Why Is Tsa Precheck Worth It Even If You Only Fly Twice A Year

Flying can be stressful—even more so when delays begin before you board the plane. Long security lines, shoe removal, laptop unpacking, and full-body scanners turn what should be an efficient process into a bottleneck. For frequent flyers, TSA PreCheck has long been considered a no-brainer. But what about travelers who only fly twice a year? Is spending $78 (plus potential credit card reimbursements) on a five-year membership really justified?

The answer is yes—and not just marginally. Even infrequent travelers gain measurable benefits from TSA PreCheck that go beyond convenience. From time savings to reduced anxiety, the program delivers value with every trip. When you consider the cumulative effect of smoother airport experiences, the return on investment becomes clear.

Time Savings Add Up Faster Than You Think

One of the most tangible benefits of TSA PreCheck is time saved at security checkpoints. According to the Transportation Security Administration, over 90% of PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in line. Compare that to the average standard screening wait time, which ranges from 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours at major airports.

For someone flying only twice a year—four round-trips annually—that’s eight trips through security. If PreCheck saves just 15 minutes per screening, that’s two full hours saved each year. Over the five-year validity of the membership, that totals 10 hours reclaimed—time that could be spent relaxing, working, or simply avoiding the rush.

Tip: Arrive 45–60 minutes before domestic flights with TSA PreCheck—no need to show up two hours early unless required by airline policy.

The value of time isn’t just quantitative; it’s psychological. Avoiding the scramble to remove belts, shoes, and electronics reduces decision fatigue and mental load. Travelers report feeling calmer and more in control when they know their screening will be fast and predictable.

Enhanced Comfort and Reduced Physical Hassle

Standard security screening requires removing shoes, belts, jackets, and electronics from carry-ons. For older adults, those with mobility issues, or travelers with young children, this routine can be physically taxing. TSA PreCheck eliminates these steps, allowing passengers to keep shoes on, laptops in bags, and liquids in carry-ons.

This benefit is especially valuable for biannual travelers who may not be accustomed to navigating airport logistics. Without the muscle memory of frequent fliers, occasional travelers are more likely to forget rules, misplace items, or feel flustered during screening. PreCheck simplifies the process, making it more intuitive and less intimidating.

“TSA PreCheck levels the playing field for infrequent travelers. It removes complexity and helps people move through security with confidence.” — Sarah Lin, Air Travel Efficiency Consultant

Consider a real-world example: A 68-year-old retiree flies from Portland to Orlando each winter to visit family. She wears supportive shoes due to plantar fasciitis and finds removing them painful and awkward. With PreCheck, she walks through screening without stopping, keeping her shoes and jacket on. The relief is immediate—not just in physical comfort, but in dignity and ease.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is $78 Really Worth It?

The current fee for TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five-year membership, averaging $15.60 per year. To evaluate whether this is worthwhile for someone flying twice a year, let’s break down the cost versus the benefits.

Factor	With TSA PreCheck	Without TSA PreCheck
Average Wait Time	<5 minutes	15–30 minutes
Shoe/Belt Removal	Not required	Required
Laptop Handling	Stays in bag	Must be removed
Liquid Containers	No need to remove	Often removed for inspection
Annual Cost	$15.60	$0
Time Saved Per Trip	~15 minutes	—

Now, assign a modest value to time: even at $20 per hour, saving 30 minutes annually equates to $10 in time value. That’s half the annual cost of PreCheck recovered purely through efficiency. But when you factor in intangible benefits—reduced stress, improved punctuality, greater comfort—the value far exceeds the dollar amount.

Additionally, many credit cards now offer TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture X, and certain Amex Platinum versions cover the application cost every four to five years. If you already hold one of these cards, PreCheck effectively costs nothing.

Tip: Check your credit card benefits portal—you might already have access to TSA PreCheck reimbursement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enrolling in TSA PreCheck

Signing up for TSA PreCheck is straightforward and can be completed in three main stages:

1. Pre-apply online: Visit the official TSA PreCheck website and fill out the preliminary application. Provide basic personal information, including address history and employment details. This step takes about 10 minutes.
2. Schedule an appointment: After submitting the form, you’ll receive instructions to schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Bring a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate).
3. Attend the in-person session: The appointment lasts about 15 minutes. You’ll undergo a background check, provide fingerprints, and pay the $78 fee (unless reimbursed later by a credit card). Approval is typically instant, and your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be issued immediately.

