With the latest headlines around TSA changing some long-standing procedures—like dropping the shoes-off rule—there’s been a lot of chatter about whether TSA PreCheck is still worth it. For me, the answer is an easy yes.
I’ve been a PreCheck member since the program launched, and I’ll continue to renew it—for one reason above all: it saves me time and hassle.
What PreCheck Still Gets You
Even with some changes trickling down to general screening lanes, PreCheck still gives travelers a streamlined experience. I don’t have to take off my shoes (not a big deal anymore, I know), but I also don’t have to remove my liquids or electronics from my bag. That’s a real time-saver.
And instead of going through the full body imaging device, I usually get routed through the good old-fashioned walk-through metal detector. At 58 years old and with a few implants of my own, I appreciate not having to deal with added screening unless necessary. (For those whose implants do trigger the magnetometer, yes, they’ll still need additional screening—but the PreCheck line usually moves faster regardless.)
On the Liquid Rules—Let’s Not Rush
There’s growing momentum to relax the 3.4 oz liquid limit, especially with new CT (Computed Tomography) scanners being deployed. These machines—think medical-grade CAT scans—can give screeners a better view inside bags, even when items are stacked.
But we’re not there yet.
- Not every airport has these scanners.
- A 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found calibration issues, high false alarm rates, and inconsistent performance across sites.
- And current x-ray machines still struggle to distinguish between benign and dangerous liquids.
Until the technology is widely deployed and consistently reliable, I can’t support lifting that layer of security.
Electronics May Be Next
The next screening requirement likely on the chopping block? Removing electronics from bags. But like liquids, packed devices can appear as dense blobs on traditional x-rays, making it hard to spot threats hidden among them. When the tech catches up, I’d welcome that change too—but we’re not quite there yet.
The Shoes-Off Policy: Right Call to Retire It
I support the recent move to end the shoe-removal rule across all lanes. Today’s screening tech—including walk-through magnetometers and millimeter wave scanners—can detect items concealed at ground level or even in shoe soles. If something looks suspicious, it’ll still be flagged for additional screening. And that’s the point—let the tech do the work, and pull aside only what needs more scrutiny.
PreCheck vs. CLEAR (And Why I Use Both)
Let’s talk CLEAR. It’s not a security program—it’s a queue-jump service. It gets me to the front of the line faster, but that’s it. PreCheck, by contrast, requires a background check and offers less invasive screening in return.
I use both. I fly a lot. Sometimes the PreCheck line is backed up, and CLEAR gets me around it. It’s about finding the shortest path to the gate, and if I can pay a few bucks to save 15 minutes, I’ll do it.
Bonus: Observation Decks and Passenger Experience
One last note—I’m glad to see airports bringing back observation decks. It’s part of a bigger trend in the airport industry: improving the passenger experience. We’re asking people to show up hours early, and anything that makes that time more enjoyable matters. If you’re writing about this, happy to offer some insight—there’s a real story there.
Bottom Line: PreCheck Still Works
PreCheck continues to deliver real benefits, especially for frequent flyers. The process is smoother, the lines are shorter, and the experience is less stressful. Even with TSA adapting its policies, the value of PreCheck holds strong.
If you’re someone who flies more than a couple times a year, it’s well worth the cost.
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Jeff Price
Professor MSU Denver, Aviation & Aerospace
Aviation Security Specialist | Leading Edge Strategies
