Published on : 28 Dec 2025
Breaking Travel Update: New family enrollment deal saves $15 when two members sign up together through December 31, 2025
Published: December 28, 2025 Source: TSA, CLEAR, Travel Industry Data Major Update: TSA eliminated shoe removal July 8, 2025 (standard lanes) Special Offer: $15 off second PreCheck enrollment (family deal expires Dec 31, 2025)
TSA PreCheck remains the gold standard for fast airport security despite the Transportation Security Administration eliminating mandatory shoe removal in standard lanes on July 8, 2025, with 99% of PreCheck travelers waiting less than 10 minutes at checkpoints during the busiest holiday travel season on record.
The July policy change prompted questions about whether TSA PreCheck still provides value, but travel experts unanimously agree the program delivers substantial benefits beyond shoe convenience—especially when combined with CLEAR+ for the ultimate expedited screening experience. With record 122 million Americans traveling and new international requirements creating longer processing times, expedited security programs become essential tools for stress-free travel.
“For a limited time, enroll in TSA PreCheck and get $15 off the second enrollment when two family members sign up together,” announced the TSA in December 2025, sweetening an already compelling value proposition as American families prepare for 2026 travel including cruise vacations and international trips.
TSA PreCheck, launched in 2013 and now counting over 20 million members (40 million including those with Global Entry), represents the Transportation Security Administration’s trusted traveler program allowing pre-approved, low-risk passengers to use dedicated security lanes with relaxed screening requirements at over 200 US airports.
Dedicated Security Lanes: PreCheck members use separate, significantly shorter lanes staffed specifically for trusted travelers. These lanes typically move 5-10 times faster than standard security.
Relaxed Screening Requirements:
Speed Statistics: About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, according to official TSA data. During peak travel periods when standard lanes exceed 45-60 minutes, PreCheck typically remains under 15 minutes.
Availability: Over 200 US airports and counting, plus Nassau Bahamas (first international location added 2022). Works with 90+ airlines including all major US carriers and many international airlines.
Pricing (5-Year Membership):
Renewal Pricing (After 5 Years):
Special Family Deal (Expires December 31, 2025): Enroll two family members together and get $15 off the second enrollment—rare opportunity to save on this government program typically with fixed pricing.
Example Family Savings:
Step 1: Pre-Enroll Online (5 Minutes)
Step 2: Complete In-Person Enrollment (10 Minutes)
Choose from three enrollment providers:
Idemia (460+ locations plus daily pop-ups): Most locations nationwide, convenient scheduling
Telos (505+ locations): Expanding network, competitive pricing
CLEAR (392+ locations at airports): No appointment needed, enroll same day at airport
At appointment:
Step 3: Receive Known Traveler Number (3-5 Days)
Step 4: Use TSA PreCheck
US Citizens: Full eligibility with no restrictions beyond background check approval
Lawful Permanent Residents: Green card holders eligible with same process as citizens
Children:
Background Check Requirements: Must pass security threat assessment including criminal history check, immigration status verification, and watch list screening.
CLEAR+, operated by private company CLEAR, uses biometric technology (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning) to verify identity instantly, allowing members to skip the ID check line and proceed directly to physical security screening—either standard or TSA PreCheck lanes depending on membership status.
Biometric Identity Verification: Scan face or fingerprint at CLEAR pod, verify identity in seconds without showing physical ID to TSA agents.
Skip ID Check Line: CLEAR Ambassador escorts you directly to physical screening, bypassing potentially long ID verification queues.
Stadium Access Bonus: Use CLEAR+ at 14 participating sports stadiums and arenas for expedited entry to events.
Family Benefits: Children 17 and under can accompany parent/guardian through CLEAR lane for free (no separate enrollment needed).
Speed Advantage: Immediate processing versus waiting in ID check line, which can be 20-45 minutes during peak periods at major hubs.
