Does TSA Pre-Check Save Time?

[Lothlórien]

There are 3 of us who will be traveling 4 times this year. I am considering Pre-Check. Does it really save time? Are the lines typically shorter? I would hate to spend $255 and spend about the same amount of time in the security line.

 

[uccats97]

It depends on the airport, travel time, day of the week, etc. I've been selected for pre-check randomly (for free) and it seems to be most beneficial at MCO. They always have long lines at security when I'm flying out of there. Can't say I'd pay extra for pre-check though. I haven't waited in a security line more than 15 minutes in years.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Even when Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is at its peak and the lines look never-ending, I've waited 20 mins max. I don't recall MCO lines being any longer than that. As above, it depends on which airports you're flying out of. On busy days even the TSA pre-check lines have to wait a few mins, so paying for the pre-check is not a guarantee you'll always zip through security lines the moment you show up.

Doing the math, the three of you traveling four round trips in a year equals a total of 24 "encounters" with security. Paying $255 for shorter lines averages out to about $11 each time and might save you up to 15 mins per trip. Only you can decide whether it's worth it for your family. But the pre-check does allow you to keep your shoes and jacket on, and you won't have to pull out your baggy of liquids, and you get to skip that obnoxious full-body scan unless you have bionic parts. Even when we're chosen for the freebie pre-check, DH's artificial knees have to be scanned one way or the other.

 

[cbnsoul]

I'd can be a huge time-saver. The issue that can arise is when TSA agents allow people who don't have Pre-Check to get in the Pre-Check line (because it's short). Don't see how it's safe as they were not pre-screened, as those with Pre-Check were, and dilutes the time benefit of having it.

 

[buzzrelly]

Does anyone know how long your pre-check status is good for once you get it? Is it for life? Or is it something you have to renew yearly, or periodically.

Thinking of getting this even though we only fly once per year. I HATE the whole security process and remembering to take time laptop out, baggies out, shoes off, etc.

 

[DebbieB]

Does anyone know how long your pre-check status is good for once you get it? Is it for life? Or is it something you have to renew yearly, or periodically.

Thinking of getting this even though we only fly once per year. I HATE the whole security process and remembering to take time laptop out, baggies out, shoes off, etc.

It's $85 for 5 years.

 

[n2mm]

There are 3 of us who will be traveling 4 times this year. I am considering Pre-Check. Does it really save time? Are the lines typically shorter? I would hate to spend $255 and spend about the same amount of time in the security line.

Just wondering is the 3rd person a child? Children don't need a precheck number until they are 13. Under 13 can go through with an adult who has precheck. Our grandkids always go through with us while their mom and dad go through the regular lines.

 

[buzzrelly]

It's $85 for 5 years.

Thank you!

 

[goofy4tink]

It usually saves time. Not a lot of time though. I have it so I don't have to bother with shoe removal, 3-1-1 bag removal, etc.
I'm the person, standing at the end of the security conveyor belt, waiting for my stuff to come through, as several people are right up next to the chute..grab their belongings and start putting shoes and belts on, getting put back together, all the while holding everyone else's stuff up. Drives me nuts.....grab your stuff, leave the area, then put stuff back on.

 

[Lothlórien]

Just wondering is the 3rd person a child? Children don't need a precheck number until they are 13. Under 13 can go through with an adult who has precheck. Our grandkids always go through with us while their mom and dad go through the regular lines.

All adults

 

[Lothlórien]

Even when Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is at its peak and the lines look never-ending, I've waited 20 mins max. I don't recall MCO lines being any longer than that. As above, it depends on which airports you're flying out of. On busy days even the TSA pre-check lines have to wait a few mins, so paying for the pre-check is not a guarantee you'll always zip through security lines the moment you show up.

Doing the math, the three of you traveling four round trips in a year equals a total of 24 "encounters" with security. Paying $255 for shorter lines averages out to about $11 each time and might save you up to 15 mins per trip. Only you can decide whether it's worth it for your family. But the pre-check does allow you to keep your shoes and jacket on, and you won't have to pull out your baggy of liquids, and you get to skip that obnoxious full-body scan unless you have bionic parts. Even when we're chosen for the freebie pre-check, DH's artificial knees have to be scanned one way or the other.

Our home airport always has insane security lines. They used to have a family line, where if you had more than 2 people in a party you could go through that line, but they remodeled the airport and took that away. But, I get what you are saying.

 

[caliope]

My DH has it because he travels a lot for work. He says its worth it sometimes depending on airport, time of day/week, etc.

 

[Lothlórien]

It usually saves time. Not a lot of time though. I have it so I don't have to bother with shoe removal, 3-1-1 bag removal, etc.
I'm the person, standing at the end of the security conveyor belt, waiting for my stuff to come through, as several people are right up next to the chute..grab their belongings and start putting shoes and belts on, getting put back together, all the while holding everyone else's stuff up. Drives me nuts.....grab your stuff, leave the area, then put stuff back on.

I hear ya on that!!! Drives me nuts, too.

 

[supersnoop]

In addition to the shorter lines, you don't have to take off your shoes and take out your laptop. That saves me time and frustration.

 

[Jennifer Scicchitano]

we travel frequently with kids ages 8,4,4 we got it last year and it has saved us a ton of time, it is way easier to get through (even though my kids make it through normal security quicker than most adults) i think it is good for 5 years. For us it has been worth it.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I live in Atlanta....best $ I have ever spent.

 

[Pooh2]

We are going to get it to avoid having to deal with taking laptops, liquids, cpap gear out of bag or dealing with shoes and such. I am hoping this will take some of the stress out of flying for us. I have mobility issues and don't want to be the one slowing down the line. We've had some impatient people behind us in line.

 

[tjmw2727]

Since I purchased TSA pre I have traveled out of Philly, Baltimore, Tampa, Detroit, Boston and Charlotte. It has saved me a TON of time especially in Orlando, Philly and Detroit - yesterday in Detroit the security lines were really long, a passenger I was talking with at the gate timed his wait to 45 minutes! There was literally no one in pre check - I walked right through. If you fly enough just cost it out over the 5 years and see if it makes sense for you. I have already flown enough that it has cost me less than $5 per use and I have 4 years left.