We all hate waiting in long lines at airports. Though it’s a necessary evil when it comes to air travel, there is a game-changing way to bypass long security lines with TSA Pre-Check. While it’s an affordable way to expedite the security process at $78 for five years, why pay for it when you can get it for free? Follow along and we’ll show you how to get TSA Pre-Check for free through certain credit cards or active military status or at a discounted rate.
What is TSA Pre-Check?
TSA Pre-Check is a special program offered by the U.S Government that lets you go through airport security faster. It’s available in over 200 airports and with more than 60 airlines all across the United States. With TSA Pre-Check, you can use a shorter security line and enjoy some extra benefits, such as being able to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, not needing to take out electronic devices from your carry-on bag, not having to take out liquids from your hand luggage, and sometimes avoiding the body scanner that some people may find intrusive.
Here are some of the main advantages offered by TSA Pre-Check:
- Quick Screening Process: Members of TSA Pre-Check can enjoy shorter lines and faster screening, allowing them to pass through security checkpoints with minimal waiting time.
- No Need to Remove Shoes, Belts, and Jackets: With TSA Pre-Check, there’s no requirement to take off shoes, belts, or light jackets while going through security, which is more convenient and saves time.
- Keep Laptops and Liquids in Your Bag: Travelers can keep their laptops and allowed liquids inside their carry-on bags, eliminating the need to take them out separately during screening.
- Added Convenience: TSA Pre-Check members have access to dedicated lanes that are typically less crowded, resulting in a more seamless and efficient experience.
- Reduced Stress and Delays: By using TSA Pre-Check, travelers can avoid the stress and frustration of long security lines, ensuring a smoother and more relaxed journey.
- Coverage for the Entire Trip: Once approved for TSA Pre-Check, the benefits apply to both domestic and international flights departing from participating U.S. airports.
- Compatibility with Other Trusted Traveler Programs: TSA Pre-Check is compatible with other trusted traveler programs like CLEAR, offering even more convenience and seamless travel experiences.
Please note that not all airport terminals have TSA Pre-Check, so it may not always be available. But when it is, it can make the airport experience much less stressful and save you a significant amount of time. Before signing up, it may be helpful to check that TSA Pre-Check is available at the airports you frequent most. For the latest information on available locations, visit the TSA Pre-Check location map.
How to Get TSA Pre-Check for Free
There are ways to obtain a TSA Pre-Check membership for free. The two best ways are through credit cards you may have. Or, if you’re an active U.S. military personnel, you can also get TSA Pre-Check for free. Here are the credit cards that offer TSA Pre-Check free for cardholders as a valuable member benefit:
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- United Explorer Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- United Club Infinite Card
These are just a few examples of credit cards that offer TSA Pre-Check membership for free. To stay updated on the latest credit cards providing this benefit, visit here to discover more options that can help you obtain TSA Pre-Check without incurring any additional cost.
Free TSA Pre-Check Membership For Active Military Personnel
Members of the military can benefit from TSA Pre-Check as well. When booking flights or updating their Defense Travel System profile for travel officers, they can easily use this program by providing their Department of Defense ID number, which can be located on the back of their common access card, in the “known traveler number” area.
Additionally, eligible federal Department of Defense civilians have the option to bypass the application process by selecting a specific method.
How to Get a Discount on TSA Pre-Check Membership
In addition to the above-mentioned cards that provide TSA Pre-Check for free, there are also various credit cards that offer discounts or statement credits to help offset the cost of TSA Pre-Check.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
By leveraging these credit card discounts, you can make the most of your travel budget while enjoying the benefits of expedited security screening through TSA Pre-Check.
How to Apply for TSA Pre-Check
To start the TSA Pre-Check application process, you can complete an online application in approximately five minutes. Afterward, you’ll need to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrolment center, which can be located at various places like airports, Staples stores, and an increasing number of IdentoGo enrolment outposts. During the appointment, which typically takes around 10 minutes, you will undergo fingerprinting as part of the background check procedure. Once your TSA Pre-Check application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number.
There are multiple ways to obtain TSA Pre-Check. You have the option to apply independently if your travels are primarily within the United States. Alternatively, you can choose to pursue Global Entry, a trusted traveler program that expedites customs processing upon entering the U.S. Other programs like NEXUS (for entry from Canada) and SENTRI (for entry from Canada and Mexico), also includes TSA Pre-Check membership benefits.
Children who are under the age of 12 can travel with their parent or guardian who has TSA Pre-Check without needing their membership. However, children who are 13 years old or older will need their individual Known Traveler Number, or they will have to go through the standard security line instead of the expedited TSA Pre-Check line.
Standard TSA Pre-Check Pricing
As of May 2023, the enrolment fee for TSA Pre-Check is $78. Once you are approved, you don’t need to renew your membership for five years. It’s important to note that the initial enrolment fee and renewal costs are subject to change, so I recommend checking the TSA website for the latest information.
Price of TSA Pre-Check vs CLEAR
TSA Pre-Check offers a convenient experience at a relatively affordable price. The current cost for a five-year TSA Pre-Check membership is $85. For a single payment, travelers gain access to expedited screening benefits, such as shorter lines, reduced security requirements (no need to remove shoes, belts, and jackets), and the freedom to keep laptops and liquids in their bags. Considering the time and stress saved during each trip, the cost of TSA Pre-Check is a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.
In comparison, CLEAR comes with a higher price tag. The annual membership fee for CLEAR typically ranges around $189. While CLEAR offers additional benefits and uses biometric technology for identification, the cost difference between TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR is notable. Learn more about whether CLEAR security is worth it and how to get CLEAR for free or at a discount.
Bottom line
For frequent domestic travelers, TSA Pre-Check offers significant time savings and an enhanced travel experience by expediting airport security procedures. While the cost of $78 for a five-year membership is already reasonable at an annual rate of $15.60, obtaining TSA Pre-Check for free is even more advantageous. If you already possess a travel credit card, it’s worthwhile to check if it includes reimbursement for the TSA Pre-Check fee as part of its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do I go to get a TSA Pre-Check appointment?
Find a TSA Pre-Check enrollment center near you by inputting your zip code or city using the TSA Pre-Check enrollment center search.
How long does it take to get approved for TSA Pre-Check?
It takes about three to five days on average to get approved for TSA Pre-Check but it can take upwards of six months, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Which is better: TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR?
There are a few key differences between TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR. First, as TSA Pre-Check grows in popularity, so do the TSA Pre-Check lines. So it will be faster than the standard security line, however, TSA Pre-Check is often not as fast as the CLEAR security lines. However, there are far fewer CLEAR locations, so it’s not as widely available. CLEAR also costs a lot more at $189 per person per year–compared to TSA Pre-Check at just $78 for five years. Another difference is the application process. With CLEAR it takes maybe five to 10 minutes to sign up, whereas TSA Pre-Check requires an in-person interview and the processing time can take months.