Every day, the TSA screens over two million passengers in over 400 federalized airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
While the TSA has made some improvements to the process recently, including allowing passengers to keep their shoes on after decades of having to remove them, the TSA process can still be inefficient, and there are questions about its effectiveness.
View from the Wing reports that the government’s own data shows that between 90% and 95% of dangerous items get through security screenings.
There are many passenger complaints about TSA, from long lines to encounters with rude agents, but there’s one especially common issue that many people have with the security process.
TSA recently took to Facebook to address the complaint and to propose a solution — but that solution comes at a cost.
TSA addresses common passenger complaint
On January 7, 2026, TSA posted on Facebook acknowledging one common pain point among travelers: The inconsistency of the TSA process.
“In standard lanes, you may be asked to remove electronics and liquids at one airport, but at another, you may be asked to keep them in. It’s all dependent on the X-ray systems being used at that airport,” TSA stated.
This is an issue that Reddit users have long complained about, including one thread last year when a disabled user commented on the impact of this inconsistency on their ability to travel, stating, “Why is there such a wide disparity between airports for the same issue??” and explaining that the inconsistency leaves them facing “stress, delays, and inconvenience.”
TSA proposes a solution
For those who are frustrated by the different rules and the fact that they rarely know what to expect when going through security, the TSA offered a suggestion for how to make the process easier.
“Need a consistent process? Sign up for TSA PreCheck,” the Facebook post reads.
The post also provides a link in the comments to make it easier for passengers to get signed up for this streamlined security program.
Of course, TSA PreCheck comes at a cost, and there is also some inconsistency in how well it actually works to spare you the hassle of airport security problems.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
The costs of TSA PreCheck can vary depending on whether you are getting a new membership or renewing, and depending on the method you use to gain access to the program. According to the TSA PreCheck page:
- Enrolling with IDEMIA costs $76.75 for five years
- Enrolling with Telos costs $85.00 for five years
- Enrolling in CLEAR+ costs $79.95 for five years
Renewals can cost less, especially when completed online. For IDEMIA, a renewal done online costs just $58.75, while an online renewal with CLEAR is $69.95.
What benefits do travelers get with TSA PreCheck?
The TSA recommended PreCheck because it provides more consistency, but its website claims it also comes with other advantages as well. Specifically, with TSA PreCheck, you get the following benefits:
- Wait times of 10 minutes or less in the majority of circumstances
- Children under 17 can join the TSA PreCheck line for free with their parents
- You can use Touchless ID
- Liquids and laptops can remain in your bag
- You can leave on your belt, light jackets, and shoes
Some of these benefits are pretty consistent. For example, as a PreCheck member, I have had no problem bringing my kids with me, and I’ve never been asked to take off my belt and shoes.
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However, I have routinely waited more than 10 minutes, even on days that aren’t particularly busy.
Still, the fact that the rules regarding things like belts and liquids are standard across airports is a major benefit, as you don’t need to worry about all the different rules at different places.
It’s likely worth heeding the TSA’s advice to sign up if this annoys you, especially if you travel often.
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