Standard Pricing:
Bundle Pricing (CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck): $209 total for 1 year CLEAR+ plus 5 years TSA PreCheck (saves up to $79.95)
Credit Card Benefits: Many premium credit cards cover CLEAR+ membership fees as cardholder benefits, including:
Airline Elite Status Discounts:
Two Enrollment Methods:
Option 1: Enroll at Airport (Instant)
Option 2: Pre-Enroll Online Then Finish at Airport
Accepted ID Documents:
US Airport Locations: 60 airports nationwide Major hubs include: JFK, Newark, LAGuardia, LAX, SFO, ORD, DFW, ATL, Miami, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, others
Stadium/Arena Locations: 14 sports venues Limited compared to TSA PreCheck’s 200+ airport coverage
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | CLEAR+ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Expedited screening process | Expedited ID verification |
| Cost | $78-85 for 5 years | $209 per year |
| Annual Cost | $15.60-17 per year | $209 per year |
| Processing Time | 3-5 days approval | Instant use after enrollment |
| Locations | 200+ US airports, 1 international | 60 US airports, 14 stadiums |
| Membership | 20M+ members (40M with Global Entry) | 7.6M members |
| What You Skip | Physical screening steps | ID verification line |
| Benefits | Keep shoes/belt on, laptops/liquids in bag | Skip to front of security line |
| Wait Time | <10 min (99% of travelers) | Minimal at ID check, then depends on lane |
| Airlines | 90+ participating airlines | Works with all airlines |
| Children | 12 and under free with parent | 17 and under free with parent |
| Organization | US Government (TSA/DHS) | Private company |
| Renewal | Every 5 years | Every year |
| Credit Card Benefits | Dozens of cards cover fee | Many premium cards cover fee |
The Ultimate Combination:
CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck complement rather than replace each other, creating the fastest possible airport security experience when used together.
With CLEAR+ Only:
With TSA PreCheck Only:
With CLEAR+ AND TSA PreCheck:
“I’ve found it worth it to have both CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck because I can usually get through security (even in the busiest airports) in under 5 minutes,” confirmed travel writer taking 4-6 flights monthly.
The July 8, 2025 TSA policy update allowing all passengers to keep shoes on in standard lanes prompted questions about whether TSA PreCheck maintains its value proposition. Travel experts and frequent flyers unanimously say yes—PreCheck remains absolutely worthwhile despite the shoe policy change.
1. Dedicated Shorter Lanes The primary PreCheck benefit isn’t keeping shoes on—it’s accessing separate lanes with significantly shorter waits. During holiday travel peaks when standard security exceeds 45-60 minutes, PreCheck typically remains under 10 minutes.
2. No Laptop/Liquid Removal Keeping electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in bags saves 3-5 minutes per screening versus removing and repacking items. This convenience exceeds shoe removal hassle.
3. Standard Metal Detector vs Full-Body Scanner PreCheck uses traditional walk-through metal detectors rather than full-body scanners many find invasive or time-consuming. PreCheck travelers spend less time in screening machines.
4. Overall Screening Efficiency PreCheck lanes process travelers faster because everyone prepared the same way (nothing removed), creating smooth flow without bottlenecks from unprepared passengers.
5. Consistency Across Airports PreCheck experience remains consistent nationwide. Standard lanes vary wildly between airports in wait times, procedures, and passenger preparedness.
6. Children 12 and Under FREE Parents with young children get enormous value—entire family uses PreCheck lanes for price of one adult membership.
7. Cost Per Use At $78 for 5 years = $15.60 annually. If you take just 2 roundtrip flights per year (4 airport visits), that’s $3.90 per security screening. The 15+ minutes saved easily justifies $4 cost.
Question: How many flights make TSA PreCheck worth the $78 cost?
Value Calculation:
Interpretation: If you take 3 roundtrip flights (6 airport visits) during your 5-year membership, TSA PreCheck pays for itself. Most Americans take 2+ flights annually, making PreCheck a financial no-brainer.
The decision between TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, or both depends on travel frequency, home airport, budget, and personal priorities.
