If you plan to sign up for the TSA PreCheck program, the federal government has an early holiday gift for you: The cost to enroll, or to renew your enrollment in person, is dropping from $85 to $78.
The enrollment provider for the program, IDEMIA, says the fee to renew online will remain the same, however, at $70.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to zip through airport security. Not only does the process usually take much less time than a normal security line, but those with TSA PreCheck also can avoid removing:
- Shoes
- Belts
- Light jackets
You also do not have to remove electronics such as laptops and liquids that meet the 3-1-1 requirement from carry-on luggage.
When you enroll in or renew membership in the TSA PreCheck program, you are covered for five years.
To apply for TSA PreCheck, start the process at the TSA website. At some point, you will be required to make an in-person appointment with TSA, so you can be fingerprinted. A background check also will be conducted.
TSA says there are more than 500 enrollment centers nationwide where you can schedule such an appointment.
Once you have completed the enrollment steps, you will usually receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within five days. You must add this number to your flight reservation to take advantage of TSA PreCheck.
Before you dig into your wallet for PreCheck, look into whether you can take advantage of programs that will allow you to join for free. For more, check out “How to Get TSA PreCheck Free: 36 Proven Ways.”
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