Updated
[] From a Frequent Flier: Is TSA PreCheck Worth It? Yes, But...
It's more effective if you pair it with CLEAR Plus.
Key takeaways:
- TSA PreCheck® is no longer a travel secret but its benefits are still worth it.
- It's cost effective to get PreCheck with another trusted traveler program.
- CLEAR Plus helps reduce waittime.
Originally published January 29, 2025
Before the pandemic, few people I associated with knew about TSA PreCheck®. It seemed only the coterie of frequent travelers had knowledge about the program.
Today, most air passengers have heard of it and more fliers than ever now have it. Also, some of the benefits previously reserved for those with TSA PreCheck® now are available to everyday fliers.
So, is TSA PreCheck® worth it in 2025? Yes, as a frequent flier, I still believe so.
Overview of TSA PreCheck
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the TSA PreCheck® Trusted Traveler program in 2013.
TSA PreCheck® works for travelers flying within or out of the US, not entering the country.
In August 2024, the TSA reported that the program surpassed 20 million members. The government agency deemed the statistic a “milestone”.
The program reduces the time for vetted travelers time passing airport security. But... how much time? According to Business Insider in October 2024, the program saves travelers about 20 minutes.
Aside from reduced wait times, another major benefit included the privilege for members to keep their shoes on. However, in July 2025, the TSA suspended their 'shoes-off' policy for all airline passengers.
TSA PreCheck® still rewards its members with the ability to keep their laptops in their bags, keep light jackets and belts on, and not removing liquids from bags.
On a personal note, being in line with other travelers who know what the fuck they're doing remains a primary benefit of TSA PreCheck®. It's similar psychology as to why people pay more for Starbucks.
In 2025, TSA PreCheck® still saved me considerable time getting through international airports like MSP and ATL. For smaller airports like FAR and OMA, TSA PreCheck® shaves off a minute from normal security at most.
How to save on TSA PreCheck
First up, the pricing on TSA PreCheck, which again, is a government program, varies on which provider you go through.
What!? But doesn't that sound more like... the market?
I'm exaggerating for effect, as the price only varies by a few dollars, but the fact different providers exist at all perplexes me.
If you only want TSA PreCheck®, then you have the choice between through IDEMIA, Telos, or CLEAR. The prices are $76.75, $85, and $77.95, respectively.
Oh, this guy mentioned CLEAR earlier, so he's gonna promote CLEAR! - you're thinking to yourself.
Not necessarily! Notice how I placed emphasis on the word 'only'? If you're looking to obtain other trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® comes lumped in with the price. This winds up being more cost effective.
Instead of buying TSA PreCheck® by itself, consider getting NEXUS. NEXUS contains both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®! NEXUS's fee is $120.
If you live in Arizona, New Mexica, California, or Texas, consider getting SENTRI. SENTRI is the ultimate trusted traveler program, as it includes NEXUS, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck®. SENTRI costs the same as NEXUS: $120.
However, if you don't foresee yourself utilizing the benefits from Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, then look into CLEAR.
CLEAR Plus
Airlines will have separate lines for fliers who have both CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck®. I believe this combination remains a potent travel hack since CLEAR Plus prices some travelers out, resulting in shorter lines.
CLEAR Plus, provided through the private company CLEAR, functions like a trusted traveler program. It utilizes biometric data to help get passengers through airport security quicker.
By itself, CLEAR Plus costs $189 and renews annually. Bundled with TSA PreCheck®, the cost drops to $122.
Conclusion
In 2025, is TSA PreCheck still worth it? Yes, it is still worth it.
While all passengers now get to keep their shoes on, TSA PreCheck® users get to keep light jackets and belts on, keep laptops in their bags, and keep liquids inside their bags. Plus, you'll be among experienced travelers who keep the lines moving.
And, of course, you'll spend less time getting through security, where the benefits shine brightest at large international airports.