I’ve Had TSA PreCheck for Years (Here’s Why It’s Worth the Price!)
Find out how to get TSA PreCheck and if it’s worth it.
Check out how you can easily get TSA PreCheck, the benefits of the service, and how to extend your benefits and get it totally free!
I signed myself up for TSA PreCheck a few years ago, right before I was about to fly out for a vacation so that I could reap all the benefits of this service:
- ✅ Expedited security screening & dedicated screening lanes
- ✅ No need to remove items (yes, you get to keep your shoes ON!)
- ✅ Quicker pace getting through to my gate
- ✅ Zero stress about airport business pre-trip
- ✅ Accessible through many different airlines
How much does TSA PreCheck Cost?
How to get TSA PreCheck for FREE:
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee. Some common ones are Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture Rewards, American Express Platinum Card, Citi / AAdvantage, United Explorer Card, and Bank of America. Typically, when you pay for TSA PreCheck with one of these cards, you’ll receive a statement credit covering the fee.
Most credit cards will only reimburse you for up to a certain amount every 4 or 5 years, so it’s important to read the fine print before paying for more than one TSA PreCheck membership.
Here are some other ways you may be able to get your TSA PreCheck cost covered:
- Frequent Flyer Programs – Some airlines offer TSA PreCheck fee waivers or reimbursement as part of their frequent flyer programs.
- Employer Benefits – Some companies reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee as part of travel perks for employees. Check with your HR or benefits department to see if this is available.
- Trusted Traveler Programs – If you sign up for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you automatically get TSA PreCheck included at no extra charge.
- Military Personnel – Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Reserves and National Guard, can enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits for free when using their Department of Defense ID number.
How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck? Here’s my experience obtaining a new membership:
Step 1: Apply online.
The TSA PreCheck online application took me a total of about 3 minutes. I was a little concerned because I figured I had missed something — it was just a little too easy. As a bonus, the payment wasn’t even required upfront!
They did note on the application that individuals with a history of crime and/or felony should reconsider applying, given the limited chance of being approved for the program. The $85 charge is non-refundable, even if you don’t get approved.
Step 2: Schedule an in-person appointment.
This step will automatically generate after you submit your online application. The location options will vary based on where you live. I thought I would have to go to the airport to do this and deal with the traffic and parking fees, but nope! The location populated for me and was just a small identity services office in a nearby suburb. Since I submitted my application on a Friday, the earliest appointment was the following Monday. With 13 days until my flight, I hoped time was on my side.
My Hip Sidekick, Angela, agrees that the locations are super convenient too:
“When I initially signed up for TSA PreCheck the only place you could make an appointment (weeks out) was at the airport. However, I just took my college-aged daughter a couple of weeks ago to an Office Max location nearby and it took 15 minutes tops. So easy!”
Step 3: Show up for your “interview”.
The interview process is straightforward and quick as they’re simply confirming the information you already provided on your application. Your interview should take no longer than 10 minutes (mine took just 2 minutes!). After confirming your information, they’ll scan your fingerprints.
This is also when you will pay the TSA PreCheck application fee and your membership is good for 5 years before renewal is required.
Important: Ensure that the information (name, date of birth, etc.) on your Social Security card matches your driver’s license and application exactly. If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, it’s a good practice to bring certified supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Hip Tip: Don’t forget to use one of the ways that will cover your TSA PreCheck application fee listed above so you can waive the hefty fee!
Next, you’ll wait. How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
The man who conducted my “interview” was super helpful and told me that it generally takes about a week from the completion of the whole process to receive my KTN (Known Traveler Number) if I’m accepted. Cool, I’ll have my number in time for the trip!
I was thrilled when I got my KTN only 3 days after my interview via email which was half the time they said! Two days after that, I got my KTN in the mail. 🙌🏼
How to get TSA PreCheck on boarding pass:
Luckily, once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck and receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) you can add it to an existing flight before your trip or any future trip you book!
TSA PreCheck is currently available at 200+ airports with 90+ participating airlines nationwide. You can easily search to find out if your airport participates.
- Already booked flights: Add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation by updating your flight and loyalty program info. If necessary, reprint your boarding pass if it’s missing the “TSA PRE” stamp.
- Booking new flights: Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation when you book your flight.
How to get TSA PreCheck number in case you misplace it:
The quickest and easiest way to find your KTN if you misplace it is to search on the TSA website by entering your info.
How to get TSA PreCheck with Global Entry:
- TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports.
- Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the U.S. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits as part of their membership.
Global Entry is a great option for eligible travelers who travel internationally four or more times per year. However, it is more expensive than TSA PreCheck. When applying for Global Entry a $120 one-time non-refundable fee is required with your application and must be paid at the time of submission.
Hip Tip: Many of the same ways to get your TSA PreCheck fee waived (listed above) also cover Global Entry fees! 🤩
On my first flight using TSA PreCheck, I was traveling on a vacation with my boyfriend and my TSA PreCheck number was actually on his boarding pass as well. I talked to a TSA customer service representative to see if this would be a regular thing.