âś… You fly at least 2+ times per year âś… You want best value for money ($15.60 per year) âś… You travel with children 12 and under âś… You want consistent experience nationwide âś… You don’t want annual renewals (5-year membership) âś… You fly from airports without CLEAR availability âś… You prioritize relaxed screening over speed
Best for: Most travelers, families, value-conscious travelers, infrequent flyers
âś… You primarily fly through major hubs with CLEAR âś… Speed is your absolute top priority âś… You have credit card covering annual fee âś… You fly weekly or more frequently âś… You attend events at CLEAR-enabled stadiums âś… You’re comfortable with biometric technology âś… You want instant enrollment without waiting for approval
Best for: Business travelers, frequent flyers at CLEAR airports, premium credit card holders
âś… You fly 20+ times per year âś… You want absolute fastest security experience âś… You primarily use CLEAR-enabled airports âś… You have credit cards covering both fees âś… Time savings exceed $300+ annual cost âś… You travel during peak periods when security is worst
Best for: Road warriors, business travelers, premium travel experience seekers
❌ You fly once per year or less ❌ You exclusively use regional airports without PreCheck lanes ❌ You already have fully refundable travel arrangements ❌ You typically arrive 3+ hours early anyway ❌ You enjoy people-watching in security lines
Best for: Very infrequent travelers, extreme budget travelers
1. Always Add KTN to Reservations Add your Known Traveler Number to airline loyalty accounts so it automatically populates on all future bookings. Verify TSA PreCheck indicator appears on every boarding pass.
2. Arrive Strategically PreCheck allows arriving closer to departure time, but maintain 60-90 minute buffers for domestic flights, 2-2.5 hours for international. Don’t cut it too close.
3. Dress PreCheck-Appropriate Even though you keep shoes on, wear slip-on shoes rather than lace-up boots for occasions when random additional screening occurs. Dress in layers rather than bulky jackets.
4. Use TSA Faster Than Standard Even When Crowded Even when PreCheck lanes appear busy, they almost always move faster than standard lanes with passengers removing shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids.
5. Renew Early Renew online up to 6 months before expiration for $70 (cheaper than in-person renewal). CLEAR members renew TSA PreCheck completely FREE—a $79.95 value.
6. Check Status Before Travel Occasionally TSA randomly assigns standard screening to PreCheck members. Check boarding pass carefully and don’t be surprised if directed to standard lane on rare occasions.
1. Link to Airline Profiles Connect CLEAR account to airline loyalty programs for seamless integration. Some airlines offer CLEAR status matches or discounts for elite members.
2. Use at Stadiums Too Don’t forget CLEAR+ works at 14 sports stadiums and arenas. If you attend events at participating venues, factor this bonus value into cost-benefit analysis.
3. Add Family Members Additional family members cost only $125 annually versus $209 for primary membership. If your partner or adult children travel frequently, add them for significant per-person savings.
4. Stack Credit Card Benefits If you have multiple credit cards offering CLEAR credits, ensure you’re using the right card each year to maximize overall travel rewards across all card benefits.
5. Use Even When Not Traveling Visit CLEAR pods in airports when picking up arriving passengers to renew membership, update information, or resolve issues without needing an upcoming flight.
6. Keep Backup ID Although CLEAR+ eliminates need to show ID, always carry valid government-issued ID as backup. Occasionally biometric systems fail or require manual verification.
At CLEAR-Enabled Airports: Always use CLEAR+ to skip ID check, then use TSA PreCheck lane for relaxed screening. This combination provides fastest possible experience.
At Non-CLEAR Airports: TSA PreCheck remains valuable even without CLEAR. Dedicated lanes still move significantly faster than standard security.
International Travel: TSA PreCheck works departing US airports and at Nassau Bahamas. CLEAR+ only functions at US airports. Consider Global Entry for international arrival benefits (includes TSA PreCheck automatically).
During Peak Travel: The combination shines brightest during busy holiday periods and travel disruptions when standard security lines exceed 60+ minutes.
Limited-time BOGO offer: Enroll two family members in TSA PreCheck together and receive $15 off the second enrollment. Rare opportunity since government programs typically don’t offer promotions.
