Is TSA PreCheck Still Valuable?

Read today's edition of Gate Access • July 14th, 2025

Happy Monday. With standard passengers now able to keep their shoes on, one could ask, “Is having TSA PreCheck still valuable?” Let’s discuss it.

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⏪ What You Missed Last Week

Non-PreCheck Travelers Can Now Keep on Their Shoes at TSA Security Checkpoints

Here's what wasn't shared during the TSA "Shoes-Off" press conference

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👀 Is TSA PreCheck Still Valuable?

Ever since the new “Shoes Off” policy announcement was made, travelers and TSA officers have been discussing the value proposition of TSA PreCheck, and I’ve concluded that it depends on the individual.

In my opinion, if your airport isn't a CAT X airport, you should keep your TSA PreCheck membership. If your airport is a CAT X airport, not having TSA PreCheck isn’t the end of the world anymore, and here’s why.

First off, what is a Cat X airport?

A Category X (Cat X) airport is a classification used by the TSA to identify the highest-risk commercial airports in the United States, primarily based on factors such as passenger volume, security threat levels, and the importance of critical infrastructure.

These airports typically have the most robust security procedures, the highest number of daily passengers, and are considered high-profile targets. Cat X airports receive increased TSA oversight, additional federal security resources, and may undergo more frequent security assessments.

While the TSA doesn’t publicly release a list for security reasons, based on size and volume, the following airports are widely understood to be Cat X:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• Denver International Airport (DEN)

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

• Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

These airports serve as major international and domestic hubs, attracting tens of millions of travelers per year, which naturally places them in the highest security tier.

The benefit of TSA PreCheck at Cat X airports is minimal due to the advanced technology these airports have. Travelers at these airports can keep their large electronics in their bags, which is another significant benefit of TSA PreCheck now offered for free.

Yes, expedited lanes may be a reality, but for those who don’t want to spend the money on a PreCheck membership, their chances of a hassle-free screening experience are now much higher.

Moving forward, I will not renew my TSA PreCheck; instead, I will opt for Global Entry.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you will still have access to it; however, you now have more value with international perks. Global Entry costs $120, and TSA PreCheck alone costs $76.75. Both memberships last for 5 years, so this seems like a no-brainer.

Another great Global Entry perk that parents will love is that the program is free for children under 18.

Minor Children 18 years or younger are free if their parent or legal guardian is an enrolled member or have submitted a Trusted Traveler Program application. The application of the parent or legal guardian must be in pending risk or conditionally approved status.

CLEAR is trying to capitalize on this “Shoes Off” policy. They have just announced some perk updates for members, and TSA PreCheck travelers may find value in these updates.

Here are my thoughts, along with some hidden clauses you should be aware of. Plus, here’s what TSA officers are saying about the new policy.