JessTravel can make people stressed, from booking hotels, car rental, packing, and making sure you have every document for your trip. If you’re a frequent traveler and dread security lines, I highly recommend applying for TSA Precheck. TSA PreCheck will make passing through airport security a breeze, making this one less item to be stressed about. I mean who doesn’t want to get through security faster? If security lines at your home airport are anything like mine, they can either go by fairly quickly or take up to an hour and a half. With TSA PreCheck you can fly through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, or belts, making it beneficial for those who value efficiency and want to streamline the airport security process.
What is TSA Precheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program that provides fast and hassle-free security screening at airports in the United States. It allows pre-approved travelers to go through a faster security lane, where they don’t have to remove items from their bags or remove their shoes. TSA PreCheck is only available for flights departing from U.S. airports.
**If TSA PreCheck lanes are not available at your airport, you can show your boarding pass to an agent to receive expedited screening in a standard line.
Requirements for TSA Precheck
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck you must meet certain criteria. U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply for the program. The usual requirements include a background check, fingerprints, and an application fee.
Cost
TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $78 for a 5-year membership (for less than $2 a month it’s a great investment!!)
**Some credit cards cover the TSA Precheck application fee! Some include:
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Card
- Capital One Venture X Card
- Capital One Venture X Business Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
My experience when applying for PreCheck
The application process was fairly easy and fast in my opinion. I went online to tsa.gov/precheck and scrolled until it showed the steps to apply. First, it asks for your zipcode to show you enrollment centers near you, and which Enrollment Website to choose. Once you click on the best fit it takes you to another page where you click on new enrollment. It shows you the cost on the screen, which is $78 for 5 years. This is where the application begins and asks you for your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information. This can take about 5-10 minutes.
I scheduled my in-person visit for the following week. You must take the documents required which can vary from your birth certificate to your driver’s license- documents needed that will confirm your identity. Once I arrived at the location I checked in with the front desk and showed him my passport and driver’s license.
I sat down for what was probably 3 minutes when I was called into a back cubicle where the man took a picture of me and processed my fingerprints. Once that was complete I signed and paid with my credit card. He advised that I would receive my traveler number between 3-5 days. Overall the in-person visit took me 10 minutes! I was shocked! To my surprise, 24 hours later I received an email that I was eligible for the program and was issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Can you bring a guest through TSA PreCheck?
Usually, no but there can be exceptions. Kids 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent in the TSA Precheck lanes. Kids ages 13-17 can accompany an enrolled parent when traveling on the same reservation.
Difference between TSA Precheck and Global Entry
Thinking of which is better for you? TSA Precheck is solely for U.S Airports, meantime Global Entry is for both domestic and International travel. If you travel internationally frequently, Global Entry might be the best fit for you as it expedites the slow immigration process. Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. The application processing time can take anywhere from 4-6 months for Global Entry. This is one of the main reasons why I decided to apply for TSA PreCheck because I knew I would be flying domestic more as opposed to internationally.
Difference between TSA Precheck and CLEAR Plus?
CLEAR Plus is an annual membership that provides quick access through security lines. This membership gives you expedited entry without having to stand in line to show your U.S.-issued photo ID. Instead, CLEAR uses a kiosk that verifies your identity with biometrics and fingerprint data. The CLEAR Plus membership is $189 a year and also works at arenas.
CLEAR usually offers free trials while you’re at the airport, so if you ever find yourself at the end of the security line and in a rush to get through it doesn’t hurt to ask CLEAR employees about the membership or a free trial. I know if I hadn’t taken advantage of the free trial I would have most likely missed my flight.
I trust this blog post was useful for anyone considering a program to breeze through security lines. Whether it’s TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, I hope you discover the perfect fit for your needs.