You Can Now Redeem 10,000 MileagePlus Miles for Five Years of TSA Precheck - But Should You?
We are very big proponents of TSA Precheck and believe it is the best $17 you will spend on travel each year (five years of TSA Precheck costs $85). And, now United Airlines allows you to exchange 10,000 MileagPlus miles for TSA Precheck.
TSA Precheck members traveling through airport security checkpoints have access to shorter lines, are able to leave on their shoes, most jackets and belts and can leave their laptops and liquids in their bags. Basically you zoom right through security with very little hassle.
And now United is allowing you to redeem 10,000 MileagePlus miles for each TSA PreCheck enrollment up to a total of 10 registrations. TSA PreCheck costs only $85 for 5 years so using 10,000 miles for each registration is a poor economic value.
As you know from prior trvlvip Perks and Tips, we value United Airlines bonus miles at 1.5 cents per mile, which is the value we would be willing to pay for MileagePlus miles if we could buy them for cash and it’s also the minimum value we suggest you seek when you redeem miles. Therefore, 10,000 miles are actually worth $150. So, why would you use them for something valued at only $85?
While we don’t suggest it, if you decide to move forward with this offer here are the steps you will need to take:
Click the orange “Sign in to start” button.
Use miles for a payment code that covers the TSA Pre✓® fee.
Apply for TSA Pre✓® and schedule an appointment.
Visit an application center and pay with your code.
Customers applying are responsible for ensuring they are Precheck-eligible in advance as no refunds will be issued and miles cannot be redeposited, even if the code cannot be used. And no guarantees are promised that you will be approved for TSA Precheck.
Bonus trvlvip Tip: If the wait to schedule a TSA Precheck appointment is long at your home airport, consider another airport. If you have travel plans that will take you to other airports, try scheduling your appointment at one of those airports. The wait time at some of the smaller airports can be very short. And better yet, check to see if a non-airport enrollment location is close to home.
The Wrap-Up:
While we suggest TSA Precheck to all travelers, we do not suggest you use your valuable United Airlines miles to pay for it. And if you have a travel reward credit card that reimburses you for the $85 fee, be sure to take advantage of that perk and if not, paying the $85 out of pocket is a much better way to go.
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