In recent years, going through the security line at the airport hasn’t been anyone’s idea of a good time. It’s often a lengthy line and a tedious process, involving removing shoes and sweaters, emptying pockets, and digging electronics and liquids out of your carry-on luggage, only to have to re-dress yourself and re-pack your bag on the other side.
But in 2013, the Transportation Security Administration expanded the reach of the TSA Precheck, an expedited screening program that allows flyers to get pre-approved for security. Previously travelers could enroll in the program via a frequently flier program or another trusted traveler program, but three years ago consumers could simply apply online and visit an enrollment site.
What’s the advantage? Pre-approved travelers can often breeze right through security—shoes on, laptop snugged away, liquids still in luggage—sometimes in a different, shorter line. Plus, in some airports you get to stride right past the long lines of humanity still disrobing in the regular security queue, which can be satisfying on its own.
If one member of your family is enrolled in TSA Precheck and you’re all flying together, you all get to go through TSA Precheck line. (This is pretty great for people traveling with small children.) There’s also the benefit of sharing a security line with people who know what they’re doing—presumably, if you know enough to have the TSA Precheck, you probably have some air travel know-how.
But three years later, and five years after the Precheck program began, nearly a quarter of fliers have never heard of the program or its cohort, the Global Entry program, according to a recent survey by Airfarewatchdog. (The Global Entry program allows pre-approved international travelers to experience expedited clearance through customs when they re-enter the United States.)
This survey finding comes at a time when the TSA Precheck program recently reached two million members. Is that surprising?
“Nothing surprises me anymore,” says George Hobica, president of Airfarewatchdog. “It just takes a long time for something to sink in.”
He points out that the TSA Precheck program doesn’t advertise. “It’s a word-of-mouth product,” he says. “You go to the airport and see the TSA Precheck sign. Maybe it’s a well-kept secret. Maybe they don’t want everyone to have it.”
It’s also interesting that 21% of fliers don’t find either program necessary.
Perhaps they aren’t aware of the recent study from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), which found that business travelers who have been approved for the TSA Precheck are much happier with their air travel than those who aren’t part of the program. About two-thirds of those with Precheck reported being satisfied with the airport security process, compared to 47% of travelers without Precheck.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the TSA Precheck program, it requires an application—which you can complete online or at an enrollment center—and a visit to an enrollment center to provide fingerprints, paperwork and payment, which is $85 and covers five years of membership.
Once you’re in, however, TSA Precheck lines are available at more than 150 airports nationwide. And take it from someone who just flew over spring break with the benefit of her spouse’s Precheck membership—it’s a nice perk.
