If you already have conditional approval for TSA PreCheck and you cannot land an interview because of a surge in fast-track traveler applications, you may be able to finish enrollment at a nearby Staples instead of heading to a crowded terminal.
This option has existed at select Staples locations since 2018, and it is especially useful right now as the security agency anticipates a packed holiday travel period across major airports in the coming weeks.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that lets you move through a dedicated lane so you typically keep on your shoes and belt and leave your laptop and compliant liquids in your bag. As of now, TSA PreCheck operates at more than 200 U.S. airports for flights on many domestic and international carriers. Availability can evolve, so check the official site for the latest list.
TSA PreCheck can shave serious time off your airport routine. Based on recent agency data, 92% of participants waited under five minutes at checkpoints nationwide during a recent month. Actual wait times vary by airport, time of day, and local staffing.
How To Enroll In TSA PreCheck At Staples
Start by entering your ZIP code on the TSA enrollment page to see if a participating Staples is convenient for you. For example, there are multiple stores across the New York City area where you can complete the process.
After you choose a location, begin enrollment as you normally would through the TSA PreCheck website. You will fill out an application with personal details, including your date and place of birth, current address, and basic physical descriptors such as height, weight, and eye color, along with other requested information.
Once you receive conditional approval, you must book an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. This is where Staples becomes a helpful alternative to airport sites.
When you reserve your appointment on the government website, select the option to interview at an enrollment center located inside Staples and confirm the exact store you want. Many government-run centers sit inside airports or standalone offices, but the steps at Staples mirror the standard process.
During your brief visit, you will provide fingerprints and complete a background check. The appointment usually takes only a few minutes if you have your documents ready. Afterward, you should receive a letter by mail with your Known Traveler Number within two to three weeks, sometimes sooner. In the meantime, you can check your application status online and often learn of approval more quickly. Once approved, add your Known Traveler Number to your airline profiles and upcoming reservations so you can use the dedicated lane on your next flight.
What to bring to your appointment
- A valid government-issued photo ID and any secondary identification accepted for verification
- Proof of citizenship or lawful status if required for your situation
- Your appointment confirmation and application ID for faster check-in
- A payment method if the enrollment fee will be collected at the center
Always confirm current documentation requirements on the official site before you go, since acceptable documents and workflows can change.
Scheduling tips
- Search nearby ZIP codes if your first-choice store has limited availability
- Try early morning or late afternoon slots, which can be easier to secure
- Some locations accept walk-ins, but service is not guaranteed. Booking an appointment helps you avoid delays
How To Save Money On The TSA PreCheck Enrollment Fee
A five-year TSA PreCheck membership carries a standard fee, and renewals completed online are typically offered at a slightly lower price than first-time enrollment. You may be able to reduce or offset this cost if you hold certain travel-oriented cards that reimburse application fees via a statement credit, often up to a specific dollar amount in a four- to five-year window. Check your card’s current terms before relying on a benefit like this, since timelines and eligibility rules can change.
If you plan to use a reimbursement benefit, pay the fee with the card that provides the credit and keep your receipt. Many issuers post the credit automatically within a few weeks, though posting times can vary. If the credit does not appear as expected, contact your issuer for assistance.
Extra ways to keep costs down
- Renew online when eligible, since renewal pricing is often lower
- Set a reminder a few months before expiration so you can renew on time and avoid losing your fast-lane access on booked trips
- If multiple people in your household apply, confirm whether your cards provide more than one credit and how often the benefit resets
Ready To Breeze Through Security With TSA PreCheck? Book Your Staples Appointment Now
Backlogs can make it tough to schedule interviews for trusted traveler programs and may add weeks to your timeline. To speed things up, check whether a Staples near you hosts an enrollment center so you can complete your interview away from airport crowds.
Some locations accept walk-ins, but we recommend scheduling an appointment to guarantee service and minimize your total time on site. Arrive with the right documents, consider using a payment card that offers an application-fee credit if you have one, and add your Known Traveler Number to your airline profiles as soon as you are approved so you can start using TSA PreCheck on your very next trip.
Join Our Free TheMilesAcademy Community And Travel Smarter
We built a friendly space where you can learn faster, ask questions, and share real airport tips that actually work. If you are getting set up with TSA PreCheck or planning renewals, our community helps you stay ahead of busy seasons and changing requirements so you spend less time in lines and more time on your trip.
What you will get when you join free
- Step by step checklists for enrollment and renewal so you do not miss a required document
- Timely reminders for peak travel periods and appointment openings at retail enrollment centers and airports
- Practical airport security playbooks crowdsourced from experienced travelers
- Answers from us and other members when you hit a snag with appointments, status updates, or adding your Known Traveler Number to bookings
Ready to level up your next trip? Join our free TheMilesAcademy community today and get the latest time saving strategies.
While you are here, try our free card finder tool to see which cards match your travel goals and may include application fee reimbursement as a benefit.
