TSA PreCheck: Is It Worth the Cost?

Whoever said “getting there is half the fun,” probably didn’t fly very often. Many feel flying is a means to an end, but not necessarily a “fun” experience in and of itself.

Negatives to flying include:

• Being required to be at the airport hours before takeoff
• Standing in long check-in and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines
• Cramped seats on the plane with limited legroom
• Potential delays, canceled flights, gate changes, lost luggage, etc.

For the air traveler, it is what it is. You cannot circumvent the rules, especially TSA check-in. However, you can change your status by obtaining a TSA PreCheck. This allows you to skip the TSA check-in lines and many of the hassles that come with it.

TSA PreCheck benefits include:

• PreCheck process completed in 10 minutes or less
• Children can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when PreCheck status appears on the child’s boarding pass
• Nationwide access

So, what’s the cost of this added convenience?

What is the cost? According to a recent NerdWallet article, there is a $78 application fee. Once approved, the TSA PreCheck is valid for five years.

Does TSA PreCheck actually save you time?

According to information found on Chase.com, it does. TSA PreCheck members spent an average of only five minutes in airport security in February, 2024.

So, is the cost of time saved worth it?

That’s the big question. In 2023 TSA PreCheck had more than 18 million members. That’s a lot of people all paying $78 to enroll. The savings in time alone might be worth it, especially if you travel frequently. Of course, each traveler needs to evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio for themselves.

A Bonus Travel Tip That Could Save You Big

Regardless of whether you take advantage of TSA PreCheck or trudge through TSA Check-in the old-fashioned way, you’re going to spend a sizeable amount of money. That’s because travel isn’t cheap.  

With so much cash on the line, you need a way to hedge against the potential of losing it. For example, what happens if your destination is suddenly considered politically unsafe? Or, what if you contract a serious illness just a few days before your scheduled trip? In both of the above-mentioned cases, you’re not likely to go on your trip, and any non-refundable expenses already paid would simply be lost unless you have suitable travel insurance in place.

Travel insurance is so important to protecting your travel budget, says Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center^®.  “It provides peace of mind in knowing you’re protected from financial loss due to travel circumstances beyond your control.”

So, how do you procure travel insurance? And once procured, how do you know it’s suitable for your specific needs and budget?

You could go directly to insurance carriers that offer travel insurance. But there are so many out there. With so many options, which one do you go with?

It can be overwhelming. That’s why Dan strongly recommends going through a knowledgeable travel insurance agent, like those working with him at Travel Insurance Center.

Travel Insurance Center does the research needed to locate suitable travel insurance options, tailored to meet your specific coverage needs. Drennen adds, “We’re licensed and qualified to help you find suitable travel insurance. We put your needs first, giving you confidence that any coverage purchased is in your best interest and based on your specific needs and budget.”

Some of Travel Insurance Center’s travel insurance solutions include:*

• Coronavirus-Friendly Plans

Coronavirus-friendly travel insurance can provide a way to hedge against financial risk related to travel in a post-pandemic world. Coverage may include costs connected with travel delays, emergency medical and evacuation, trip cancelation and interruption, and the like. Despite these uncertain times, you can schedule trips with confidence because of the financial protection available through these plans.

• Trip Cancellation / Comprehensive Packaged Plans

Comprehensive travel protection plans including Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, Emergency Evacuation, Travel Delay, Baggage Protection, Baggage Delay, and more.

• Travel Medical/International Medical Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance reimburses you for emergency medical expenses incurred when you are traveling or living in a foreign country.

• Emergency Medical Evacuation

Not all medical facilities were created equal. Depending on the plan, emergency medical evacuation covers the cost of transporting a seriously injured or ill person.

• Global Risk Insurance

Global risk insurance is available for a variety of worldwide risks that are excluded in most travel insurance and international health insurance plans.

• Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

Designed for year-round peace of mind for people who love to travel, annual multi-trip travel Insurance plans provide coverage for all of your trips throughout the year, subject to a maximum trip length of 30 to 45 days per trip depending on the plan selected.

• Group Insurance

Group Travel Insurance protection plans are designed to cover groups of people traveling on the same trip itinerary.

If you are interested in protecting your travel investment, consider allowing Travel Insurance Center to assist. Call 1.866.979.6753 or complete this form to get a no-cost, no-obligation quote.

*Do contact Travel Insurance Center at 1.866.979.6753 for a more complete rundown of product benefits, features, limits and exclusions.

Travel Insurance Center is operated by Senior Market Sales LLC, a licensed insurance marketing organization. Insurance services provided by Senior Market Sales LLC. This is a solicitation.

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