PreCheck perks still worth it as TSA loosens security
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Airport security programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR allow travelers to breeze through screening. As TSA eases security protocols, travel experts say paying for that privilege is still a good investment.
Why it matters: Two decades after post-9/11 crackdowns made fast-track security a no-brainer for many Americans, especially frequent fliers, the appeal of skipping long lines hasn't faded.
Catch up quick: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on July 16 that TSA may change the current rule on traveling with liquids.
- The potential change comes on the heels of TSA ending the "shoes off policy," which the more than 20 million active PreCheck members already bypassed.
- PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents, while other government traveler programs like Global Entry allow some foreign citizens to apply.
How it works: In addition to keeping on their shoes, TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove belts and light jackets through screening.
- They also can keep their laptops and travel-size liquid products in their carry-on bags.
- TSA's wait goal for the standard security line is 30 minutes or less, a TSA spokesperson told Axios, while PreCheck is expected to be 10 minutes or less.
- Axios reviewed estimated wait times for popular airports on the TSA app Thursday afternoon and found JFK airport in New York had a 30- to 45-minute wait. Most airports had waits of 15 to 30 minutes or less.
Zoom in: Separate from PreCheck, CLEAR is a third-party service that expedites check-in at airports and arenas using enrollees' biometric data, such as fingerprints and eyes.
- Travelers can bundle the service with PreCheck to use at CLEAR kiosks, which would bump them to the front of the PreCheck line.
What they're saying: Travel experts argue the programs' time-saving advantages go well beyond the eased restrictions.
- Eric Rosen, director of travel content for The Points Guy, tells Axios PreCheck is still a good investment for some travelers.
- "The lines tend to be shorter and to move faster with dedicated security lanes and no requirement to remove belts," Rosen said.
- Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), agreed and said "even without the shoes advantage, TSA PreCheck lines typically move much faster than general security."
- "PreCheck lines typically have fewer people and more experienced travelers who won't slow everyone down by trying to bring a full water bottle through security," Keyes said.
Follow the money: TSA has lowered the price of PreCheck for new enrollments and renewals in recent years, which is an unusual move in a time when consumers are used to price hikes.
- Current prices for PreCheck vary based on what enrollment provider travelers use, and range from $76.75 to $85 for the five-year membership. Renewal prices also vary from $58.25 to $77.95.
- A CLEAR+ membership is $209 a year, but the company's website is currently promoting a bundle to get five years of PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR+ for $131.05 for the first year.
- The $120 cost of Global Entry, which allows members to move to the front of the custom line at U.S. airports for five years, includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
The intrigue: Many annual fee travel credit cards offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
- TSA lists some of the loyalty programs and credit cards on its site.
The bottom line: "The time savings are worth paying out of pocket, but it's especially worth getting when it's free," Keyes adds.
