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NBC News
28-07-2025
- NBC News
Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with less hassle, experts say paid services offering modified security screenings — like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear — may still be worth the cost. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in certain airports, families will have their own dedicated screening lanes as part of a new initiative called 'Families on the Fly.' That follows a change ending the Transportation Security Agency's 'shoes off' travel policy. Noem has also floated the idea of allowing more liquids in carry-ons, which could also affect the speed of airport screenings. The ability to keep shoes on through security was once a perk limited to TSA PreCheck enrollees. Qualifying travelers can go through the program's screening without taking off items including shoes, belts and light jackets, or removing items from bags like travel-size liquids or laptops. Even with some friendlier screening policies in play, experts say paid memberships still have value. 'There are still a lot of compelling benefits for PreCheck,' said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry market research and advisory firm. About 39% of surveyed travelers with TSA PreCheck said the biggest perk was having a less stressful experience, according to a survey by UpgradedPoints, a travel site. In March, the site surveyed 1,515 travelers, including 659 who had a TSA PreCheck membership. It's one of the five trusted traveler programs available through Homeland Security that provide modified screening for pre-approved members. There are also private companies like Clear that offer their own paid memberships to get through the airport screening line faster. Almost all, 99%, of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes typically take 30 minutes or less, according to the agency. Enrollment, renewal costs may vary Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. 'Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval,' according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. Several other trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck as part of their packages, such as Global Entry, which offers an expedited screening through U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival from overseas. The membership costs $120 and lasts for five years. 'Travelers can select the enrollment provider that best suits their needs,' the TSA spokesperson told CNBC. Here's how to decide if a pre-screening membership is worth it for you, according to experts. 1. Assess how often you travel Before you sign up or begin the application, factor in how often you travel every year, experts say. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth going through the effort and the cost, said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. To apply for TSA PreCheck, for example, you need to complete an online application. Then you need to visit an enrollment center — some might accept walk-ins, while others require appointments — where you bring necessary documents, have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. But if you travel more frequently, then TSA PreCheck 'can be worth it,' said Harteveldt. Some credit cards and loyalty programs will cover fees for enrollment in TSA PreCheck or other pre-screening memberships. That can make enrolling more worthwhile, even for infrequent travelers. 2. Pick the right program for your needs If you travel internationally, Global Entry is another trusted traveler program to consider. Qualifying individuals can access expedited customs screening upon returning to the U.S. from other countries, and the membership also includes access to TSA PreCheck lanes. However, think about how often you travel abroad, whether for business or leisure, and if you have an upcoming overseas trip. Not only is the enrollment fee more expensive but there may be limited enrollment centers in your state, making the application process more onerous. You may need to travel long distances to your nearest center, and scheduling an appointment may be difficult. 'A lot of people have cited it's difficult to even get an interview,' said French. Meanwhile, the value of a Clear Plus membership may depend in part on where you travel, experts say: It's in more than 60 airports, including some international locations. Clear also 'has value outside of airports' as its membership is available for lines in certain stadiums and arenas, said French.
