TSA PreCheck is Awesome

Happy New Year! Hopefully you’ve made a commitment to include MORE travel in 2018. And in doing so, perhaps you’ve noticed people breezing through airport security in a TSA PreCheck line and wondered if that’s the right option for you. I will do my best to define this program and share my thoughts to help in your personal evaluation. More than five million people are already enrolled in this program. 

Definition
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program in the United States created by the Transportation Security Administration (a department under the Department of Homeland Security). 

In general, TSA PreCheck is appropriate for passengers who intend to take more than two trips annually within the US. Currently 200 airports and 42 US airlines in the program. Here is a map of airports and airlines. 

The application process begins online, their is a cost to enroll in the program and you must provide valid photo identification. Currently the fee is $85.00 per person for five years. You must include your Known traveler number when making your airline reservation. 

All of the carriers I fly in the U.S. participate and I am a member of their frequent flier programs. Therefore, I entered my Known Traveler Number in my airline profile and the information is automatically included on every reservation. No fuss, no muss. 

Positives

• Expedited screening process for air passengers at select airports in the US.  No need to remove laptops, shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. 
• Children under the age of 12 can participate without membership) when traveling with a TSA Pre Check adult. 
• Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck

Negatives

• Membership fee
• Not all airports participate 
• Surrender personal information to a govt. agency    

In short, I love TSA PreCheck because I travel a lot within the U.S. (as you can imagine). I especially love the faster (shorter) lines at airports with my children. The application process was easy. If you’re planning on taking two or more air trips within the US, then I suggest becoming a member of the program. 

More detailed information can be found here on TSA PreCheck from the official TSA website.