As airport delays continue, can enrolling in TSA PreCheck save you time?
Travelers facing long security lines at major airports have the option to enroll in TSA PreCheck for a faster and more efficient screening process. This U.S. government-run program allows travelers to bypass standard security lines and undergo an expedited screening process that typically takes only 10 minutes, according to TSA.
Julian Kheel, CEO and founder of Points Path, a flight awards search engine, emphasized the benefits of TSA PreCheck for travelers looking to expedite their airport security experience. “TSA PreCheck will likely help you, even amidst the current long lines at checkpoints, and it’s a valuable asset for any traveler,” he told CBS News.
With hundreds of TSA officers resigning and staff shortages during the government shutdown, the Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist with security at airports.
Applying for TSA PreCheck
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck involves filling out an online application and attending an in-person appointment. While the approval process typically takes at least a week, some airports may not be operating TSA PreCheck lines due to reduced staff.
Travelers can apply for TSA PreCheck through authorized providers such as Clear, Idemia, and Telos. The online application takes about five minutes to complete, followed by an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, which can be located at airports or stores like CVS, Office Depot, and Staples.
During the 10-minute appointment, biometric data like fingerprints will be collected, and documentation will be verified. The enrollment fee varies by provider, with Clear costing $79.95 and Idemia and Telos charging $76.75 and $85, respectively. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) in three to five days, which must be entered when making reservations to access TSA PreCheck.
Travelers are advised to check their travel credit cards for TSA PreCheck fee waivers and renew their enrollment every five years.
Time-Saving Options at the Airport
In addition to TSA PreCheck, travelers can expedite their airport experience by enrolling in the Touchless ID program, which uses facial identification technology at security checkpoints in 65 airports. Clear, a private program that operates its own lines at airports, offers expedited security screening for an annual fee of $209 that can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck.
For international travelers, the Global Entry program, which includes TSA PreCheck, can reduce wait times at security checkpoints and provide expedited re-entry into the United States through immigration and customs.
Overall, enrolling in TSA PreCheck and exploring other time-saving options at the airport can significantly enhance travelers’ airport experience and streamline their journey.
