Travelers sometimes dislike passing through TSA security lines, but by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, you may save a significant amount of time and stress at airport security.
How much time can you really save? Let us phrase it this way: 97% of TSA PreCheck travelers spent less than five minutes at airport security in June 2021 when onboarding to last minute flights. These advantages are accessible when traveling with dozens of airlines at more than 200 airports.
We address your questions about TSA PreCheck, including how much it costs and how you get it for free. Now that you’ve signed up for TSA PreCheck membership through the Transportation Security Administration, it’s time to start making use of your perks.
Since airlines with long-haul flights like Canada to India flights do not receive automatic notifications that you are now a part of the pre-clearance security program, you must ensure that you update and verify your TSA PreCheck membership information on future trip bookings. Then you can use the airport’s designated security lanes.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a membership-based service that allows travelers who booked last minute flights to bypass airport security checks. You can keep your shoes, belts, and light coats on, and computers and 3-1-1 liquids can stay in your carry-on baggage during screening at selected airports.
To apply, you must pay a fee, provide personal information for a background check, and attend an in-person interview. The application charge is $78, and membership is valid for five years, for a total of $15.60 each year; however, many travel credit cards reimburse the application money.
Following the first application price, PreCheck renewal is only $70 if completed online.
TSA PreCheck is used by more than 80 airlines including airlines that provide cheap flights to India to enable a more efficient airport screening procedure. Simply add you’re Known Traveler Number to your travel plans to obtain a “TSA PreCheck” designation on your boarding pass and access the special security lines. TSA PreCheck advantages may not be available on some flights due to the airline, airport, or TSA protocols.
Each airline has its own procedure for adding TSA PreCheck to a ticket or your frequent flyer account. Adding it to a ticket does not ensure that your PreCheck number will be added to your next reservation automatically.
The best option is to include your TSA PreCheck information in your airline loyalty club profile. This will make it easy to input your PreCheck number when booking through your account or adding your loyalty number to a reservation.
The advantages of TSA PreCheck
As a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll get access to the quicker TSA PreCheck security line and will be able to finish airport screening without having to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Laptops and TSA-approved liquids and gels are also allowed in carry-ons. Occasionally, security personnel randomly select passengers for standard airport security screening, making them ineligible to use the TSA PreCheck accelerated security line for that aircraft.
Many people believe that the designated TSA PreCheck security line and speedier security clearance are the key benefits of TSA PreCheck, but the ability to keep your shoes on during the process is a significant gain.
How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free
While you may pay for TSA PreCheck using a credit or debit card, you can also receive it for free instead of spending cash. Here are four options:
Issued at random. Some international travelers booking Canada to India flights may be given TSA PreCheck at random as a means to expose them to the benefits of membership. Consider this a marketing campaign by the Department of Homeland Security to persuade people to join up for TSA PreCheck.
Military perks. TSA PreCheck advantages are available to all active members of the United States Armed Forces by submitting their Department of Defense identity number as their Known Traveler Number. This comprises Reserves and National Guard members, as well as cadets and midshipmen attending a military academy.
Credit card advantages. Every four to five years, many travel cards repay TSA PreCheck application expenses. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, American Express Platinum Card, and IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card are a few examples. Terms and conditions apply. You can go through Flyopedia.com for cheap flight deals for your next international trip.
Redeem your prizes. Some airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus, let you use points and miles to pay for TSA PreCheck application costs.
How to add TSA PreCheck on an airline ticket
Southwest Airlines
Southwest passengers can enter their PreCheck membership information in multiple steps.
For new reservations
During the reservation procedure, enter your PreCheck number. After you’ve selected your flight dates and times, put your name in the “Who’s Flying?” area. Below is a dropdown option for “Secure Traveler Information.”
Click that button, then input your PreCheck number in the “Known Traveler #” area. This ensures that the TSA’s Secure Flight system processes your PreCheck number and information.
American Airlines
The simplest method to add PreCheck to an American Airlines ticket is to update your AAdvantage profile with your number. Log in and proceed to “Your Account.” Select “Information and Password,” and then enter your PreCheck number in the Known Traveler Number area in the “Secure Traveler” section.
For new bookings, American Airlines also allows customers to provide their TSA PreCheck number throughout the booking process. After you’ve selected your flight day and time, you’ll input your passenger information. If you are not signed in to your AAdvantage account, you must manually enter your PreCheck number in the Known Traveler Number section.
Delta Air Lines
After the acceptance of your PreCheck application, log in to your Delta SkyMiles account to update your profile. The TSA PreCheck/Known Traveler ID field is located under “Personal Details.”
For new reservations
To add your PreCheck number to a new reservation, log in to your Delta SkyMiles account first. This will automatically input the majority of your personal information required to complete your transaction, including adding your PreCheck number to your reservation.
If you don’t have a Delta SkyMiles account or are not signed in, you can manually enter your Known Traveler Number during the booking process when you enter your passenger information.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Yes. This useful gadget saves you time and hassle at airport security when you flying by last minute flights. If you’ve ever missed a trip due to lengthy security screening lines, you understand how important it is to get through airport security swiftly.
The initial application price is $78 for the first five years. After that, it costs $70 to renew online (but you can easily renew for free). Several credit cards will pay the expense for you. However, if you pay for it yourself, the charge is less than $2 each month, which is well worth it – even for the infrequent traveler.
