Free TSA PreCheck could save millions

More frequent fliers in program would speed process, study finds.

By offering frequent travelers free membership in the Transportation Security Administration’s expedited screening program, the agency could save money and speed the screening process at airports across the country, a study concludes.

Professors at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offered the idea as a solution to the TSA’s growing costs and long airport lines.

The study examines a vexing problem for the TSA: getting more fliers to pay $85 for a background check to use an expedited screening line that lets fliers keep their shoes, coats and belts on and keep laptops in their luggage. About 12 million people have signed up for the program, called TSA PreCheck, and similar programs for international travelers.

But the TSA had hoped to get 25 million travelers signed up for TSA PreCheck by now, a goal that the agency said would enable the TSA to reduce staff and make the screening lines at the nation’s airports move faster.

The study, lead by Sheldon H. Jacobson, a computer science professor, calculated that if the TSA waived the $85 enrollment fee for 25 million travelers, it would lose $425 million a year in fees. (The $85 fee is for a fiveyear membership.)

But the study also found that if 25 million travelers taking at least six trips a year were to use the TSA PreCheck lines, the saving would be $459 million a year, thanks to lower staff expenses and equipment costs.

The result would be annual saving of $34 million, according to the study, which was published in November’s Journal of Transportation Security.

“The analysis presented here suggests that the TSA can justify enrolling such high-value travelers in the program at no cost,” the study concludes.

Still, the report noted that some bad feelings might arise among travelers who are not frequent fliers and are not offered the fee waiver. Also, frequent fliers who now pay the $85 fee may be upset should TSA PreCheck be offered free to new passengers, the study says.

A TSA spokesman could not be reached for comment.

JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES Travelers who go through TSA PreCheck security points can leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on during the terminal screening process as well as keep their laptop in the carry-on suitcase without having to remove them at the checkpoint,...