The price is changing to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program. But unlike other costs that are rising all across the country, the fee for PreCheck enrollment is going down.
The TSA announced last week that the enrollment fee and in-person renewal fee are dropping from $85 to $78 effective immediately. The online renewal fee will remain $70.
Those who are accepted into the program get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that is good for 5 years. The KTN allows passengers to bypass the long TSA PreCheck lines at airports as well as some of the hassles in the line.
The expedited security screening allows what TSA calls low-risk travelers to have a better travel experience.
And with the price drop taking place now, TSA officials hope that people planning to travel for the holidays act quickly to enroll and get their KTN before the season’s long lines begin.
“For individuals and families with plans to fly this holiday season, now is the time to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck,” TSA administrator David Pekoske said in a release. “TSA PreCheck offers significant benefits to those who meet its enrollment standards — less physical contact, fewer items on the conveyor belt, and faster screening.”
Enrollment for TSA PreCheck can be done at more than 500 centers across the nation, including most major airports. Applicants must go through a brief in-person interview, then provide biometric and biographic information.
Enrollment can also be done online at tsa.gov/precheck.
Successful applicants will get their KTN in 3–5 business days and immediately use it for travel. According to the TSA, 93 percent of travelers get through the PreCheck line in less than 5 minutes.
The process is so rapid in part because PreCheck passengers can leave liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags and get through the line without removing shoes or belts.
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