Is TSA pre-check worth it?

[GoingSince1990]

Really? That's good info to know. Do you happen to know which ones? I'm going to call my cards benefit services to see if they offer it - thanks for posting this!

Here is a site where there is a list of them:
https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/global-entry/

 

[teachluvbeach]

Really? That's good info to know. Do you happen to know which ones? I'm going to call my cards benefit services to see if they offer it - thanks for posting this!

If you search "global entry credit cards", there are articles that compare current credit card offers with Global Entry credits.

The TSA also keeps a list of credit cards with Precheck credits on their website: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/credit-cards-offer

 

[easyas123]

Thanks!

 

[BeeBopp717]

I will NEVER travel without it.

 

[DebbieB]

Love it! I'm coming up on my 5 year anniversary this fall and have to renew.

 

[RamblingMad]

Depends on the airport. If you're flying through Atlanta, then it's definitely worth it.

 

[KristaZ]

Pre-check is amazing. I'll never go back to not having it. We travel frequently, but even if it was only once a year, it would still be worth it to me.

 

[joelkfla]

Here is a site where there is a list of them:
https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/global-entry/

They all have annual fees higher than the Pre-check fee.

 

[thewesterberg]

I have Pre-Check. My DH and DS do not (Pre-covid I was flying more so I got it.)

We flew from MSP to MCO in the middle of April and it was evident what a time saver it is. (Sometimes they get Pre-Check if we are flying on the same itinerary but for this particular trip we were using a combo of my credit and miles to pay for tickets so it ended up they were on their own ticket from me). We arrived at MSP during the early morning rush and I had a bag to check. They proceeded to TSA while I got in the crazy long line at Delta. After shuffling through that and then heading to security, I was able to walk right through with no line. They were just getting done themselves. Same on the way back - they went to TSA while I checked my bag. This time it was late in the day and there was no one else at Delta (no one! So weird!) and security didn't have long lines. However, I still got through security at the same time as them even with having to walk through the atrium, talk to the Delta folks, and then double back through the atrium to security.

I think if we all start traveling more after COVID we will look at getting them Pre-Check as well. Totally worth it to not wait in long lines, not having to take shoes off and mess with all that stuff. So less stressful.

 

[Cheburashka]

Is this a worthwhile investment to those of you who travel to Disney?

Yes! MCO can have particularly bad security lines at peak times because of all the families traveling with little kids and with all of the stuff they feel the need to tote around for their kids. ("Oops- didn't realize I left that juice box in the middle of the carry-on bag so it stopped the conveyor belt while being x-rayed, and the bag now has to be hand-searched"...)

 

[mickey+minnie91]

in your experience, how long does the process take? We are 5 weeks out from leaving on our trip

 

[Cheburashka]

in your experience, how long does the process take? We are 5 weeks out from leaving on our trip

It's possible but that timing is pretty tight. Worth a try, though, especially as it lasts for 5 years, so you can use it for future trips, even if not for this one.

 

[PS11]

YES! Especially if traveling with young kids.

in your experience, how long does the process take? We are 5 weeks out from leaving on our trip

We signed up before our April trip to Disney about a month before our departure. The longest wait was to schedule the actual appointment which was about 1-2 weeks out. We had our interviews on a Friday and our confirmation emails arrived the next Monday, along with our ID numbers. So if you can get an appointment before your trip I say go for it!

 

[Ross Kratter]

I’ll echo everyone else by saying that as someone who flies for work at least twice a month, it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

 

[EACarlson]

They all have annual fees higher than the Pre-check fee.

Not true, Navy Federal Credit Union's Flagship card has a $49 AF and includes a GE/Pre credit for each authorized user as well. So for a $49 AF you could get 5 GE credits.

in your experience, how long does the process take? We are 5 weeks out from leaving on our trip

I got it in 2019, took about 3 weeks to get an appointment and then 3 days afterwards to get approved and the number for Pre. GE is going to take longer.

I will never be without Pre again. In the last two years it has saved me many hours in security lines. For our family 2019 WDW trip it saved us over three hours in security lines at MSP and MCO. Not having to take anything out of your bags and being able to keep your shoes on are bonuses to that. I flew ORD-DAL last week and was able to walk straight up to the ID check both ways.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

If you travel internationally consider global entry.
If you don't have a credit card which reimburses the fee consider applying for one. Those cards typically have an annual fee. The reimbursement for GE or TSA pre is probably close to the annual fee for the card. You'll pocket the sign up bonus

This is what I did. Annual fee was the same cost as pre-check if I remember correctly.

 

[joelkfla]

This is what I did. Annual fee was the same cost as pre-check if I remember correctly.

Currently, GE is $15 more.
https://ttp.dhs.gov/

 

[Leigh L]

Is this a worthwhile investment to those of you who travel to Disney?

BEST money spent ever.
We specifically got it in 2018 because of miserable experiences at MCO. Made things sooo much easier. Have used it at MCO and a few other airports. Definitely plan to renew. I live in DC and, in normal times, lines can get long and I get stressed out with the electronics, shoes, and trying to make sure everything is back together lol.

I figure for $17 a year, just look at it as part of the cost of a plane ticket.

 

[Jimsig]

SO worth it. And if you travel internationally even occasionally, get Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre. Also bear in mind that quite a few credit cards will give you a credit for the fee for TSA Pre or Global Entry.

Really? That's good info to know. Do you happen to know which ones? I'm going to call my cards benefit services to see if they offer it - thanks for posting this!

If you travel internationally consider global entry.
If you don't have a credit card which reimburses the fee consider applying for one. Those cards typically have an annual fee. The reimbursement for GE or TSA pre is probably close to the annual fee for the card. You'll pocket the sign up bonus

If you live near a location that has it check out NEXUS, it's only $50 and you get both Pre-Check and Global Entry as well as expedited entry into Canada. It requires an interview with both US and Canadian authorities done back to back. Mostly you need to live near the US/Canada border to find a location. They have also done them in places Miami in the past, though it's usually only a week or two here and there.

 

[Heather07438]

We’ve had it for about 4 years now. We also got it because of a horrible experience with security lines in MCO. Wonder if they get a kickback lol.