Once approved, add your KTN to existing and future flight reservations. Most major airlines allow you to enter it during booking or manage your reservation online. Within minutes, your boarding pass should display “TSA PRE✓” if eligible for that flight.

“Enrollment takes less time than a doctor’s appointment, and the payoff begins on your very next flight.” — TSA Official Statement, 2023

Common Misconceptions About Infrequent Use

Some travelers hesitate to enroll because they assume PreCheck is only useful for business travelers or jetsetters. Several myths persist:

• Myth: “I don’t fly enough to justify the cost.”
  Reality: Even two trips a year involve four security screenings. The time and stress saved compound quickly.
• Myth: “I might not get PreCheck on every flight.”
  Reality: While eligibility isn’t guaranteed, most major U.S. carriers participate, and approval rates for enrolled members are high—especially when the KTN is correctly entered.
• Myth: “It’s too much hassle to sign up.”
  Reality: The entire process takes under 30 minutes in person, and online prep can be done at home on your schedule.

Another overlooked advantage is peace of mind. Knowing you’re likely to breeze through security reduces pre-flight anxiety. For nervous flyers or those traveling with children, this emotional benefit alone can make the program invaluable.

Mini Case Study: The Biannual Vacationer

Meet Linda, a schoolteacher from Des Moines who flies once in the winter to Hawaii and once in the summer to visit her sister in Maine. She travels with a carry-on and personal item, often packing snacks, books, and a tablet for the flight.

Before PreCheck, Linda dreaded security. She’d forget to take off her watch, spill her water bottle during inspection, and struggle to re-pack her laptop while holding her bag. On one occasion, she missed her flight due to an unexpectedly long line.

After enrolling in PreCheck (reimbursed through her Capital One Venture Rewards card), her experience transformed. She walks through screening smoothly, keeps her shoes on, and rarely removes anything from her bag. Her confidence has increased, and she now arrives at the airport later—without fear.

“I used to think PreCheck was for business people,” Linda says. “But after using it, I can’t imagine going back. It’s made my vacations start the right way—calmly and on time.”

Checklist: Is TSA PreCheck Right for You?

Answer the following to determine if enrollment makes sense for your travel habits:

• Do you fly at least once or twice a year domestically?
• Do you find airport security stressful or time-consuming?
• Do you wear shoes that are difficult to remove (e.g., orthopedic, boots)?
• Do you travel with children or elderly companions?
• Do you own a credit card that reimburses the TSA PreCheck fee?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, TSA PreCheck is likely a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew TSA PreCheck every year?

No. TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date of enrollment. After that, you must renew and undergo another background check and fingerprinting session.

Will I get PreCheck on every flight?

Not guaranteed, but highly likely when flying with participating airlines and your Known Traveler Number is linked to your reservation. Some international flights or connecting itineraries may not qualify, but domestic U.S. flights almost always do.

Can my family members use my TSA PreCheck?

Children under 12 can join eligible parents or guardians in the PreCheck lane. Adults must enroll individually. There is no shared membership.

Final Thoughts: Small Investment, Lasting Benefits

TSA PreCheck isn’t just a perk for road warriors—it’s a practical upgrade for any traveler who values time, comfort, and predictability. At just $15.60 per year, the financial barrier is low, especially when offset by credit card benefits. The time saved, stress reduced, and experience improved deliver returns that go well beyond dollars and minutes.

Even if you only fly twice a year, those eight airport screenings over five years represent meaningful touchpoints where PreCheck enhances your journey. It starts your trip positively, avoids unnecessary hassles, and supports a smoother travel rhythm.

🚀 Ready to simplify your next trip? Apply for TSA PreCheck today and reclaim your time at the airport. Your future self—standing calmly in the express lane, shoes still on—will thank you.