By now, you’ve probably heard about TSA PreCheck, but you might not know what it is or what it means to be a member. Here, our EWR parking company explains the details and whether or not you should enroll:
About PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck program began in October of 2011 and since then, has been implemented in more than 200 airports around the U.S. It is a paid membership that allows travelers to skip the long lines at airport security (on average, members wait 5 minutes or less).
Once you arrive at the screening process, you can keep your belt, jacket, and shoes on and you don’t have to remove your liquids or electronic devices from your carry-on. (Regular non-PreCheck travelers need to remove these items when they go through security.)
After you pay the fee (right now it’s $85), your membership will be good for 5 years before you have to renew it. If you’re a member of certain credit cards, however, your membership may actually be free. The following credit cards include Global Entry in their membership:
- American Express Platinum
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- American Express Gold (U.S. Bank FlexPerks)
- Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Citi Prestige
- Ritz-Carlton Rewards
This means if you’re a holder of any of these credit cards, you can enjoy a Global Entry membership (which includes all of the PreCheck benefits as well as expedited US customs screenings for international air travelers entering the U.S.)
Should You Enroll?
When considering whether or not to apply for TSA PreCheck, our EWR parking company suggests asking yourself three main questions:
- How often do I travel?
- How much do I hate going through airport security?
- Do I have kids under the age of 12?
If you travel often, being a TSA PreCheck member can save you a lot of time during each of your trips. If you don’t travel often but still hate going through airport security, you may still want to invest in PreCheck, as it can simplify the process and relieve some travel stress.
If neither of these things apply but you have children under the age of 12, you may still want to consider PreCheck. Travelers under 12 can go through PreCheck with an adult who’s a member, which makes the airport experience easier on them and you.
Want to enroll? Simply fill out the application form here. You’ll undergo a background check and once you’re cleared, you’ll be a member!
*Photo courtesy of tsa.gov
