Emily White You know that feeling. Shoes off, laptop out, belt in the tray, water bottle gone. The line is not moving. The person ahead is confused about the liquids rule. Someone’s bag is getting pulled for a second check. And you are standing there watching your boarding time get closer while the security line goes nowhere. That feeling is optional. Most people just do not know that yet.
There Is a Line Right Next to Yours Moving Faster
It is called TSA PreCheck. And the people in it are not special. They are not frequent flyers or government employees or people with connections. They just did one thing — applied for a program that most travelers have heard of but never actually looked into. No shoes off. No laptop out. No liquids drama. They walk through and they are gone while you are still waiting.
Getting It Takes Five Minutes — Not a Trip to the Airport
This is the part that stops most people. They assume there is a complicated process involved — a government office, a long appointment, paperwork. There is not. Staples locations handle TSA PreCheck enrollments now. Walk in, no appointment needed. Fill out the basic online application first — name, address, a few details — then show up with your ID and citizenship documents. Photo and fingerprints done. Five minutes.
It Costs Less Than One Flight Change Fee
The application fee is $78. That covers five full years. Break that down and it is less than $16 a year to never stand in that line again. If you travel even twice a year the time saved on the first trip alone is worth it. And if your credit card has travel benefits — check right now — because a lot of cards reimburse the full fee automatically.
Approval Shows Up Fast
Most people get their Known Traveler Number within three to five days. Some get it the same week. Once it arrives, you add it to your airline profile once — and every booking after that automatically shows the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. No extra steps. No checking every time. It just shows up.
You Probably Already Qualify
There is no complicated vetting process for most applicants. If you are a regular traveler with no flags on your record, you will almost certainly be approved. The background check is standard. The wait is short. Most people who apply get in — and then wonder why they waited so long to do it.
CLEAR Takes It Even Further
If you want to move even faster, CLEAR uses your face and fingerprints at the airport itself to skip the identity check line entirely. It bundles with PreCheck and is currently offering the PreCheck fee back as a refund. No appointment needed. Available at over 1300 locations. For anyone who travels regularly, it is worth knowing about.
Five Minutes Now Saves Hours Later
Every trip you take without PreCheck is time you are giving away for no reason. The line is not getting shorter. The airports are not getting less crowded. Five minutes at Staples, a few days of waiting, and then every airport after that feels different. Quieter. Faster. Like you finally figured out something everyone else is still missing.
