Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas to all, and hope Santa was extra generous and maybe even left some cookies for the adults.
Flying is full of uncomfortable experiences, general hassles, and lots of waiting. There are some simple steps folks can take to help make the overall experience a little smoother and less disruptive. TSA Pre-check is one of those that is absolutely, no-questions-asked worth it, whether you fly once a year or a hundred times a year.
What is TSA Pre-check & is it worth it?
Streamlined security screening. This really is two core benefits:
- Bypass the standard passenger screening lines – get to the front & through security faster. Lines suck, and this means less waiting.
- Streamlined screening processes – leave everything in your bags, leave coat & shoes on, just go. Taking laptops and electronics out is a hassle.
How do you get TSA Pre-check?
You pay for it (nominally). $85 for 5-years. If you complete Global Entry processes (which you should do if you ever travel internationally), this is part of that process. Enrollment is one-time-ever easy, but does require formal in-person engagement (identity verification, fingerprints, photo). Details and process can be found here. Kids under 18 also get the same benefits.
But why pay for this when you can get it for free?!
Obviously you shouldn’t. There are SO MANY cards that offer this as a benefit. A handful below (see here for full list):
- American Express – Platinum, Delta Platinum & Bonvoy Brilliant
- BofA – Premium Rewards
- Capital One – Venture & Venture X
- Chase – Sapphire Reserve, IHG Premier &United Explorer
- Citi – Strata Elite & Prestige
- US Bank – Altitude Connect
- Wells Fargo – One Key+
What’s better than just Pre-Check?
Global Entry. It’s the same identity verification processes but more benefits (streamlined re-entry to US.)
Obligatory post gif, spirited for the holidays!
