TSA PreCheck Hits 20 Million Member Milestone

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program has hit a major milestone.

The TSA this week announced that PreCheck has surpassed 20 million active members, a new record for the program, which is just over 10 years old having launched in December 2013. The 20 million number is a 33% growth in just the last year, too.

In a statement announcing the news, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said that the number is a “testament to its popularity and success,” which continues to grow in both membership and locations, which now number more than 200 airports.

PreCheck allows members to use a separate security lane and wear their shoes, belts, and light jackets through screening. Users are also able to keep their laptops and approved liquids in their carry-ons.

Members start at $77.95 for five years depending on the enrollment provider that applicants choose. Members can then renew up to six months before expiration starting at $68.95. The TSA allows teenagers to go through with their parents or guardian without membership as long as they are on the same reservation and children 12 and under can go without restriction.

The program is marketed as a way for travelers to save time at those security lanes, but that pitch is getting less effective as PreCheck lines get more crowded. Last year, CNN wrote about TSA PreCheck members complaining on social media about longer wait times. The TSA says that most PreCheck members will wait 10 minutes or less, which is its benchmark when going through security.