted Traveler program provides expedited security lanes and a less intrusive experience when going through security at participating airports. If you qualify and value expedited security screening at the airport, we recommend applying before your next flight.
Membership lasts five years and is affordable for most travelers, especially if you have a credit card that reimburses the fee or when you redeem travel rewards to cover some or all of the cost. TSA PreCheck® costs less than other programs, including Global Entry and CLEAR , and families can bring eligible children with them through security for no extra fees.
We considered many factors when reviewing TSA PreCheck®:
Value for money — How often will enrolled customers use TSA PreCheck®? Does the benefit outweigh the program cost?Common praise and complaints — What are members saying about their experience using TSA PreCheck®? Does it make sense for individuals as well as families?Discounts and credits — How often will you be paying full price for membership? Is it possible to get the benefit for less, or even for free? — Does TSA PreCheck® hold up to its promise of saving you time at the airport and beyond? Lee Huffman Freelance Contributor
Lee Huffman is a personal finance expert with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, real estate and online journalism.He began writing online on his personal site in 2012 and now has more than 1,300 s showing others how to travel for less using the power of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs.In 2018, he quit his corporate job and moved his family from Southern California to Nashville to begin a freelance writing career. Since then, Lee has published 1,200+ s, guides and reviews helping readers travel more, spend less and live better. His s cover a variety of personal finance topics, including credit card benefits and rewards, early retirement, stock and real estate investing, insurance, banking, and how to build your credit score.Before Lee started freelance writing, Lee spent 13 years as a division CFO for a regional bank in Southern California. In this role, he was responsible for annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, monthly reporting and business cases for new initiatives. Prior to that, he provided banking, investing and insurance solutions for households and small business owners to help them address risks and invest for the future.Since 2006, he has been investing in out-of-state rental properties and flips. His team has completed a handful of flips, and he currently owns six rental properties as part of his investment diversification strategy.Lee also freelances for Forbes Advisor, Fortune Recommends, Time Stamped, USA Today, NerdWallet, Yahoo Finance, CNET, U.S. News, LendingTree, Newsweek, Consumer Affairs and other well-known brands.Lee has been a speaker at numerous travel, personal finance, and real estate conferences, including FinCon, CardCon, REWBCON, the Chicago Seminars, Frequent Traveler University, and corporate events. He is also a frequent podcast guest where he talks about travel strategies, real estate investing, leaving the corporate world and small business productivity hacks. A few of the shows he has been on include Stacking Benjamins, Miles to Memories, Budgets & Brews and the Bigger Pockets Money Podcast.He has also been a finalist for the Plutus Awards as the best freelance writer in personal finance and the best frugal travel content. In 2022, he won the award for the best frugal travel content.In his spare time, Lee is a devoted dad and husband. He constantly shuffles his kids from one sport or school activity to another and is always on the sidelines cheering them on. When he's not acting like an unpaid Uber driver, you may find him reading a book, riding his bike or planning his next vacation.Lee's expertise includes:Credit cardsPoints and miles travelInvesting in stocks, bonds and real estateInsurance and risk mitigationEarly retirementSmall business strategiesBankruptcy lawThanks to credit card rewards, Lee and his family have been able to create lifelong memories around the world. Some of his most memorable experiences have been hugging a wombat in Australia, taking his kids to soccer camps in Spain, and walking the beaches of Normandy.Lee holds a degree in business management from Pepperdine University and an MBA in eBusiness Management from the University of Phoenix. To enhance his formal education, he has earned several certificates, including Operations Management and a Green Belt in Six Sigma.He began working for his father's bankruptcy law office as a sophomore in high school, where he learned that good people often suffer financial catastrophes due to job loss, illness, divorce and other unexpected circumstances. Since then, he has been on a mission to help people improve their finances and reduce the risk that these situations pose to their families.Read moreRead less Top Offers From Our Partners 's biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. By clicking "Sign Up", you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email.
