How to Get TSA PreCheck for FREE!

posted on : January 17, 2024 0 Comment

We’ve traveled for years and knew TSA PreCheck existed, but we always thought it’d be a bigger expense than it was worth. What I didn’t realize is that TSA PreCheck is actually pretty affordable, and may even be free!

Now that 2020 is behind us, we’ve been flying more. We’ve lucked out with some pretty short security lines, but there have been times when getting to the airport even two hours before a flight was cutting it close for us.

Last year when we flew home from Denver, I got an alert telling us to be at the airport at least three hours before our flight, due to security delays. The last thing anyone wants is to miss a flight and scrambling to book another. TSA PreCheck can combat those headaches by cutting down on the time spent getting through the security lines.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint. TSA PreCheck requires an application process for adults in order to qualify.

How do I qualify for TSA PreCheck?

You’ll start by filling out an application online. The online application asks for your basic information and has you answer a few qualifying questions. Prior to submitting your application, you’ll schedule an in-person appointment to complete your application process.

There are a variety of places you can get an appointment including some airports, local agencies and, in our case, Staples. You’ll type in your zip code and the nearest appointment locations will populate. You’ll also know exactly what documents you are required to bring. In our case, it was just our birth certificates and ID. In addition, I had to bring my marriage license to tie my maiden name to my married name.

We were able to get an appointment at Staples within a few days. Depending on where you live, you may not have locations super-close. Not all Staples locations offer this service, so the nearest location to our house was about an hour away.

What should I expect at the TSA PreCheck appointment?

The appointment was simple and we were in and out in less than 10 minutes! The TSA PreCheck agent had us confirm the information we submitted in our online application. Then she scanned our documents and electronically captured our finger prints. Then she took our picture, we paid the $78 fee and we were on our way.

How long does it take to determine eligibility?

Immediately following your appointment, you’ll receive an email that has a link to track your status. You’ll also receive an email within 60 days letting you know if you are eligible or not. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a Known Travel Number (KTN) that you’ll enter into your airline reward accounts/when you book a flight.

Although eligibility confirmation can take up to 60 days, we had our KTNs in just two days! Since we have Southwest flights booked for March, I went into my Rapid Rewards account and entered our KTN number into my profile. I was able to add both mine and my husband’s since I have him saved as a frequent traveler.

How does security know you have TSA PreCheck?

When your boarding pass prints, you’ll see a “TSA PRECHK” indicator that will allow you to enter the TSA PreCheck line in lieu of the typical security line. Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck line with an eligible passenger and children 13-17 may also use TSA PreCheck as long as their boarding pass shows the TSA PreCheck indicator (which should automatically populate as long as they are on the same airline reservation as the eligible adult).

What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?

For us, the benefit of TSA PreCheck is the time savings. Because you’re already pre-screened, you are not required to remove your shoes, belt, 3-1-1- compliant bag, jacket/outerwear or your laptop from your bag. PreCheck lines often take 10 minutes or less, even on the busiest airport days!

Girl at the airport taking all of the required items out of her bag during the security checkpoint — Breeze through security without needing to remove 3-1-1 compliant bags, laptops, belts, shoes and more!

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The cost depends on how you sign up. There are two companies that you can enroll with, Telos, which runs $85/person and Idemia, which costs $78/person. Either way, TSA PreCheck is good for 5 years.

How can I get TSA PreCheck for free?

There are several credit cards that offer a credit for TSA PreCheck (or other screening processes) every 4-5 years. You can see the full list here. I have the Southwest Business Performance credit card and my husband has the Capital One Venture X and both offer a $100 TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years.

Stack of credit cards — Check your credit cards to see if any offer a FREE TSA PreCheck credit!

When we paid the fee at our appointment, we just made sure we paid for one on each card so we both got the credit.

In most cases, the cards that offer this credit have an annual fee; however, if you have one of these cards and you’re already paying that fee, you might as well use the benefit!

If you don’t have cards that offer the TSA PreCheck credit, there are some great options out there that offer several other benefits making the annual fee worth it.

What credit cards offer TSA PreCheck credit?

My husband has the Capital One Venture X card, which has a pretty steep annual fee of $395, but in addition to the TSA PreCheck credit, we also get an annual $300 hotel credit and lounge access for Capital One, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Lounges. This is one of our favorite benefits! We love getting to the airport and chilling out in these lounges prior to our flights. We can eat and drink (including alcohol), enjoy comfortable seating and charge our phones for free. Since we typically eat at the airport before our flight, this saves us some cash.

I have the Southwest Performance Business Card, which has a $199 annual fee. This probably isn’t a card that I’ll keep forever, but it does have some nice perks. We can get four upgraded boardings a year and 365 credits for in-flight wi-fi. We also save on in-flight purchases and can transfer points to another Rapid Rewards member for free.

The biggest benefit for my Southwest card was the welcome bonus. Once we hit the minimum spend on this card, we received 80k Southwest Points, which is the first step to earning Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass. Once we receive the bonus from our 2^nd Southwest card, we’ll actually earn buy one, get one free flights for nearly two years, which is a HUGE savings for our family!

Is TSA PreCheck something you’re considering?

Even though we were able to get TSA PreCheck for free, I would pay the cash price for it! For $156, having five years of no hassle airport security screening is totally worth it! What about you—is TSA PreCheck something you’re considering?