Perks Of Precheck
Recently I got TSA precheck through a work needed TWIC card and let me tell you its a travel game changer.
According to tsa.gov, 89% of passengers in July waited less than 5 minutes to go through security. Additionally, you do not have to take off your shoes, belts, or jackets, take out your electronics, remove any snacks or complying sized liquids.
The biggest perk which I don’t think many people know about is that it only costs $78 and lasts for 5 years!!
Most importantly, spend less time at the airport and more time at your destinations. Since using PreCheck I’ve also had a much more pleasant time at airports as well.
So Here’s How You Can Get It:
1. The Old Fashioned Way
Individuals can apply for TSA PreCheck for the low price of $78. Applications take approximately 5 minutes where you have to provide your biographic information, answer qualifying questions, select identification you will be providing and finally schedule an appointment.
Individuals can apply for TSA PreCheck for the low price of $78. Applications take approximately 5 minutes where you have to provide your biographic information, answer qualifying questions, select identification you will be providing and finally schedule an appointment.
Appointments take approximately 10 minutes in person. Here you will be asked to provide your fingerprints and be submitted for a background check.
If approved, applicants will be notified within 3-5 business days. This notification will come with a Known Traveler Number that you can apply to airline tickets for participating airlines & airports for the next 5 years.
2. Clear
Clear essentially is the same, though it identifies you through your finger print. Moreso, it allows expeditated access at some sports arena and concert venues, though it comes at a cost of $189/year.
Yet, at the airport it is treated the same as TSA Precheck, only that it is advertised a lot more and actually accepted a less than TSA Precheck at airports nationwide.
After crunching the numbers it is clear that TSA Precheck is the better option. Lol.
3. Obtain a TWIC Card
Another way to obtain TSA Precheck is through applying for a Transportations Workers Identification Credentials or TWIC card.
Likewise, a TWIC card has the same application process as TSA pre check however also includes a drug test. It costs $125 is valid for 5 years. Primarily it is meant for transportation workers for easy access in and out of restricted areas.
4. Applying to These Credit Cards
Here are a list of credit cards offering free TSA PreCheck as a sign on bonus.
My friend highly recommends the Chase United Explorer Mileage Plus Card. Right now they’re offering a 60,000 bonus miles, first bag free, $0 annual fee and more.
Other Programs Offered:
Global Entry
Global Entry is basically TSA PreCheck but also for international travel. It costs $100, lasts 5 years and follows a very similar application process to TSA PreCheck.
So if you’re going to be taking a few international trips over the next couple years it is definitely worth having both for only $22 more.
Though note that the application process takes much longer. Approvals for Global Entry can take up to 4-6 months, versus the 3-5 days to TSA Precheck.
Nexus
For only $50 you can apply to Nexus allowing you expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada. Perfect if you have relatives living there or frequent Canada being close to the border.
Application processing time takes approximately 12-14 months. Once accepted, again it lasts for 5 years and also includes TSA Precheck.
Sentri
Lastly, for an extra $72.25 you can apply to Sentri with allows expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada & Mexico. The applications takes approximately 10-12 months, lasts for 5 years and you guessed it, includes TSA Precheck.
Why Da Hell Would You Not?
To anyone who travels via air, TSA PreCheck is about as worth it as ever. Plain and simple.
Whether you want more time at your destinations, less stress through security or you’re the occasional late for the airport adrenaline junkie, TSA PreCheck has got ya covered for super cheap.
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