If you fly to Disney World or anyone else a lot, you’ve probably put some thought into paying for TSA PreCheck.
Let’s face it, we’ve all seen long security lines at Orlando International Airport, haven’t we? This is especially true this time of year, during the holiday season. Now, there is the free MCO Reserve program that lets you bypass the longer security lines, but you can use TSA PreCheck pretty much anywhere. So we want to let you know about some things BEFORE you choose to pay for it.
TSA PreCheck is a special program where you can pay $78 to undergo a background check and screening by the TSA. You’ll sign up for an appointment, visit a TSA PreCheck site, answer some questions in person, and get a TSA PreCheck number, which you can use when you travel. PreCheck will allow you to go through a separate security line at the airport, plus you’ll be able to keep everything in your bags (even your baggie of liquids and electronic devices), keep your shoes on, and go through an expedited security process. You’ll be able to keep TSA PreCheck for five years, then you’ll have to pay a fee to renew it.
However, before you sign up to pay for TSA PreCheck, you’ll want to consider some factors first.
Your credit card might cover the cost
Before you sign up for TSA PreCheck, you’ll want to see if your credit card covers the cost. Many travel rewards credit cards will reimburse you for the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck), so you can basically get it for free.
Most credit cards will also reimburse you when you need to renew your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, too. So you’ll want to check your credit card’s benefits to see if that’s included.
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You may still have to do an additional security check
The TSA chooses passengers at random to go through an additional security check, which means you may have to answer a few extra questions, submit to a search, and have your carry-on luggage examined. This can happen to any passenger going through a TSA security checkpoint, including passengers who have TSA PreCheck.
This additional security screening could slow you down, so you’ll still want to give yourself plenty of time at the airport to get to your gate and catch your flight. However, it’s good to know that you’re not exempt from these random searches if you have TSA PreCheck.
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Some airports close PreCheck early
There have been times when TSA PreCheck members have arrived at an airport later in the day (or early in the morning) only to discover that the TSA PreCheck line isn’t open. You can check the status of the TSA PreCheck lines, though, on the TSA PreCheck website.
The website also states “If a lane is not available, please show your TSA PreCheck boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane.”
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The PreCheck line can be longer
During busier travel periods, the line for TSA PreCheck can be just as long or even longer than the regular security line. That means you’re probably not saving a lot of time, although you paid extra to do just that.
Note that you’ll still get through security without the hassles of having to take things out of your bags and removing your shoes, but when the all security lines are long, TSA PreCheck might not be as worth it.
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The rules still apply
Having TSA PreCheck is not a blank check to abandon all the TSA security rules. You still have to keep your liquids in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less. You still can’t bring through any restricted items like knives and other weapons.
Don’t worry, though, you can still bring your lightsaber through security (it’s even on the TSA website).
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The military gets it free
If you’re an active duty member of the U.S. military, you can get TSA PreCheck for free. To qualify, you’ll need to update your Defense Travel System profile with your DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field and then update your airline profile with your DOD ID number in the KTN field.
This also applies to DoD civilians who are federal civil service employees or Non-appropriated fund (NAF) civilians.
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It comes with global entry
If you’re planning an international trip, perhaps to check out Disneyland Paris or Tokyo Disney Resort and you want to skip the long lines at the airport coming back into the U.S., you might want to apply for Global Entry. That will also get you TSA PreCheck for free.
Also, as previously mentioned, select credit cards will reimburse you for the cost of Global Entry, as well as renewal of the program.
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So be sure to keep these in mind if you’re considering purchasing TSA PreCheck. Many on the DFB team have it and we certainly think it’s worth it, so we want to make sure you’re completely informed before you pay for it.
Stay tuned to AllEars for more.
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Do you have TSA PreCheck or are you considering buying it? Let us know in the comments!
I have had TSA PreCheck and for the most part it has been worth it. Except that one time leaving Atlanta Hartsfield airport. The TSA line was just as long if not longer than the regular line and it was all the way on the other side of the airport. It was a long walk to get to it. It expired this year. So, instead of renewing it I decided to get Global Entry. Can’t wait to see how it is.
Back in 2022 I paid the $78 for TSA, I’ve been waiting for a respond but never received the email, I totally forgot, im ready to travel, where would I go from here
1. TSA PreCheck is not available at all airports.
2. Don’t be surprised if the TSA PreCheck agent takes people from the regular line if it’s really long (even if there are people in the PreCheck line.
I got mine, global entry is next.
Have had TSA for 5 years. Paid $80 or $85. I fly about once a month. Worth every penny.
The nexus program is the cheapest way to PreTSA, Nexus, Global Entry and Sentey all at once. I believes it’s $50.
Have had it for years
I have TSA PRECHECK and it is usually a good feature to have.
Have had it since the inception. Absolutely worth it. Even if sometimes the line may not be short. The global entry part is phenomenal. I travel a lot back and forth internationally and after a long flight being able to use the almost never standing line to enter the US is a godsend. Even if I still wait for my luggage, no standing in long lines with annoying, smelly, no personal space understand other people.
It’s all basically a scam to get more money out of you for providing what you are already paying for. It rarely has any value when you are outside of the United States.
The Pre-TSA is well worth the money. Been a god send for us for many years. Stop the negative woke reporting
I don’t understand the woke part (?). But agreed, it does seem like a good idea for frequent fliers.
I’ve had Global Entry for a few years now, and it does make a huge difference! My home airport is Newark, which is known for long lines, but since I’ve had pre-check I go to the special lanes and whiskey right through. It’s wonderful not to have to tear my bag apart to take out liquids or electronics, and not having to take my shoes off is even better! My credit card paid for it and will pay the renewal, however we did have to pay for my husband’s because the card would only pay once. Still, well worth it.