CNBC
28-07-2025
- CNBC
Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with less hassle, experts say paid services offering modified security screenings — like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear — may still be worth the cost. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in certain airports, families will have their own dedicated screening lanes as part of a new initiative called "Families on the Fly." That follows a change ending the Transportation Security Agency's "shoes off" travel policy. Noem has also floated the idea of allowing more liquids in carry-ons, which could also affect the speed of airport screenings. The ability to keep shoes on through security was once a perk limited to TSA PreCheck enrollees. Qualifying travelers can go through the program's screening without taking off items including shoes, belts and light jackets, or removing items from bags like travel-size liquids or laptops. Even with some friendlier screening policies in play, experts say paid memberships still have value. "There are still a lot of compelling benefits for PreCheck," said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry market research and advisory firm. More from Personal Finance:How to lower your capital gains taxes on home salesStudent loan forgiveness paused for borrowers on IBR planWhat Americans get wrong about Social Security About 39% of surveyed travelers with TSA PreCheck said the biggest perk was having a less stressful experience, according to a survey by UpgradedPoints, a travel site. In March, the site surveyed 1,515 travelers, including 659 who had a TSA PreCheck membership. It's one of the five trusted traveler programs available through Homeland Security that provide modified screening for pre-approved members. There are also private companies like Clear that offer their own paid memberships to get through the airport screening line faster. Almost all, 99%, of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes typically take 30 minutes or less, according to the agency. Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. "Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval," according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. Several other trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck as part of their packages, such as Global Entry, which offers an expedited screening through U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival from overseas. The membership costs $120 and lasts for five years. "Travelers can select the enrollment provider that best suits their needs," the TSA spokesperson told CNBC. Here's how to decide if a pre-screening membership is worth it for you, according to experts. Before you sign up or begin the application, factor in how often you travel every year, experts say. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth going through the effort and the cost, said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. To apply for TSA PreCheck, for example, you need to complete an online application. Then you need to visit an enrollment center — some might accept walk-ins, while others require appointments — where you bring necessary documents, have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. But if you travel more frequently, then TSA PreCheck "can be worth it," said Harteveldt. Some credit cards and loyalty programs will cover fees for enrollment in TSA PreCheck or other pre-screening memberships. That can make enrolling more worthwhile, even for infrequent travelers. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is another trusted traveler program to consider. Qualifying individuals can access expedited customs screening upon returning to the U.S. from other countries, and the membership also includes access to TSA PreCheck lanes. However, think about how often you travel abroad, whether for business or leisure, and if you have an upcoming overseas trip. Not only is the enrollment fee more expensive but there may be limited enrollment centers in your state, making the application process more onerous. You may need to travel long distances to your nearest center, and scheduling an appointment may be difficult. "A lot of people have cited it's difficult to even get an interview," said French. Meanwhile, the value of a Clear Plus membership may depend in part on where you travel, experts say: It's in more than 60 airports, including some international locations. Clear also "has value outside of airports" as its membership is available for lines in certain stadiums and arenas, said French.
Axios
08-07-2025
- Axios
Trump admin announces end of shoe-removal rule at U.S. airports
U.S. airports will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during preflight security checks, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday. Why it matters: The shoes-off rule, imposed in 2006 after a Miami-bound passenger snuck explosives in his shoe on a flight from Paris, is an infamous source of stress for travelers. Driving the news: Transportation Security Agency checkpoints at airports across the country will begin imposing the new policy immediately, Noem said at a press conference Tuesday. Noem said some travelers may still have to remove their shoes if additional screening is necessary. What they're saying: "We've evaluated the equipment that every airport has and are fully confident in the no-shoes policy that we still have the security [capabilities] in place at every single checkpoint." Noem said she thinks travelers will be "thrilled" about the policy change, which she said will make airports more welcoming. Frequent flyers who pay for TSA PreCheck and undergo a screening process could already keep their shoes on.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sacramento airport sees 95% compliance on first day of Real ID requirements
