What is TSA PreCheck?
PreCheck is a program that offers faster TSA lines at airports. There are separate lines for PreCheck travelers, and you don’t have to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, etc. It is amazing and has saved us so much time and makes it SO much easier to travel with kids. We are not always great at being early for flights, and it is so helpful to not have to worry about long security lines.
Cool! How do I sign up?
At the TSA website, there’s an application that requires a fee and an appointment. After approval, you’ll receive a number that you’ll add to your flight bookings. There are special lines to use at almost every airport and usually results in waits of less than 5 minutes.
What's the difference between this and Global Entry?
PreCheck comes automatically with Global Entry. If you have Global Entry, you will also receive benefits for international travel. There are kiosks for faster customs and re-entry. However, it is harder to get an appointment for Global Entry compared to PreCheck and if you never travel internationally, it might not be worth it.
Do kids need PreCheck?
In the U.S., Children 12 and under can generally go through the security line with adults who have PreCheck on their tickets. Therefore, they do not require their own numbers. However, our kids each have their own numbers because for the global entry program, kids need their own number to bypass customs.
Tell me more about the interview
There are enrollment centers around the country, often at airports. For the PreCheck interview, I’ve read that its a quick fingerprint and ID check. For Global Entry, the interview was slightly more involved. We were unable to get a timely appointment in Nashville and noted that the Memphis location had sooner timeslots. We had an upcoming trip planned to the area (3-hour road trip) and completed our brief interviews at a location near the Memphis airport.
This is where we experienced one of my favorite stories about Carter. When I took the kids in, Ellie was a baby and Carter was 3.
Agent: Carter, Can you tell me who that person is next to you?
C: I don’t know 🤷
Agent: You don’t know?
C: (Turns to me) Mom. Is your name Jenn or Jennifer today? This lady wants to know. 🤦
Overall, the interview takes less than 5 minutes and renewals don’t require an interview.
Is it Worth it?
The cost is $85 for 5 years for PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry. Even if you travel once a year, consider that you’re spending $10-$20 a trip to save potentially hours of time. However, we’ve never paid for this benefit! These credit cards come with Global Entry/Precheck! After you get your credit card, you’ll use it to pay for the global entry fee and get reimbursed immediately. The below cards are ones that we’ve used but there are definitely several options:
