WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The holidays are right around the corner and that means long security lines at the airport.
During a time when everything seems to be getting more expensive, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Friday that the enrollment and in-person renewal fee for TSA PreCheck will be reduced from $85 to $78.
For those that already have it, the online renewal fee will remain $70. Travelers that apply and are approved will receive a five-year membership to the program.
“For individuals and families with plans to fly this holiday season, now is the time to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “TSA PreCheck offers significant benefits to those who meet its enrollment standards – less physical contact, fewer items on the conveyor belt and faster screening.”
What are the benefits?
Not to be confused with CLEAR, TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program that offers expedited security screening at the airport. It allows low-risk travelers the opportunity to leave on shoes, jackets and belts. Not to mention that passengers with this benefit may keep their electronics and 3-1-1 compliant liquids inside their carry-on bags. It doesn't hurt that the lanes usually move quicker than the standard screening as well.
According to the TSA, in September 2022, 93% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes at security checkpoints nationwide.
How do I get it?
After registering and paying the fee on the TSA PreCheck website, travelers will need to sign up for an appointment at any one of the 500+ enrollment centers nationwide.
According to the TSA, they say that "individuals provide biometric and biographic information that TSA uses to conduct a security threat assessment," during the appointment.
Following this in-person appointment, most applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about 3-5 days. To take advantage of the benefits, people must add their KTN to their flight reservations. Travelers will then see TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass.
Those interested in enrolling can head to tsa.gov/precheck. The Transportation Security Administration warns applicants to make sure they are using a .gov site when enrolling/renewing in order to avoid fraudulent websites and unnecessary fees.
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