Is TSA Precheck Worth It? An Expert's Take on Requirements, Benefits, and Cost

Is TSA Precheck Worth It? An Expert's Take on Requirements, Benefits, and Cost

Waiting to get through airport security brings out the worst in people. And let's be honest, between airplane ear and picking out the best seat on the plane, you already have enough to worry about when you're traveling. Add the hassle of taking off your shoes and removing your laptop from your carry-on, and suddenly TSA Precheck becomes way more appealing.

With TSA Precheck, you get to skip the long lines and tedious part of the security process. It's designed to make the experience quicker and less stressful, which is one of the many benefits of TSA Precheck in the first place. Sure, TSA Precheck costs money, but many travel experts say it's worth the price tag.

"I don't miss the days of wrestling with my laptop, and I definitely don't miss the long security lines," travel advisor Kristin Winkaffe says. "It's one of those small luxuries that makes the whole airport experience a little less soul-crushing, and in my opinion, that's worth every penny."

Whether you're still not convinced or you want more information on the TSA Precheck cost or requirements, here's why travel experts say TSA Precheck may absolutely be worth it.

Experts Featured in This Article

Kristin Winkaffe is a travel advisor and founder of Winkaffe Global Travel, a travel agency based in Columbus, OH.

Benefits of TSA Precheck

One of the best parts about having TSA Precheck is the convenience that comes with it. "TSA Precheck is like a fast pass through airport security," Winkaffe says. It's available at over 200 airports and 85 airlines, and instead of waiting in the standard security line that can take a long time to pass through, you get to go through a shorter line that gets you through security in a fraction of the time, she adds.

Another benefit is the fact that you can keep your shoes on and your iPad stored. "TSA Precheck means getting through security without doing the whole song and dance of taking off your shoes, belts, or jackets, or pulling out your laptop and liquids," Winkaffe says. No need to stress about what goes in individual bins and what doesn't.

TSA Precheck is also family friendly: According to Winkaffe, kids under 12 can join you in the Precheck line without being approved themselves. Considering how many tablets and toys families travel with, this is majorly worth the time and energy if you're traveling with children.

Most importantly though, once you're approved for TSA Precheck, you're approved for the next five years. Depending on how often you travel, this almost always makes the cost worth it.

TSA Precheck Cost

For a five-year period, you can get TSA Precheck for $78. This breaks down to only $15.60 per year, which is likely worth the time you'd save not waiting in lines.

TSA Precheck Requirements

In order to get TSA Precheck, the application process requires you to be a US citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident. You also are required to provide an original or certified copy of one of the following: a passport, enhanced tribal card (ETC), free and secure trade card (FAST), enhanced driver's license (EDL), a permanent resident card (also referred to as a "green card"), foreign passport and immigrant visa, or unexpired re-entry permit.

If you do not have any of the above, you can present a valid photo ID along with a document that meets citizenship requirements. (More on the specific documents listed on the website here.)

During the online application process, you will be asked to disclose your biographic information, citizenship, identity, and more. And at the in-person appointment, this will include a background check and fingerprinting. But don't worry, the TSA Precheck requirements are nothing to stress about. "TSA is mainly looking to confirm you're low-risk, so as long as you don't have a criminal record or any major security issues, you'll most likely get approved," Winkaffe says.

Is TSA Precheck Worth It?

When you consider the price along with all the benefits of TSA Precheck, many experts believe that TSA Precheck is worth it. Considering the application process doesn't take too long and your TSA Precheck approval doesn't expire for five years, it's a great move if you travel often. But even if you don't travel often, the mere $16 a year is less than the breakfast burrito you'd buy at the airport anyway. If you've now made up your mind, apply for TSA Precheck here.

- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi

Nicole Yi is the former associate editor at PS.