Have you ever considered joining the TSA PreCheck program? Here's another reason to sign up. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that TSA PreCheck will now be available in The Bahamas — making it the very first international location to offer TSA PreCheck. Here's what you need to know.
TSA PreCheck Opens in Nassau, The Bahamas
On Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the opening of the TSA PreCheck program at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, The Bahamas. The TSA PreCheck program has been available at over 200 airports inside the U.S., but this marks the very first international location for the program.
Nassau is one of the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) international Preclearance locations — along with other airports in the Caribbean, Canada, Ireland, and United Arab Emirates.
This means that travelers are inspected at the international airport prior to departing for the U.S. Upon arrival in the U.S., the precleared travelers can skip the CBP lines and go straight to their destination. Now, with TSA PreCheck, eligible travelers will be able to skip the CBP lines in The Bahamas and the U.S.
How the TSA PreCheck Program Works
TSA PreCheck is a process where travelers can bypass regular security checkpoints and spend minutes in line rather than hours. In January of 2022, TSA reported that 97% of TSA PreCheck passengers spent less than 5 minutes in the security checkpoint. How long were airport security lines for you last time you flew?
The incredibly short wait time is the biggest bonus to the program, but TSA Precheck passengers also enjoy a much smoother and less invasive boarding experience. Regular passengers must remove their shoes and belts (sometimes watches), empty their pockets, and remove all electronics from their cases.
With TSA PreCheck, you don't have to do any of that. That's why the average wait time is only a few minutes — you get to keep all of your apparel on and your electronics stay inside their cases. It's far less of a hassle.
Adults that sign up for TSA PreCheck can have children 12 and under accompanying them without having to apply for PreCheck for the minors — which is good news for traveling families. Minors ages 13-17 will need to join PreCheck and get their own Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Where You Can Catch a Flight to Nassau
If you want to take advantage of the new TSA PreCheck destination in Nassau, several major airlines (such as American, United, and others) have regular flights to and from The Bahamas. Here are some of the most popular cities to catch a departing flight to Lynden Pindling International Airport — or a return flight home:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Denver
- Dallas
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Houston
- Miami
- New York
You can also use TSA PreCheck for domestic flights all across the country at over 200 airports. Seattle/Tacoma International, Kona, Los Angeles, and JFK are just a few of the most popular airports that offer TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. Participating airlines include Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and many more.
How to Get TSA PreCheck
You can sign up for TSA PreCheck on the official TSA website, or alternatively, you can pre-enroll with Skip in just a few minutes. We'll book you an appointment to finalize your PreCheck enrollment and you should have your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in a few weeks.
Applying for TSA PreCheck requires an online application, a background check, and fingerprinting. TSA collects an $85 fee for first-time applicants ($70 to renew) at a TSA enrollment center — but your membership is valid for five years.
The cost breaks down to $17 per year for first-time PreCheck memberships and $14 per year for renewals. That's quite the bargain considering the time and stress it saves you.
How Else Can Skip Help? Whether you need assistance navigating funding for your small business — like SBA loans, grants, or other financing options, or guidance with government-related services — like TSA PreCheck or DMV appointments, we’re ready to help. Become a member and skip the red tape.