TSA PreCheck Remains Valuable Despite Eased Airport Security, Experts Say

Airport security initiatives such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR enable passengers to move quickly through security checkpoints. As TSAeases security protocols, travel experts claim that paying for this benefit is still a worthwhile expense.

Why it matters:Two decades after post-9/11 crackdownsaccelerated secure access became an obvious choice for numerous Americans, particularlyfrequent fliers, the allure of bypassing lengthy queues remains unchanged.

Catch up quick:Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemmentioned on July 16 that the TSA could modify the existing regulation regarding carrying liquids on board.

• The possible alteration follows the TSA’s decision to end the “shoes off policywhich more than 20 million active PreCheck members have already skipped.
• PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents, whereas other government traveler programs such asGlobal Entrypermit certain non-citizens to submit an application.

How it worksIn addition to keeping their shoes on, TSA PreCheck participants are not required to take off belts and lightweight jackets during the security scan.

• They are also allowed to keep their laptops and small-sized liquid items in their hand luggage.
• The TSA aims to have wait times for the regular security line at 30 minutes or less, according to a TSA representative who spoke with MathHotels.com, whereas PreCheck is anticipated to take 10 minutes or less.
• MathHotels.com checked the estimated waiting times for well-known airports using the TSA app on Thursday afternoon and discovered that JFK Airport in New York had a wait time ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Most other airports had waiting times of 15 to 30 minutes or less.

Zoom in:In addition to PreCheck, CLEAR is an independent service that speeds up the check-in process at airports and venues by utilizing participants’ biometric information, including fingerprints and eye scans.

• Travelers can combine the service with PreCheck to access CLEAR kiosks, which would place them ahead in the PreCheck queue.

What they’re saying:Travel experts claim the benefits of the programs extend far beyond the simplified regulations.

• Eric Rosen, the travel content director at The Points Guy, says that PreCheck remains a worthwhile option for certain travelers.
• “The lines are usually shorter and progress more quickly due to specialized security lanes and the absence of a need to take off belts,” Rosen stated.
• Scott Keyes, the creator of Going (previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights), concurred and stated, “even without the benefit of shoes, TSA PreCheck lines usually process passengers more quickly than regular security.”
• PreCheck lanes usually have less trafficandSeasoned travelers who won’t hinder the group by attempting to carry a complete water bottle through security,” Keyes stated.

Follow the moneyThe TSA has reduced the cost of PreCheck for both new applications and renewals in recent years, which is an uncommon action during a period when consumers typically experience rising prices.

• Current fees for PreCheck depend on the enrollment provider that travelers choose, and fall between $76.75 and $85 for a five-year membership. The cost to renew also differs, ranging from $58.25 to $77.95.
• A CLEAR+ membership costs $209 per year, but the company’swebsiteis currently offering a package that includes five years of PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR+ for $131.05 in the initial period.
• The $120 cost of Global Entry,which enables members to bypass the regular security line at U.S. airports for five years, featuring TSA PreCheck at no extra charge.

The intrigue:Numerous travel credit cards with annual feesprovide compensation for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck charges.

• The TSA mentions several loyalty programs and credit cards onits site.

The bottom line:“The savings in time are worth the out-of-pocket expense, but it’s even more beneficial when it’s available at no cost,” Keyes adds.