If you have ever found yourself at the airport cutting it close to catching your flight, standing in a mile-long security check line, behind someone wearing several layers of outerwear (plus lace-up shoes and a belt), while carrying every type of electronics in his bag... you've probably noticed an additional security line labeled TSA Pre✓.
The passengers in the TSA Pre✓ line are breezing through security. Not removing their shoes, laptops, belts, or light jackets. They simply show their boarding pass to the agent and walk right on through. Standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening.
Wondering how you can be a part of that group? It's easy... if you consider filling out a 5-minute online form, completing an additional 10-minute in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting, and paying $85 for a 5-year membership easy. Is it worth it? The Transportation Safety Administration seems to think so.
By the numbers
According to the TSA, 93 percent of TSA Pre✓ passengers waited less than five minutes during the month of November 2019. Considering November is a heavy travel month due to the Thanksgiving holiday, five minutes in a security line sounds like a breeze!
Short wait times like these could be why more than 9 million people are already taking advantage of TSA Pre✓. To accommodate TSA Pre✓ members, 200-plus airports and 73 airlines currently provide TSA Pre✓. That means chances are if you are traveling, you'll be able to put your membership to use and save some time at the security checkpoint.
Who can apply and what about kids?
The TSA Pre✓ application program membership is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. There is no age restriction to apply. And good news for families — kids ages 12 and under can participate in the expedited screening when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian with a TSA Pre✓ indicator on their boarding pass.
A friend who has TSA Pre✓ and travels with her kids, ages 8 and 10, said TSA Pre✓ has given her family peace of mind on numerous trips. They've breezed through security many times when the regular security line seemed a mile long — an especially nice perk when traveling with impatient kids and burdened with all the family "stuff." It has also helped them feel less stressed about when to arrive at an airport — those of us who travel even occasionally know that sometimes even when you feel like you've arrived in plenty of time, a long security line can derail your plans.
So is it worth it?
The answer: Maybe.
There are some factors to consider. For example, how often do you travel? If it's more than a few times a year, the $85 five-year membership ($17 per year) is probably worth it to be able to skip the long security lines.
Also, consider the airports you most often use. Smaller airports may not usually have a long security line, making the cost of membership unnecessary.
Then ask yourself who you travel with. Do you travel most often solo, or with your partner? If it's with a partner, it would make sense for them also to have a membership — which means you've now doubled the cost of participating. And don't forget about the cost for kids ages 13 and up who would also need their own membership.
Finally, keep in mind this disclaimer from TSA: TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
That's right. Even with a TSA Pre✓ indicator on your boarding pass, you might still have to wait in a long line.