How to claim:
Best use cases:
Cards Covering TSA PreCheck:
Cards Covering CLEAR+:
Strategy tip: If you have cards covering both programs, use benefits to access both PreCheck and CLEAR+ at zero out-of-pocket cost.
United Airlines:
Delta Air Lines:
American Airlines:
Southwest Airlines:
TSA PreCheck for Military: US Armed Forces members can use TSA PreCheck benefits when flying on official orders without separate enrollment. Add DoD ID number to airline reservation.
CLEAR+ for Military: Discounted annual membership at $125 (versus $209 standard) for active military, veterans, and government employees. Must verify status during enrollment.
Problem: Booked flight but TSA PreCheck indicator doesn’t show on boarding pass.
Solutions:
Prevention: Always verify TSA PreCheck indicator appears when checking in. Add KTN manually to reservation if missing from profile transfer.
Problem: Airport CLEAR pod has long line for enrollments, threatening to miss flight.
Solutions:
Prevention: Don’t try enrolling in CLEAR+ for first time when running late for flight. Complete enrollment during off-peak airport visit or when picking up arriving passengers.
Problem: Selected for additional screening even with TSA PreCheck.
Explanation: TSA randomly selects PreCheck members for standard screening to maintain security unpredictability. This is normal and occurs to all members occasionally.
What to do: Follow TSA agent directions and proceed through standard screening. Your PreCheck membership remains valid; this is temporary one-time additional screening.
Frequency: Happens to most members 1-2 times per year maximum, more likely during high-security periods.
Problem: Enrolled in CLEAR+ but home airport doesn’t have CLEAR lanes.
Solutions:
Prevention: Check CLEAR availability at airports you use most frequently before enrolling. Don’t pay $209 annually if your primary airports lack CLEAR pods.
For the vast majority of American travelers, TSA PreCheck represents the single best value investment in hassle-free travel. At just $15.60 annually for 5-year membership, the program pays for itself in 2-3 roundtrip flights while providing consistent benefits across 200+ US airports nationwide.
The July 8, 2025 policy change eliminating shoe removal in standard lanes doesn’t diminish TSA PreCheck value—the program’s real benefits always centered on dedicated faster lanes and keeping laptops and liquids packed, not shoe convenience. During peak travel periods with record passenger volumes and operational challenges, PreCheck’s 99% under-10-minute wait time becomes invaluable.
CLEAR+ makes sense as an add-on for frequent flyers based at major airports with CLEAR availability, business travelers with premium credit cards covering the annual fee, or road warriors seeking absolute fastest screening. The $209 annual cost requires 40+ flights to justify on time savings alone, making it primarily worthwhile when employer-covered or credit card-reimbursed.
The combination of both programs creates the ultimate expedited experience: biometric identity verification via CLEAR+ plus relaxed screening via TSA PreCheck delivers airport security in under 5 minutes even during the busiest travel days. However, this $289 annual investment (after $79.95 TSA PreCheck refund with CLEAR) only makes financial sense for travelers flying weekly or those who simply prioritize premium travel experiences regardless of cost.
Recommendations by traveler type:
Leisure travelers (2-6 flights/year): TSA PreCheck only Business travelers (12-24 flights/year): TSA PreCheck only or both if budget allows Road warriors (40+ flights/year): Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ Families with children 12 and under: TSA PreCheck only (kids free) Infrequent flyers (1 flight/year): Neither unless you hate security lines enough to pay premium
Take advantage of the limited-time family enrollment deal offering $15 off the second PreCheck membership when two members enroll together before December 31, 2025. This rare government program discount makes already-excellent value even better for couples and families planning 2026 travel including cruises, trending destinations, and international trips requiring valid passports.
For More Information:
Related Travel Resources:
Pro Tip: Enroll in TSA PreCheck through CLEAR (even if not getting CLEAR+ membership) for two benefits: (1) No appointment needed at 392 airport locations, and (2) FREE TSA PreCheck renewal after 5 years (saves $79.95 every renewal cycle).
Posted By : Vinay
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