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If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, then you can probably relate to this scenario:
Have you ever planned your trip to the airport thinking you would breeze in with more than enough time to get through even a lengthy security line only to pull up short when you see the line so long you have to step through the security line just to get to the check-in line? You schlepp to the back of the line and check your watch every minute hoping not to miss your flight. You’re thankful when the TSA officers call for passengers with flights in the next 30 minutes.
This has been me on a few occasions. Thankfully, I have never missed a flight due to an extra long security line, but boy is it nerve-wracking!
With over 700 million domestic passengers in 2018, no wonder airports are congested! In steps TSA PreCheck; the U.S. government’s program that allows low-risk travelers to pass through an expedited security screening at certain U.S. Airports. Below are 5 reasons why I have it and why I think you should too.
It Makes Life So Much Easier
*courtesy of tsa.gov/precheck
I’ve hit the TSA PreCheck lottery on a few occasions prior to enrolling and I gotta tell ya, it’s WONDERFUL!! The line is super short, you don’t have to remove your shoes or (light) jacket and you don’t have to take out your TSA-approved liquids or your laptop.Β You also don’t have to go through the body scanner!
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*Courtesy of TSA.gov/precheck
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It’s Available at More Than 200 Airports Nationwide
TSA PreCheck is available in many airportsΒ – from LAX to JFK – and in Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Β And with 65 participating airlines, you’re sure to find the right combination at your home airport to make it worthwhile.
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*Courtesy of tsa.gov/precheck/map
It Lasts Five Years
The fee for TSA PreCheck is $85.Β That comes out to less than $20 per year for the ability to speed through to your gate at the airport.Β Even if you only fly one time per year, that $20 is well spent!
It Applies to Members of Your Family Under 12, even if They Don’t Have PreCheck
Children under 12 get TSA PreCheck if traveling with an adult already enrolled.
If you often fly with kids, this is a great bonus!Β According to the TSA, PreCheck will apply to them as long as they are age 12 or under and are traveling with a parent or guardian who has previously enrolled.
It May Be Included with your credit card perks
The enrollment fee might be covered by your credit card loyalty program.
Credit card companies like Bank of America, Capital One, Chase and others offer loyalty programs for cardholders.Β You may qualify to have some or the entire application fee covered or be able to pay with frequent flyer miles/points.Β Check with your credit card company to see if you qualify.
You are so right about the benefits of TSA PreCheck! I did go one step further and enrolled in Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. I recently reaped the benefits of Global Entry on a cruise to Alaska. The departure port was Vancouver and I was able to skip the line and get on board faster.
I’m going to Alaska next year. We’re doing a cruisetour that starts in Anchorage and ends in Vancouver. I thought about Global Entry but haven’t done it yet. Will definitely get it soon as we plan to start doing European and other cruises that require international travel.
You are so right about the benefits of TSA PreCheck! I did go one step further and enrolled in Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. I recently reaped the benefits of Global Entry on a cruise to Alaska. The departure port was Vancouver and I was able to skip the line and get on board faster.
I’m going to Alaska next year. We’re doing a cruisetour that starts in Anchorage and ends in Vancouver. I thought about Global Entry but haven’t done it yet. Will definitely get it soon as we plan to start doing European and other cruises that require international travel.