“Remember the requirements for children are more stringent and the renewal process can be time-intensive for minors under 16, with additional steps and materials required, including the child’s social security number and a DS-3053 Form that serves as a statement of consent from the minor’s parents.

Additionally, for those under 16, passport applications and renewals must be submitted in person.  Keep in mind that passports for younger travelers are only valid for five years, so it’s important to budget enough time to get renewed before your next international trip with the kiddos.

TSA PreCheck: What’s The Cost and Do I Really Need It?

Now that you have your passport and you have started to knock destinations off of your bucket list one by one you know going through airport security can be a pain in the you know what! l am going to discuss the ins and outs of the TSA Precheck program and what it really means for you as a seasoned traveler.

What Is the TSA?

TSA’s main function is air travel security, which includes the administration of the screening process at airports. Additional security measures including canine units and Federal Air Marshals are also employed by the TSA at airports.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

It is 1 of 5 trusted traveler programs, which also include Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. These 4 are intended for personal and business travelers, while the fifth program is for commercial trucking (FAST).

Unlike the other trusted traveler programs that are administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The program was started in October 2011 and allows the TSA to expedite the security checkpoint process for low-risk travelers.

What Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?

What Are The Benefits of TSA PreCheck?

After years of taking off your shoes to go through airport security, the most noticeable difference might be that you can finally just leave them on when using TSA Pre. Additional perks include leaving on light outerwear and jackets, belts, and keeping laptops and small liquids in your bag.

Essentially, it makes having carry-on luggage a breeze as you won’t have to take everything you carefully packed into it back out to go through the security line!

These aspects of the program make the screening process much quicker, which is perhaps the best benefit of them all, especially on busy travel days.

Even with these perks, randomly selected travelers will still be pulled for extra screening, but the overall time through security will still be an improvement.

How Does The Program Work?

To use it, you first need to complete the membership application and approval process. If approved, your membership will be active for 5 years. At this point, you will have to renew your membership if you wish to keep it.

Once you have completed the in-person appointment (assuming everything checks out), you will be notified, receive your Known Traveler Number, and become eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes.

Before traveling, make sure you add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation to ensure you have access to TSA Pre. Many airlines will allow you to do this online, but you can also call the airline to have your number added to your reservation.

You can also add this to your frequent flyer accounts so it will be automatically included when you book your flights.

If you notice that “TSA PreCheck” is not printed on your boarding pass or showing on your mobile boarding pass, speak with the appropriate airline check-in desk for assistance. It must be listed on your boarding pass, or you will not be allowed to access those security lanes.

What Credit Cards Reimburse the Application Fee?

As big fans of credit cards and the many travel benefits they provide, we want to share with you our recommended cards that will reimburse you for the application fee.

If you use one of the following cards to pay the $85 application fee, you will receive a statement credit. You could also use the following cards to be reimbursed for the $100 fee for Global Entry instead since it provides access to TSA Pre too.

Cardholders are eligible for the statement credit once every 5 years, which is the length of your TSA Pre or Global Entry membership.

Applying For TSA PreCheck

To apply, you must fill out an online application so the TSA can conduct a background check. You’ll have to include information such as citizenship, address, date of birth, and immigration documentation (if applicable).

Once you have finished your application, you will need to make an appointment at an enrollment center. There are over 380 enrollment centers located throughout the United States.

At your interview, you will be required to show a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable.

The interview is quick and mostly for verification. You can expect questions about yourself and your travel, and you will be fingerprinted during the process.

You will be notified of approval (or denial) within 2-3 weeks once the in-person interview is complete, but many people are approved within several days. During this time, you can check your status online.

Don’t wait to apply as in-person appointment slots can fill up quickly.

A Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough

If you’re looking for a quick rundown on the application process, we have you covered! Let’s dive right into it:

Step 1: Visit the TSA Pre Home Page

Once on the homepage, you need to click on the red “Apply Now” button in the middle of the page. This will bring you to the first page of the application, which asks for biographical information.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Step 3: Schedule Your In-Person Interview

The final piece of the application process is to select a location for your in-person interview. You will need to search for your location. The search results will show options near you and how many appointment slots are available in the next 45 days.

Step 4: In-Person Interview

Bring all the required documents. You will select which 2 forms of ID you will bring in the online application. This could be a driver’s license and a passport. If applicable, bring any required immigration documents as well.

You will also need to bring a credit card to pay the $85 fee. You could pay by cashier (or certified) check, but with so many credit cards that reimburse you for the fee, why would you?

Step 5: Wait for an Update

Most will be notified shortly after their appointment, but it can take a little over a month. Keep this in mind when planning a trip: you don’t want to leave your application and interview to the last minute!

Step 6: Add Your Known Traveler Number to Frequent Flyer Accounts

Once approved, you will be notified and provided your Known Traveler Number. Add this to your frequent flyer accounts so it is automatically included in your itineraries going forward.

Step 7: Use the Benefits

You can now use the TSA PreCheck security lanes at over 180 airports nationwide. Enjoy your expedited screening process experience!

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

Global Entry provides expedited screening upon re-entering the United States from abroad. The program is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

If you are a member of Global Entry, you are provided access to TSA Pre. However, having membership does not provide access to Global Entry.

The enrollment process is similar as each requires an application and in-person interview. The Global Entry application is available online. The fee for Global Entry is $100 but can be reimbursed by several credit cards and loyalty programs.

TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS

NEXUS provides access to both Global Entry and TSA Pre. It is a joint program between the United States and Canada designed to allow more efficient travel between the 2 countries.

In addition, NEXUS provides expedited entry into Canada. Global Entry and TSA Pre members do not get this benefit.

The cost is only $50, which is a fantastic deal, but you will have to visit one of the enrollment centers located in select cities in the northern U.S.

TSA PreCheck vs. SENTRI

On the southern border of the United States, the SENTRI program provides similar benefits to that of NEXUS in the north. Members of the SENTRI program also receive access to Global Entry and TSA Pre.

To receive an expedited entry into Mexico, you are required to have a SENTRI membership, so again neither Global Entry or TSA Pre on their own will be enough. Enrollment centers are located in Arizona, California, and Texas.

Final Thoughts

If you’re going to travel often, you definitely want sign up for this program to make the security checkpoint process a little less painful!

With so many credit cards that will reimburse you for not only TSA Pre, but Global Entry as well, you might as well sign up for Global Entry if possible. You get the same access to TSA PreCheck, and it will make your return to the United States much easier.

If you know you won’t travel outside of the U.S. for 5 years, though, perhaps you only need TSA PreCheck.

Whatever the case may be, think about enrolling in this program to save time and increase efficiency at the airport!