Over the years of writing this blog I’ve spent a lot of time writing about ways to enhance the entire travel experience. Mostly, I’ve written about airline elite status or credit card benefits that help make travel more enjoyable. I’ve also covered a ton of amazing airline products and lounges that make traveling downright fun. However, I now realize that there is one essential travel related thing that I haven’t talked about for years; the TSA PreCheck program.
I first signed up for TSA PreCheck in late 2015 and have been enjoying the benefits ever since. Since signing up I’ve been able to leave my shoes and belt on and keep my laptop and liquids in my bag when traveling domestically. I’ve also had access to expedited TSA PreCheck security screening lanes which typically take less than 5 minutes. All in all, TSA PreCheck has been one of those things that I can’t imagine traveling without.
Still, I haven’t written about the TSA PreCheck program much because, quite honestly, I forgot about it. Not that I forgot that it existed, but I forgot that I didn’t use to have it. Since signing up I haven’t really thought about it. Then, about a month ago I received an email that doubled as a wake up call. The email from the Department of Homeland Security notified me that my TSA PreCheck enrollment was expiring soon and that I needed to renew my enrollment or I would lose access to the program.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administrated by the Department of Homeland Security. Basically, the DHS collects your personal and biometric data and performs a background screening. If the DHS accepts you into the program, you will then be assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Once the DHS assigns you a KTN you must then add that number to your airline reservations. Only when you link your KTN to your record locator are you eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes.
Once you’re signed up you can use special TSA PreCheck security lanes which often have significantly shorter security lines. When going through these checkpoints you also won’t have to take your shoes or belt off and can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. After enrolling in the TSA PreCheck program, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes in a security line again. Additionally, TSA agents won’t require you to take off your shoes or belt when going through airport security. After successfully enrolling in the program, you should find the entire airport security screening process much more manageable.
To have access to the TSA PreCheck program you must first apply online and pay a non-refundable fee of $85. The $85 pays for up to 5 years on TSA PreCheck enrollment if accepted to the program. If you are denied for any reason, you will not get your $85 back. After filling out the application you will have to go to a fingerprint screening location to have your fingerprints taken. After that, a decision will be made and, if accepted, you will be given a Known Traveler Number. It’s fairly straightforward, but you can find more information on the program and how to enroll here.
How To Renew Your TSA PreCheck Enrollment Online
As I mentioned above, TSA PreCheck enrollment is valid for up to 5 years. Much like a drivers license, to continue access to the program you must renew your enrollment prior to the expiration date. If you fail to renew your TSA PreCheck enrollment before it expires, you will have to start the whole process over again. Thankfully it’s extremely easy to renew your TSA PreCheck enrollment online. Furthermore, the DHS actually sends out a reminder emails about 6-months prior to expiration which makes it even easier to keep track of.
In the reminder email from the DHS there is a link to the Universal Enrollment website to renew your enrollment. However, if you missed the email or are worried that your TSA PreCheck enrollment is expiring soon, you can start the process here.
On the Universal Enrollment website all you need to do is provide your KTN, DOB, and legal last name to begin the renewal process. If you aren’t eligible for renewal you will see a message like this below.
If you are eligible, you will be taken to a series of questions for you to self-identify your eligibility for renewal. After filling out those questions you will be directed to a payment page to pay the $85 application fee. Keep in mind, when paying the enrollment fee, make sure to use a credit card that reimburses TSA PreCheck screening fees.
After you pay, you’ll reach a confirmation page to save for your records. After that, all you need to do is sit and wait for a decision which will be emailed to you directly. In my case, it took about 4 weeks for my confirmation of renewal email to arrive.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I can’t imagine traveling without TSA PreCheck. I recently flew out of Atlanta with some friends and my security process took just 15 minutes while theirs took over an hour. TSA PreCheck is a huge time saver that I think everyone should sign up for. Even if you fly just a few times a year, I absolutely think the $85 fee is worth paying. Additionally, you might already be carrying a credit card that offers reimbursement for TSA PreCheck application fees.
If you are already enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program, now would be a great time to check to see when your enrollment expires. You should get an email prior to your expiration date, but just to be safe, it can’t hurt to check. If you check and are eligible for renewal, now is as good a time as ever to renew your enrollment. One thing that surprised me when renewing my enrollment is that my expiration date rolled by 5 years. My expiration date did not move 5 years from my renewal date. So, for now, my TSA PreCheck enrollment won’t expire for another 5.5 years which is extremely comforting. Hopefully I’ll be able to put it to good use once we are all able to fly again.
