Many travelers are asking Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? as airports roll out new biometric screening systems. In 2026, facial scans are becoming common at U.S. airports alongside TSA PreCheck — and it’s changing how people think about security lines, convenience, and travel cost.
This guide explains what TSA PreCheck and facial scans are, how they work together, and whether TSA PreCheck is still worth it with 2026 facial scans — all in very simple, easy English.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. With PreCheck, eligible flyers go through a special security lane where they:
✔ Keep shoes on
✔ Keep belts on
✔ Keep laptops and liquids in bags
✔ Spend less time in line
But since 2026, many airports also use facial scans as part of security. So now travelers ask, Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
What Are 2026 Facial Scans at Airports?
In 2026, airports have started using facial scans to match your identity to your boarding pass and passport. This means:
🔹 You walk up to a kiosk
🔹 The camera scans your face
🔹 The system confirms your identity
🔹 You move forward without showing ID to a person
Facial scans are now part of many U.S. airports’ security systems. Because of this change, people wonder: Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
How TSA PreCheck and Facial Scans Work Together
Here’s the key point to answer Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?:
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Facial scans speed up identity verification
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TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening
So even with facial scans in 2026, TSA PreCheck still helps you bypass long security lines and keep your shoes and belt on, which facial scans alone don’t do.
This means the answer to Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? is not simply one or the other. They work differently — and combining them often gives the fastest airport experience.
Top Reasons TSA PreCheck Is Still Worth It With 2026 Facial Scans
1) Faster Security Lines
Even if you use facial scans, you still go through the security checkpoint. TSA PreCheck lines are almost always much shorter. That’s a strong reason to say yes to the question Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
2) Less Hassle at Security
Facial scans help confirm who you are, but PreCheck lets you move through without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. That convenience makes many travelers answer yes to Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
3) Better for Frequent Flyers
If you fly often, you quickly see the time savings from PreCheck — even with facial scans. That’s why frequent flyers usually say TSA PreCheck is worth it with 2026 facial scans.
4) Peace of Mind
Some travelers dislike long lines or complex security procedures. Adding TSA PreCheck makes the airport experience smoother — a big factor when thinking Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
When TSA PreCheck Might Not Be Worth It
There are a few cases where the answer to Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? might be no:
🔹 You travel very rarely (once a year or less)
🔹 Your airport doesn’t support PreCheck lanes yet
🔹 You mostly use clear lanes or other biometrics at small regional airports
Even in these cases, facial scans help with identity checks. But PreCheck’s value depends on how often and where you fly.
How Much TSA PreCheck Costs in 2026
Cost matters a lot when answering Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
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TSA PreCheck Fee: ~ $78 for 5 years
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Some credit cards reimburse this fee
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Many travelers get PreCheck for free through card benefits
When you break it down, that’s about $15–$20 per year to skip long lines — a small price for many who answer yes to Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
What Travelers Say About It
When people answer Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?, most say:
✔ PreCheck + facial scans = very fast travel
✔ Facial scans alone are good, but not faster at checkpoints
✔ PreCheck still cuts wait times dramatically
That feedback helps show that even in the era of 2026 facial scans, many travelers still find value in TSA PreCheck.
Quick Comparison: With vs Without PreCheck (2026)
| Feature | Facial Scans Only | Facial Scans + TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | ✔ | ✔ |
| Security line wait time | ❌ Longer | ✔ Short |
| Shoes/belt removal | ❌ Yes | ✔ No |
| Laptop/ liquid removal | ❌ Yes | ✔ No |
| Peaceful travel | ❌ Some stress | ✔ More relaxed |
This table helps answer Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? by showing the real differences.
Easy Rule to Decide
Ask yourself this:
“Do I value skipping security steps and shorter lines?”
If yes, then the question Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? really leans toward:
✔ Yes — it’s worth it.
If no — you travel rarely or always use other fast lanes — then maybe not yet.
Tips to Maximize PreCheck Value in 2026
✔ Use a credit card that reimburses PreCheck — this often makes the answer to Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans? even more positive.
✔ Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to airline profiles early.
✔ Check airport airport maps to confirm PreCheck lane locations.
✔ Arrive early until you’re confident with the process.
✔ Practice using facial scans at kiosks before security to make things smoother.
These make your travel day flow better and support a strong yes to the question Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
Final Answer
Is TSA PreCheck worth it with 2026 facial scans?
Yes — for most travelers.
Facial scans in 2026 help identity checks and may speed entry through some parts of the process, but TSA PreCheck still greatly reduces security wait times and hassle. Together, they offer one of the easiest airport experiences available in the U.S.
