Your wait time in airport security will hopefully shorten in the near future. The "PreCheck is PreCheck Act of 2018" is making the rounds on Capitol Hill to limit the number of non-members that can access the TSA PreCheck security line.
Airport security wait times have been growing due to cheaper flights thus historic traffic volumes. Expedited security lines including TSA PreCheck aren't as quick as they used to be, partially because non-TSA Precheck members can sometimes pass through.
The new TSA PreCheck Bill passed the U.S. House via voice vote on September 4, 2018. It must now pass the U.S. Senate before the President can sign the bill into law.
Changes From the TSA PreCheck Bill
Here's what you can expect if H.R. 6265 becomes law:
- Adults must have active TSA PreCheck credentials to use the expedited security line
- Travel companions younger than 12 or older than 75 may still use TSA PreCheck
Currently, spouses and other travel companions that don't have TSA PreCheck credentials might be able to use TSA PreCheck if somebody in their travel party has TSA PreCheck.
Once the new bill becomes law, any traveler between the age of 13 and 74 must have their own TSA PreCheck pass. Otherwise, they have to pass through the standard security line which usually has longer wait times.
You can also continue breezing through TSA PreCheck if you currently have Global Entry or NEXUS. Both of these federal Trusted Traveler programs include TSA PreCheck benefits.
Make Sure the TSA PreCheck-Approved Seal is On Your Ticket
Even if you're already TSA PreCheck-approved, you must still make sure the TSA PreCheck seal is on your ticket. You must present your boarding pass with the seal to the TSA agent in order to enter the PreCheck line. Sometimes, your credentials are not sent to the airline who issues the ticket.
If this has happened to you, you need to provide your Known Traveler Number to your frequent flyer account. It only takes a few seconds to add the number to your account. You will need to add this number to each airline account individually.
Don't forget that you can already go through TSA PreCheck undeterred if you have Global Entry (any CBP re-entry checkpoint) or NEXUS (US-Canada checkpoints).
TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR
CLEAR is another expedited security membership that can shorten your wait times further. This program isn't at every airport, but you will pass through this program before you reach the TSA checkpoints. If you travel through airports that have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, signing up for CLEAR can also be well worth the application.
How to Get TSA PreCheck Enrollment Credit
TSA PreCheck costs $85 and is valid for five years. You will get expedited security clearance at any domestic airport with a designated TSA PreCheck lane. If you travel internationally, you might consider upgrading to Global Entry which costs $100 every five years to expedite the U.S. Customs re-entry process.
There are multiple ways to get TSA PreCheck for free if you don't already have it. Several travel credit cards offer free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits for the primary cardholder.
Summary
The new TSA PreCheck bill isn't law yet, but that doesn't mean you should wait until then to get TSA PreCheck. You only have to apply once every 5 years, making this a convenient and worthy investment. The application process takes about 15 minutes but can save you hours in security wait times.
