Here's Why You Randomly Got Assigned TSA PreCheck Status For Free

In August of 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program reached a significant achievement, according to TSA. For the first time since the initiative was introduced in 2013, the number of people enrolled in TSA PreCheck exceeded 20 million participants. This accomplishment represents a triumph for the program that was created to provide a streamlined screening process for passengers who were considered to be of low security risk. Its popularity and numbers continue to increase, especially as more travelers use TSA PreCheck with a growing number of international airlines. For those passengers who haven't enrolled yet, TSA realizes that they may be unaware of the benefits they could be enjoying. For this reason, some lucky travelers may discover on their boarding passes that they've been granted a temporary TSA PreCheck status for free, as a way to let them know what they're missing.

"More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske, per TSA. "TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions." When TSA PreCheck participants pass through the security checkpoint, they can enjoy the convenience of keeping their shoes on, and they're also not required to remove belts or light jackets. In addition, their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids can remain stowed in their carry-on bags. These small advantages can make the screening process much simpler and faster, and it can end up saving time for others in line, which becomes a benefit for everyone.

TSA would like to encourage more travelers to enroll in the program, and granting a free bonus PreCheck status is one way to spread the word. While some people are unaware of the benefits they're missing, others may not think they travel often enough to justify the price of enrollment and the time it takes to get approved for TSA PreCheck. However, the estimated cost may only be around $15 to $17 per year when spread across the five-year enrollment period. The average wait time for a program participant to go through security is generally less than 10 minutes, and children who are 17 or under can also receive the same benefits if they're traveling with an adult who is a PreCheck member. TSA may be counting on the fact that any lucky travelers who receive these benefits as an unexpected bonus will want to enroll in PreCheck and enjoy those conveniences in the future.

Passengers will discover whether they've been granted a temporary TSA PreCheck status by checking to see if it's designated on their boarding pass. If so, then they are entitled to enjoy the expedited screening process for that specific flight. However, the status is granted on an individual basis, not to a group, and it may only appear on one leg of a person's trip. Of course, that one occasion may be all that's needed to convince each traveler to apply for TSA PreCheck for future flights.