Does TSA PreCheck Cost Money

TSA PreCheck 2023: Complete Details

Introduction

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows eligible participants to use expedited security lanes at participating U.S. airports. To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must undergo a background check and fingerprinting. Once you are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use to identify yourself as a TSA PreCheck member when booking travel.

TSA PreCheck was launched in 2011, and it has quickly become one of the most popular trusted traveler programs in the United States. In 2022, over 100 million travelers used TSA PreCheck lanes, and the average wait time for TSA PreCheck members was just 5 minutes.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck offers a number of benefits, including:

Access to TSA PreCheck lanes at over 200 airports in the United States.
You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket.
You don’t have to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag.
You typically spend less time in the security line.

According to the TSA, TSA PreCheck members typically spend an average of 5 minutes in the security line, compared to 30 minutes for non-TSA PreCheck members. This can be a big difference, especially if you are traveling with children or have a connecting flight.

In addition to saving time, TSA PreCheck can also make the security screening process less stressful. When you go through a TSA PreCheck lane, you can keep your shoes, belt, jacket, laptop, and liquids in your bag. This means that you don’t have to scramble to get everything ready before you go through the security scanner.

Eligibility for TSA PreCheck

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
Be at least 12 years old.
Pass a background check.
Have your fingerprints taken.

How to apply for TSA PreCheck

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can visit the TSA website or go to an enrollment center. The application process takes about 15 minutes to complete.

To apply online, you will need to create an account on the TSA website and provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to pay the application fee. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken.

To apply at an enrollment center, you will need to bring a valid form of identification and the application fee. You will also need to have your fingerprints taken.

Approval process

The TSA typically processes TSA PreCheck applications within 3-5 business days. However, it may take longer if there are any problems with your application or if the TSA is experiencing a high volume of applications.

Once you are approved for TSA PreCheck, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You can use your KTN to identify yourself as a TSA PreCheck member when booking travel. You will also need to provide your KTN when you go through the security line at the airport.

Cost of TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck application fee is $78. This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of the background check and fingerprinting. Once you are approved for TSA PreCheck, your membership lasts for five years. You can renew your membership for $70 if you do it online, or $78 if you do it in person.

How to get the TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursed

There are a few ways to get the TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursed. Some credit cards offer this as a perk, and some frequent flyer programs offer it to elite members. You can also check with your employer to see if they offer any reimbursement programs.

Here are some credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement:

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business Credit Card
Citi® Premier® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Southwest Airlines® Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
United Club℠ Infinite Card

Here are some frequent flyer programs that offer TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement to elite members:

American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum and Executive Platinum members
Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion members
Southwest Airlines A-List Preferred and Companion Pass members
United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Platinum and 1K members

TSA PreCheck and children

Children under 12 years old can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck through the TSA PreCheck lane without having to apply for TSA PreCheck themselves. Children 13 to 17 years old can also join an adult with TSA PreCheck in the TSA PreCheck lane if they are traveling on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. However, children 13 to 17 years old may be randomly excluded from receiving TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In these cases, they must go through standard security screening.

Children 17 and under who will be traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck to have access to expedited screening.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about TSA PreCheck and children:

All children, regardless of age, must go through security screening.
Children under 12 years old may be asked to remove their shoes and jacket, but they do not have to remove their belt or laptop.
Children 12 years old and over must follow the same screening procedures as adults.
Children may need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane if they are carrying a carry-on bag or if they are not able to follow the screening procedures on their own.

If you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport early and to give yourself plenty of time to go through security. You should also talk to your children about the security screening process and what to expect.

Here are some tips for traveling with children through TSA PreCheck:

Explain the TSA PreCheck process to your children ahead of time.
Make sure your children have their boarding passes and any other necessary travel documents ready before you get to the security checkpoint.
Have your children remove their shoes and jacket before they go through the metal detector.
If your child is carrying a carry-on bag, make sure they open it and place it on the conveyor belt.
Remind your child to follow the instructions of the TSA officers.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask a TSA officer for assistance.

By following these tips, you can help make your travel experience with children through TSA PreCheck as smooth as possible.

TSA PreCheck Cost Money: Is It Worth It?

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

Is TSA PreCheck worth the cost?

Whether or not TSA PreCheck is worth the cost depends on how often you travel and how much you value your time. TSA PreCheck lanes are typically shorter than the regular security lanes, and you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket. You also don’t have to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag. This can save you a significant amount of time, especially if you travel frequently.

How long does it take to get approved for TSA PreCheck?

Is TSA PreCheck right for me?

Whether or not TSA PreCheck is right for you depends on how often you travel and how much you value your time. If you travel frequently, TSA PreCheck can save you a significant amount of time and make the security screening process less stressful. However, if you only travel occasionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck may not be worth it.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to apply for TSA PreCheck:

How often do you travel?
How much do you value your time?
Do you travel with children or have connecting flights?
Do you have any mobility issues?
Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?

If you travel frequently, value your time, and do not have any mobility issues, TSA PreCheck is likely a good option for you. However, if you only travel occasionally, do not mind waiting in the security line, or have mobility issues, TSA PreCheck may not be worth the cost.

How to get the TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursed

Here are some credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement:

Capital One

Conslusion

Whether or not TSA PreCheck is worth the cost depends on how often you travel and how much you value your time.However, if you only travel occasionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck may not be worth it.

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of TSA PreCheck:

Pros:

Access to TSA PreCheck lanes at over 200 airports in the United States.
You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket.
You don’t have to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag.
You typically spend less time in the security line.

Cons:

There is a $78 application fee.
You must undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
Children 17 and under who will be traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck.

If you travel frequently and value your time, TSA PreCheck is likely a good option for you. However, if you only travel occasionally or do not mind waiting in the security line, TSA PreCheck may not be worth the cost.

Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to apply for TSA PreCheck:

How often do you travel?
How much do you value your time?
Do you travel with children or have connecting flights?
Do you have any mobility issues?
Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?

If you are unsure whether or not TSA PreCheck is right for you, you can use the TSA’s PreCheck Eligibility Quiz to find out.