WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration is celebrating a milestone after its TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program surpassed 20 million active members, setting a new record for the program.
Launched in December 2013, the program has grown steadily over the past decade. According to a release from the TSA on Thursday, the number of vetted airline passengers for DHS Trusted Traveler programs, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry expedited screening, has exceeded 40 million.
“More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in the release. “TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions, providing the benefit of shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security. Additionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck continues to go down for both new enrollments and renewals.”
According to Pekoske, the consistent growth of the TSA PreCheck program testifies to its popularity and success.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers deemed "low-risk" to use a secure, efficient screening experience at over 200 airports without compromising security standards, the release said.
“TSA’s wait time benchmarks for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes, and under 30 minutes for standard lanes,” the release said. “TSA PreCheck members are able to wear their shoes, belts and light jackets through screening, and they may keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags.”
The release said that TSA PreCheck is available for eligible travelers departing from a participating airport or when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the United States from an international airport.
Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. lawful permanent residents may apply for TSA PreCheck and can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, location, and added benefits. According to the release, enrollment costs vary by provider.
To enroll in or renew in the TSA PreCheck program, visit tsa.gov/precheck to begin and choose one of TSA’s authorized enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership.
The release said it takes as little as five minutes to submit the application online.
New enrollees can visit a nearby enrollment location to complete enrollment in around 10 minutes with their chosen provider, according to the release. The process includes fingerprinting, document/photo capture, and payment.
When approved, most enrollees will receive a Known Traveler Number unique to them within three to five days. It must be added to their airline reservation to make them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes.
The release states that the TSA PreCheck indicator must be on their boarding pass before approaching a TSA checkpoint to confirm they are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening.
TSA PreCheck members can renew membership online up to six months before the expiration of their term for another five-year term beginning at $68.95.
The release did offer a warning and further instructions.
“Be aware: Any website that claims to allow consumers to register for TSA PreCheck that does not end in ‘.gov’ is not an official TSA PreCheck website. Individuals who are applying for TSA PreCheck for the first time cannot pay the application fee online; they must complete their application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center. First-time applicants are not asked to provide payment information online,” the release said.
Young travelers aged 13 to 17 can accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening lanes when traveling on the same airline reservation when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teens' boarding pass, according to the release. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