The first day of federal Real ID enforcement at airports passed quietly across Northern California on Wednesday, with no significant disruptions reported at Sacramento International Airport or other major travel hubs in the region. At Sacramento International Airport, compliance with the new federal identification requirement exceeded 95% by early morning, according to Lindsay Myers, a spokesperson for Sacramento County, which operates the airport. Myers said many travelers presented U.S. passports instead of state-issued Real ID driver's licenses to board domestic flights. 'That's about a quarter to a third of our daily volume,' she said, adding that passengers without compliant IDs are still being screened — but through additional security measures. 'Anyone traveling without a Real ID or acceptable alternative will have additional security screening when they get to the airport.' That's what Dallas native Jenna Paez had to face. When Paez came to Sacramento to visit family, she didn't need a Real ID to fly west. She said everything was 'very simple, very smooth.' But on her return flight home, Transportation Security Agency personnel asked for another form of identification since her state-issued ID wasn't compliant with the new mandate. She didn't have a passport to show, so agents took her out of line for a quick bit of additional security screening. That included going through her carry-on bags before they allowed her through the checkpoint. The extra check took a few extra seconds, said Paez, who was able to continue on and reach her gate well ahead of boarding. Houston native Scout Roberts had a connecting flight in Sacramento before making his way home to Portland, Oregon, to meet friends and celebrate his birthday. Roberts boarded his Wednesday flight without a Real ID, opting to use his passport instead. 'I just haven't gotten around to getting the Real ID yet,' the now 30-year-old said. 'But sometime soon.' Travelers pass smoothly through security at Sacramento International Airport on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as the federal Real ID requirement for domestic flights takes effect nationwide. Despite concerns ahead of the deadline, airport operations across California were business as usual. 'At our airport, and from anecdotal reports at other airports, wait times have been normal and operations have been normal,' Myers said. 'I have heard of no negative issues.' The TSA added extra agents to assist travelers with the transition. By Wednesday afternoon, SMF had not experienced any delays linked to the change, according to Myers, nor was it impacted by disruptions at Newark International Airport in New Jersey, which has experienced significant operational disruptions — including a critical shortage of air traffic controllers — since late last month. At airports across the Bay Area — including Oakland and San Jose — operations remained similarly unaffected. San Jose Mineta International Airport reported normal checkpoint traffic, and Oakland International officials said there were 'no significant backups' despite the enforcement of the long-delayed security measure, according to the Bay Area News Group. Nationally, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that travelers who lack a Real ID can still fly but should expect delays. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers this week that about 81% of American travelers already carry a federally compliant form of identification, such as a REAL ID, passport or military ID. 'But people will be allowed to fly,' Noem said during a Congressional hearing Tuesday. 'We will make sure it's as seamless as possible.' The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, sets minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. Implementation had been repeatedly delayed. In California, a Real ID driver's license can be identified by a golden bear and star symbol in the upper-right corner. The California DMV said this week that about 58% of state ID and license holders have upgraded to a Real ID so far. Gustavo Estrada, a San Diego native who was leaving Sacramento back home from a work trip, knew the day would eventually come when the REAL IDs were needed. When he recently renewed his driver's license, he ensured it came back as a REAL ID. 'It's just something that I noticed over the course of however long it's kind of been pushed,' Estrada said of getting his REAL ID. 'We've gotten the warnings and whatnot. So I just rather be safe than sorry. I'm really glad that I was safe, and that I have this gold bear with the star on there. …Today's the first day of the REAL ID, so everything just seems normal.' For weeks, the DMV has ramped up services at select locations statewide including Folsom and Carmichael, and will continue to do so through the month to help motorists get the compliant licenses if they choose. Travelers can still opt to use a current U.S. passport to board planes. Airports are urging travelers who are unsure about their ID status to arrive early and check requirements before arriving at the security checkpoint. 'We're fortunate that most travelers appear well-prepared,' Myers said. 'That's made a big difference.' The Bay Area News Group contributed to this story
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Homeland Security Says You Can Still Fly Without a Real ID -- With Extra Security Steps
If you aren't Real ID compliant by the May 7 deadline, you'll still be able to pass airport security checkpoints, according to Kristi Noem, the head of Homeland Security. But if you're going to travel without the new ID, you should probably show up to the airport earlier than ever before, because there will be new security steps you need to take. It isn't currently clear what new security measures travelers without a Real ID will be subjected to. Noem suggested that these fliers "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step" in the process, but did not offer concrete details on what that could look like in practice. You best plan to stay comfortable while you wait in the airport. "But people will be allowed to fly," Noem said. "We will make sure it's as seamless as possible." A representative from the Transportation Security Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what these new steps might look like and how travelers might prepare. Noem said that 81% of US travelers already have identification that complies with the new Real ID requirements. Anyone who doesn't have a Real ID can use a passport or tribal identification to pass airport security checks when flying domestically. After the May 7 deadline, Real IDs will be used for more than just airline travel -- entrance to certain federal buildings (and nuclear power plants) will be contingent upon your possession of Real ID-compliant identification. If you're not sure whether you have a Real ID, check the top corner of your ID card or driver's license. Real ID-compliant identification cards have a special symbol for each state -- usually a star -- that differentiates them from their non-Real ID counterparts.
