Are you one of those airline passengers who wish they could wave a magic wand to banish the stress of dealing with TSA? If you travel often, hate unpredictable lines, and are sick of somehow always triggering that dreaded secondary TSA screening, it may be worth enrolling in TSA PreCheck. The program allows travelers to move through airport security faster and with less hassle. TSA PreCheck, launched in 2013, enables prescreened passengers to skip regular TSA lines and forego removing clothing like
light outerwear and belts, as well as leave liquids and tech like cellphones and computers in their bags. Enrollment costs vary by provider, ranging from $76.75 to $209.
You can opt to enroll either in-person or online through one of three TSA-approved third-party providers: Telos, Clear, and IDEMIA. TSA PreCheck membership is good for five years, after which it must be renewed. Telos charges $85 to enroll and $70 to renew. Enrolling with IDEMIA costs $76.75, with online renewals costing $58.75, and in-person renewals $66.75. Meanwhile, Clear charges $79.95 for basic enrollment and $69.95 for online renewals, but it also offers an upgraded Clear Plus membership, which includes a digital identity, access to dedicated security lanes at 59 U.S. airports, and free line access for family members under 18. As of this writing, Clear and IDEMIA are offering a $15 discount for families when two people sign up together. The offer is valid through October 31, 2025.
International travelers deciding between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry should know that only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents can apply directly for TSA PreCheck. However, Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and certain foreign nationals, costs $120, and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Both programs are part of the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler offerings that provide expedited customs screenings.
Read more: The Odd Reasons TSA May Have Pulled You Aside For Additional Screening
The Perks Of TSA PreCheck Just Might Make Enrolling Worth It
In a survey of 1,500 travelers with and without TSA PreCheck conducted by travel and finance strategy website Upgraded Points, 94% of the 659 respondents enrolled in TSA PreCheck said it improved their overall airport experience. In other words, that's 9 out of 10 fliers declaring that TSA PreCheck is worth it compared with their prior travel experiences.
Applying is pretty straightforward. Applicants fill out an enrollment form (either online or in-person, depending on the provider), undergo a background check and in-person interview, and provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence. Once enrolled, travelers can expect a breezier security experience. According to TSA, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers zip through security in less than 10 minutes, compared with the 30 minutes it can take in standard lines. In the Upgraded Points survey, 34% of TSA PreCheck members cited shorter wait times as a top perk. Less waiting, of course, contributes to less stress, which 39% of respondents said was the biggest benefit. Nearly everyone agreed that not removing clothing and electronics allowed them to navigate security with greater ease.
Enrollment may even be free. Many travel credit cards and loyalty programs reimburse the fee, so it's worth checking if yours does. Not ready or interested in signing up, but still want to move through security more faster? Don't miss learning about these 12 airport hacks that can help you zip through TSA.
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