The #1 Reason People Aren’t Buying TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a fastpass service that lets you bypass the long security standby lines at airports — but is it worth it?

TSA PreCheck is a paid service that lets you go through airport security faster than the regular lines, thanks to its alleviated rules regarding what you need to remove from your luggage and person. While many Americans opt for this service when traveling, most don’t — and there are several reasons why.

Let’s start with the most obvious reason: COST. Enrollment costs anywhere between $76.75 and $85 for 5-year coverage, and then you’ve got to pay renewal fees.

When you look at it on the surface, sub-$100 fees every five years are not really a big deal. However, flying is already expensive enough, and a lot of people don’t have any interest in paying for something that is absolutely a luxury rather than a necessity. Yes, you can get through airport security without PreCheck, and that fact makes the paid service simply an extra expense for many travelers.

If you’re already paying for checked bags, your seat, and other airplane amenities, the prospect of paying for a faster security experience can feel excessive — especially when you also factor in everything you still need to buy at your destination.

Then there’s the reality of travel frequency. For example, if the only time you fly throughout the year is once to Disney World and once back, buying PreCheck doesn’t make much sense. Frankly, if you don’t do a ton of flying, PreCheck isn’t likely on your radar.

On the flip side, if you do fly quite a bit, PreCheck definitely rewards frequent travel.

That one-time fee pays it forward. However, keep in mind that even if you fly only once per year, a PreCheck membership lasts five years, so there’s still value in the program.

TSA PreCheck doesn’t always guarantee a faster experience, either. While PreCheck lines usually go by in 10 minutes or less, slowdowns can occur.

For starters, families with children 17 and younger are accommodated — which means that as long as the parents/guardians have PreCheck, those kids can join the line.

Additionally, you’re still subject to inspection. If you’re traveling with something that could set off the sensors — such as something flammable like a candle, for example — you still might be taken aside as your bag is searched. TSA PreCheck does lift certain restrictions, but you still have to pack to TSA standards, and agents always have the right to search your stuff. In these instances, don’t expect leniency or a fast experience.

Of course, there’s also the possibility that there’s no difference in speed between TSA PreCheck lines versus regular security lines. If you arrive at an airport while foot traffic is low and getting through security is a breeze, you might not even notice a difference between the two in terms of time. With that said, PreCheck does allow you to keep more articles of clothing on as well as keep certain electronics zipped up and stored — so it’ll always have the edge in comfort and ease.

Of course, there’s always a chance you arrive so early at the airport that PreCheck lines aren’t even open! Talk about a waste of money…

Do you use TSA PreCheck? Do you feel you don’t need it? Let us know your thoughts on this airport service and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest travel tips and updates!

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