With Real ID Live and Summer travel in full swing, travelers should prepare longer routes and move potential delays on airport secure routes. Travel analysts expect delays because the Transport Safety Administration takes the time to review passengers without real ID cards or passports; these delays are likely to begin as peak trips bring a larger crowd.
At TPG, we always take extra steps to make our travel experience smoother. One of these steps includes applying for TSA Precheck, a service we believe must use.
If you don’t have the TSA Precheck status yet, it’s time to pull the trigger and apply. TSA Precheck will enable you to travel through airports faster and more efficiently, reducing or even eliminating the impact of actual ID WOES and expected delays for summer travelers.
Remember, you may still need a real ID to pass the airport’s TSA Precheck series. If you don’t have one, you may be pointed to another row for additional filtering.
This is what you need to know.
What is TSA Precheck?
TSA Precheck is a trusted traveler program in the United States that allows pre-screened travelers to use special routes when they move through the airport safely. This line is only open to people with TSA Precheck, so you can expect shorter security than you generally.
TSA Precheck travelers are considered low risk because they were screened when applying for the program. So if you are part of the TSA Precheck, you don’t need to remove a bag of liquid, belt, electronics, light jackets or shoes. This also helps speed up the safety process.
If I have TSA Precheck, do I need a real ID?
Yes, if you have TSA Precheck, you still need a real ID or passport. TSA Precheck can help you pass the airport safer faster, but it is not to help you circumvent identification requirements.
Related: Which airports and airlines use TSA Precheck?
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Why You Should Apply for TSA Precheck Now
Unfortunately, the release of the real ID matches the start of the summer trip. Summer travel brings peak crowds through U.S. airports. When predicted filtering delays due to travelers without proper IDs are combined, it is easy to see why delays are likely.
TSA Precheck is especially important for those willing to not have much time to arrive at the airport before the flight leaves. If you get stuck in general safety for a long time, you may miss your flight.
It usually only takes three to five days to get approval from TSA Precheck and receive your known traveler number. You should also have time to lock in the TSA Precheck status before your summer trip.
That said, approval can take up to 60 days, so it is important to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid crowds and delays this year.
How much does TSA Precheck cost?
To apply for TSA Precheck, you will be charged $76.75 to $85. (The exact amount depends on which partner you use to register; you can register the program through IDEMIA, TELOS, or CLEAR.)
If you are a regular international traveler, you may want to consider global entry. When applying for the program is $120, you will receive both the Global Entry and TSA Precheck Status if approved. Entrants around the world provide expedited screening at the border.
I applied for a global entry, not just TSA Precheck; I recommend it to everyone I know, as long as they want to leave the United States at least once a year. Generally, the process of global entry is often more involved and takes longer to complete, so if you need TSA Precheck’s upcoming trip, keep this in mind.
Related: Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck: Which is more beneficial?
Cards that can pay your TSA Precheck application fee
One of the best things about travel reward cards is that many of them will pay your TSA Precheck application fee. If you have a travel card in your wallet, check your welfare guide to see if there is a TSA Precheck credit available.
If you don’t have a card with TSA Precheck application fee credit, consider using one of our favorite cards for this right:
Bank of America’s highly connected information has been collected independently by Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
I used my Joint Explorer to pay for my Global Entry Application and received my stated credit within one day. TPG credit card writer Augusta Stone pays with her Venture X; her declared credits appear in the next billing cycle.
Although your TSA Precheck identity only needs to be renewed every five years, your card’s credit can offset its annual fee when renewal is required.
If paying an annual fee is not your annual fee, then the Aerial Connect lacks one, offering up to $100 to cover your TSA Precheck or Global Entry Application.
Related: Global Entrance and the Best Credit Cards for TSA Precheck
Is it difficult to get a TSA Precheck?
Generally speaking, no. If you don’t have a criminal record, you should be easily approved by TSA Precheck. When considering your approval, the TSA must decide whether you have potential security risks to the United States
Only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and legal permanent residents can apply for TSA Precheck.
Bottom line
Whether or not the TSA Precheck has been on your radar, now is a good time to submit your application. This doesn’t require much effort, and you may already have a card in your wallet that can pay for the application fee.
Give yourself a gift to avoid crowds and delays with TSA Precheck membership. When you use it, consider some other airport hacks that can save time and money.
Related: You can use your global entry card as a real ID
