If you’re considering TSA PreCheck, you’re probably asking one question: Is it worth the cost? For most travelers, the answer is yes. At just $85 for a five-year membership – about $17 per year – TSA PreCheck is one of the most affordable ways to make your airport experience more simplified and faster.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or travel for leisure, here’s what you should know before deciding to enroll in TSA PreCheck.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Members receive access to dedicated TSA PreCheck screening lanes at more than 200 participating airports nationwide.
Benefits include:
- Faster security lines
- Keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on
- Leaving laptops and other electronics in bags
- Keeping 3-1-1 compliant liquids packed
- A smoother airport screening experience overall
How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
The cost to enroll in TSA PreCheck through Telos is $85 for five years. Online renewals through Telos are $69.95 for five years, while eligible travelers may also renew in-person for $58.75.
When you break it down, a new TSA PreCheck membership costs just $17 per year – or about $1.42 per month. Since your membership lasts five years, the value continues to grow every time you travel.
The table below shows how the $85 enrollment fee is spread across the life of a five-year membership. Even if you only take one or two trips each year, the effective cost per trip – and per flight – may be lower than you expect.
What Does TSA PreCheck Really Cost?
| If You Take… | Total Trips During a 5-Year Membership | Total Flights Requiring Security Screening | Effective TSA PreCheck Costs |
| 1 round-trip per year | 5 | 10 | $17.00 per trip ($8.50 per flight) |
| 2 round-trips per year | 10 | 20 | $8.50 per trip ($4.25 per flight) |
| 3 round-trips per year | 15 | 30 | $5.67 per trip ($2.83 per flight) |
| 4 round-trips per year | 20 | 40 | $4.25 per trip ($2.13 per flight) |
| 5 round-trips per year | 25 | 50 | $3.40 per trip ($1.70 per flight) |
| 10 round-trips per year | 50 | 100 | $1.70 per trip ($0.85 per flight) |
| 20 round-trips per year | 100 | 200 | $0.85 per trip ($0.43 per flight) |
For many travelers, TSA PreCheck costs less than a cup of coffee each time they travel. If you take four round-trips per year, the effective cost works out to just $4.25 per trip – or about $2.13 each time you go through airport security. For frequent travelers, the cost drops to well under a dollar per flight.
So, Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?
For most travelers, yes.
At $85 for a membership that lasts five years, TSA PreCheck costs about $17 per year – or less than many travelers spend on lunch at the airport. Spread across the life of your membership, the cost can be just a few dollars per trip or even less than a dollar per flight.
The value goes beyond the numbers. TSA PreCheck provides access to dedicated security screening lanes at more than 200 airports, and a more convenient, airport experience. Whether you travel for business, family vacations, or an occasional getaway, those benefits can make every trip a little easier.
If you’re ready to enroll, you can begin your TSA PreCheck application online, schedule an appointment and complete enrollment at any of our 500+ TSA PreCheck enrollment locations nationwide operated by Telos. Once your enrollment is complete, you could receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and TSA PreCheck approval in as little as 3-5 days (some may take up to 60 days), allowing you to begin enjoying the benefits of expedited airport security screening quickly.
To get started, visit TSA PreCheck Enrollment by Telos to start your application and schedule an appointment. To learn more about TSA PreCheck eligibility and program requirements, visit www.tsa.gov/precheck.
