TSA Slashes PreCheck Fee for Travelers Under 30—But Only Until May 31
The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out a rare age-based discount on TSA PreCheck, hoping to attract younger flyers just as the summer travel season kicks into high gear. Through May 31, first-time applicants aged 30 and under can save $20 on a five-year membership, bringing the cost down to as little as $57, depending on the enrollment provider they choose.
Dubbed the “$20 Take Off” promotion, this marks the first time TSA has offered a broad discount tied to age for its trusted traveler program. The deal applies only to new enrollments completed by the deadline, including both the online application and an in-person interview. It’s available through all three authorized providers: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos Corporation.
The push comes as airports prepare for what could be another record-breaking summer. TSA screened more than 904 million passengers in 2025—the highest annual total in agency history—and officials expect heavy crowds again this year, especially with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. PreCheck members also get access to the agency’s new Touchless ID lanes, which use facial recognition to speed things up even more.
So why the focus on younger travelers? Denyse Wells, TSA PreCheck program manager, says the agency realized that people under 30 are “underrepresented in the TSA PreCheck population.” She explains, “We wanted to offer this discounted membership to younger travelers who are just taking off into their travel journeys.”
When PreCheck launched in 2013, it was largely marketed to frequent business travelers willing to pay for faster screening. But as security lines have grown longer and less predictable, expedited screening has become more of a mainstream expense. Wells notes that Gen Z places a high value on experiences, including travel, and enrolling more of them improves both passenger experience and security efficiency.
Today, more than 24.6 million travelers—about 34% of all U.S. passengers—are enrolled in PreCheck. The program lets users keep on light jackets, belts, and electronics, and TSA says 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. That said, growing enrollment has caused occasional congestion at major hubs like Denver, Atlanta, and Chicago O’Hare during peak morning hours.
To apply, travelers fill out an online background check form, then complete in-person fingerprinting and ID verification. Most approvals come within three to five days. With over 1,300 enrollment locations nationwide—including airports, post offices, and college campuses—it’s easy to get started. Visit tsa.gov/precheck to begin.