Since I had booked the flights together but included his Delta Frequent Flyer number for his ticket, they were able to review his flight history and deemed him as a low-risk companion. This allowed him to use the line with me as a preview to the program in hopes he would sign up as well, but it isn’t guaranteed every time. However, we’ve taken a few trips together, and it has given him my TSA PreCheck number every time! 🙌🏼
So, is TSA PreCheck worth it? Here are the benefits of TSA PreCheck:
It’s great for families!
Children under 12 years old are able to accompany their parents in the TSA PreCheck line as long as the parent has a valid KTN indicated on their boarding pass.
It reduces travel stress.
Whether you travel with or without kids, it’s a great benefit to not have to stress about being at the airport hours before takeoff. Does anyone else’s dad still insist on arriving at the airport 2 hours before seating begins, or is that just mine? 🤔
It’s less work for your carry-on bags.
Set it and forget it. Instead of having to pull out your bag of liquids and laptop from your carry-on, you simply place your bag on the conveyor and walk through — WITH YOUR SHOES ON! Seriously, easy peasy!
Don’t be like the McAllisters from Home Alone! Combine the skip-the-line and easy walkthrough aspect of security, and you’ve got the makings of one headache-free airport experience, especially when traveling with little ones!
All in all, I’m SO happy I applied for TSA PreCheck and loved using it on my last flights! My airport experience couldn’t be more seamless!
Yes! It is so worth it. Even if you don’t travel busy airports the convenience of leaving your shoes on and electronics/toiletries in your bag is worth the price.
That sure is a great perk! Thanks so much for commenting, Annie!
With Global entry the kids have to have their own number love that includes the TSA.
We have global entry for years now, and we love it as a family. We typically take 2 or more international trips a year and it is so worth it.
I agree on both TSA Precheck and Global. It is a lifesaver when you are running late and the security checkpoint line is long!!
I want to second and third and fourth this post.
I have had TSA pre-check going on 3 years. I travel at least 2x a month for work. Its a LIFESAVER- why? not only am i lugging alot of computers etc with me (at the min. 1 printer, 2 laptops, cords, my cell phone etc) that i do not need to unpack, but esp now during winter months, its nice not to have to take off my snowboots!
Also, with bigger airports (LAX, ORD, PHL, CLT, JFK) where there can be huge lines (esp, around the holidays) i have waited at the most (MOST) 10 minutes to get through check.
one time, I burned all my miles and took a friend on a trip. Since she was on my account for the ticket she got (by default) pre-check. This doesn’t always happen, but when it does its awesome!
Best 85 bucks i will ever spend in my life.
I’ve had PreCheck for a about 3 years and generally fly 3 times each year. Even if only for holiday travel, the $85 was totally worth it.
My husband and myself were selected for the trial PreCheck many years ago. We loved it so much so when they rolled out the permanent PreCheck we signed up right away. I’ve had to major back surgeries so not having to take off my shoes is huge for me. Plus I get to wear fun shoes or boots instead of slip-ons. Standing in long lines is tough on my back and legs. One time my flight was super early and TSA Precheck wasn’t open yet and I had to go through the regular security line. Well worth the $85 for me.
We also have Global entry with TSA PreCheck, and were reimbursed by our Chase card. Totally worth it. I used it coming back from Europe and the line literally took me 3 minutes. Now i waited for my husband a good 15-20 minutes, however but I was also waiting for luggage. So if you don’t check in luggage it can definitely be a time saver. For us it was a wash. But for the domestic flights we’ve loved Pre-check. You don’t need to remove any clothing and or shoes and liquids or laptops. The only issue I had was in Las Vegas the Pre Check line was closed twice, so I had to walk to a different gate where it was open, or wait in the dreadfully LONGGGG line. Otherwise it’s been smooth sailing and it’s totally worth it! I also recommend printing your boarding passes so in those cases where there is no open Pre Check line, the agents may not subject you to the same rules when going through security if they see PreCheck on your boarding pass.
Yes! It’s SO worth it, and there’s no going back. Just avoiding the ick factor of putting my toiletry bag in a TSA bin that has held millions of pairs of shows makes it worth it for me, LOL.
I have a ASD kiddo and PreCheck is 100% worth it. Honestly our first trip to MCO (Orlando) was worth it alone. They didn’t make him take off his hoodie or shoes.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Nat! 💕 So happy to hear TSA PreCheck made traveling smoother for your family!
We love our PreCheck and Global Entry. I’m positive we would have missed a connecting flight earlier this year without Global Entry. The customs line was at least an hour long and we breezed right through.
With the new $120 price, applicants under the age of 18 are now exempt from the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or is also applying for Global Entry. I’m working on getting our daughter a free membership now!
My husband is a pilot for a major airline and we have four children. We travel often both domestically and internationally and I’ve never thought this would be a nice thing to have.
I don’t understand the hype. Even when I’m traveling with my four kids we haven’t experienced horrific wait times (our home airport is MSP) and the pre check folks seem to wait just as long as the rest of us for security.
Perhaps it’s because my kids know the routine and are efficient with the process?
Anyway, I thought it might be nice for people to hear from a frequent traveler with kids that I don’t think it’s worth the time or cost involved.