U of I study says TSA could save money by waiving PreCheck program fees

CHAMPIAGN, Ill. (WLS) -- The TSA's PreCheck option would work better and save the government money if it were free, according to the findings of a University of Illinois study.

The study shows if you didn't have to pay the $85 fee for PreCheck, more people would sign up and fewer airport screenings would be needed.

It also shows PreCheck screening is four times faster than ordinary security because of time-consuming requirements like removing shoes and belts and opening laptop computers.

The study said that pre-screening passengers helps security by freeing up resources to concentrate on high-risk, unknown passengers.