As airport delays continue, can enrolling in TSA PreCheck save you time?

TSA PreCheck, the government trusted-traveler program that expedites airport security screening, is being examined as a potential solution to ongoing checkpoint delays at U.S. airports. Travel experts suggest the $78-to-$85 program can meaningfully reduce wait times even amid current congestion, allowing enrolled passengers to use expedited lanes and skip some screening steps like removing shoes and laptops. The program's relevance has grown as airports nationwide report extended security lines that can delay passengers by 30 minutes or more during peak travel periods. Enrollment requires an application, background check, and in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center, a process that typically takes several weeks. For frequent flyers, the subscription model may offset delays caused by understaffing or seasonal travel surges at major hubs.