Summary TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program surpasses 20 million members, offering expedited screening benefits for low-risk travelers. Combined with other trusted traveler programs, over 40 million passengers are now eligible for expedited clearance and improved security. TSA PreCheck enrollment costs continue to decrease, offering value, efficiency, and shorter wait times of under 10 minutes.
The Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) announced its TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program surpassed 20 million active members just over a decade after it launched in December 2013. The program enables low-risk travelers to wear shoes, belts, and light jackets through screening and keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in carry-on bags. Growth across the board The PreCheck program is one of several trusted traveler programs offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite travel for vetted airline passengers.
Combined with the other programs, including Global Entry, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at immigration upon arrival in the US, over 40 million passengers are now eligible for expedited screening. Time-sensitive passengers can now sign up for the trusted traveler program at two-thirds of CLEAR's locations nationwide. In addition to PreCheck and Global Entry, the Department of Homeland Security maintains programs for those traveling to the US via land and sea, including NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
Speaking on this significant milestone, TSA Administrator David Pekoske noted the expanding number of benefits the program offers travelers: “More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency. “TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions, providing the benefit of shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security. "Additionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck continues to go down for both new enrollments and renewals.
The consistent growth of the TSA PreCheck program is a testament to its popularity and success.” According to the TSA, the wait time benchmarks for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes compared to 30 minutes for standard lanes. How can I join the TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck is available for eligible travelers departing from a participating airport or connecting on domestic flights after returning to the US from an international airport.
There are several ways to enroll in the program, and it comes as a perk of the DHS's slightly more expensive Global Entry program, which allows you to skip the immigration kiosks on arrival to have your photo taken and go straight to an agent. Love learning about points and miles? Read more of our loyalty news and guides here . Enrolling costs vary depending on the provider (CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos) but begin at $77.
95 for a five-year membership. First-time applicants must visit a nearby enrollment location to complete enrollment in 10 minutes with their chosen provider. The enrollment process includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
There are new ways for frequent flyers to obtain the benefits of TSA PreCheck. Once approved, most enrollees will receive a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. This number can then be added to the airline reservation when booking or at check-in, making them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes, as noted by the TSA Pre✓ mark on their boarding pass.
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