TSA Pre Open to All: Breeze Through Airport Security for $17 a Year
Dave Greenbaum, Lifehacker, April 25, 2014
The TSA Pre program lets you quickly go through security at participating airports--no need to take off your shoes and belt. Until recently, the program was only for select individuals, but as of December 2013, it’s open to everyone--and seems like a pretty good deal.
We talked about TSA Pre back when it first launched, but hadn’t discussed it since--and after it opened up for applications in December, the TSA has been making a big push to get people to apply. I began the application process this week to find out what it entails.
The program requires an application, fingerprinting, and background check for $85. The application asks a series of questions to make sure you are of sound mind and not a risk (previous criminal history, and so on). Once approved, your Pre Status is good for five years, allowing you to use the express lane at security on most major flights. That calculates to about $17 a year.
You can apply online, but you’ll still need to go in person to a Universal Enrollment Center to finish the application process. They accept walk-ins, but strongly recommend an actual appointment at one of these centers. Summer travellers should book the appointment soon. Some of the centers have lead times of 30 days or more for an appointment. Approval for TSA Pre is one to two weeks after the in person application.
I’m still waiting to get my appointment, but if you’re a frequent traveler, this seems like a good time to get in on the action before summer travel season--especially because the process takes a while.