You can plan the perfect vacation.

You book the flights. Reserve the hotel. Make dinner reservations. Buy the excursions. Maybe you even spend months looking forward to that one big trip.

Then you get to the airport.

The security line is wrapped around the terminal. You’re taking off your shoes, pulling out your laptop, digging through your bag, and watching the clock while your departure time gets closer.

And suddenly, the relaxing vacation doesn’t feel so relaxing.

That’s one reason TSA PreCheck has become such a popular travel tool. It can make getting through airport security significantly easier for eligible travelers.

But there’s an important distinction travelers should understand:

TSA PreCheck can help make your trip go more smoothly. Travel protection can help protect you when your trip doesn’t go according to plan.

They’re not the same thing and for frequent travelers, having both can make a lot of sense.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a program operated by the Transportation Security Administration for eligible, vetted travelers.

Once enrolled, travelers can use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports. The screening process is generally designed to be more streamlined than standard TSA screening. For example, TSA’s travel guidance notes that passengers in standard screening typically remove shoes and take larger electronics out of their carry-on bags, while these steps generally don’t apply to TSA PreCheck members.

That can mean less unpacking, less repacking and, most importantly, less time standing in the airport security line.

TSA PreCheck eligibility is generally valid for up to five years before renewal.

For someone who travels several times a year, that convenience can add up quickly.

Why TSA PreCheck Is Worth Considering

Let’s be honest: nobody books a vacation because they love airport security.

The goal is to get through the airport and start enjoying the trip.

TSA PreCheck can help with that.

1. Less time dealing with security

Airport security can be one of the most frustrating parts of flying.

Having access to a dedicated screening lane can make the process more predictable, particularly when you’re traveling during busy periods.

That doesn’t mean there will never be a line. TSA PreCheck isn’t a guarantee that you’ll breeze through security every time.

But for many travelers, it can make the airport experience considerably less stressful.

2. Less hassle with your carry-on

One of the biggest conveniences is not having to go through the same routine as standard screening in many circumstances.

Instead of:

Take off shoes.
Remove laptop.
Remove certain items from your bag.
Put everything into bins.
Repack everything.

The PreCheck experience is generally more streamlined.

If you’re traveling with children, carrying multiple bags or simply trying to get to your gate without feeling like you’ve just completed an obstacle course, that convenience can be valuable.

3. It’s useful beyond one vacation

TSA PreCheck isn’t tied to a particular airline or one specific trip.

Once you’re approved, you can use the program on eligible trips with participating airlines and airports.

So if you’re someone who takes several trips a year, the value isn’t just about one airport visit.

It’s about making every eligible trip a little easier.

But Here’s What TSA PreCheck Doesn’t Do

This is where travelers need to understand the difference between travel convenience and travel protection.

TSA PreCheck helps with airport security screening.

It does not protect you if:

• Your flight is canceled
• You have to cancel your trip because of a covered reason
• You become seriously ill while traveling
• You experience a covered travel interruption
• Your bags are delayed or lost
• You need emergency medical transportation
• An unexpected event leaves you with significant nonrefundable expenses

In other words, TSA PreCheck can help you get through the airport.

It can’t help pay for an unexpected $5,000 medical emergency overseas.

That’s where travel protection comes in.

Think of It This Way: Prevent the Headache, Protect Against the Disaster

When preparing for a trip, there are two different things you’re trying to accomplish.

First: Make the trip easier.

Second: Protect yourself financially if something unexpected happens.

TSA PreCheck fits into the first category.

Travel protection fits into the second.

And that’s why they can work so well together.

TSA PreCheck helps with the airport.

It can make security screening more convenient and reduce some of the stress associated with getting to your gate.

Travel protection helps with the unexpected.

Depending on the policy, travel protection may provide benefits related to things such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, baggage problems, emergency medical expenses or medical evacuation.

The U.S. Department of State specifically recommends that travelers consider travel insurance before international trips and notes that U.S. government assistance does not cover travelers’ medical bills or unexpected travel costs abroad.

That’s an important distinction.

Your Regular Health Insurance May Not Be Enough

A common mistake is assuming:

“I already have health insurance, so I’m covered if something happens on vacation.”

Maybe.

But don’t assume.

Coverage outside the United States can be very different from coverage at home. The Department of State advises travelers to check their health insurance before traveling because U.S. health plans may not provide the coverage travelers expect overseas. It also notes that Medicare and Medicaid generally do not cover medical care outside the United States.

And there’s another potential problem:

Medical evacuation.

Imagine you’re traveling somewhere remote and suffer a serious injury or medical emergency. You may need transportation to a facility capable of treating you or potentially transportation back to the United States.

That can become extremely expensive.

The State Department notes that medical evacuation by air ambulance can cost tens of thousands of dollars and, depending on circumstances, potentially reach $200,000.

That’s the type of risk travelers often don’t think about when they’re booking a hotel and comparing flight prices.

What About Trip Cancellation?

This is another area where travel protection can become valuable.

You might have thousands of dollars tied up in a vacation before you even leave home.

Think about everything you’ve prepaid:

• Flights
• Hotels
• Cruises
• Rental cars
• Tours
• Excursions
• Event tickets
• Nonrefundable deposits

If you have to cancel because of a reason covered by your policy, trip cancellation benefits may help reimburse eligible prepaid, nonrefundable expenses.

But there’s an important catch:

Travel protection policies don’t cover every possible reason you might want to cancel.

That’s why reading the policy is so important.

Before buying coverage, look at the covered reasons, exclusions, benefit limits, deductibles, eligibility requirements and any special provisions that may apply to your situation.

What If You Make It to the Airport But Your Trip Still Goes Wrong?

This is where travel protection can become even more valuable.

Maybe your flight is delayed.

Maybe you miss a connection.

Maybe you have to cut your trip short because of a covered event.

Maybe your luggage doesn’t arrive.

Maybe you experience a medical emergency while you’re away.

These aren’t things TSA PreCheck can solve.

And they’re not problems that you necessarily want to solve with your credit card, either.

Travel protection may provide benefits for certain unexpected situations, depending on the policy you purchase.

The key phrase is depending on the policy.

Not every travel protection plan provides the same benefits.

The Best Travel Plan Isn’t Just About Getting to the Airport Faster

Travelers sometimes focus heavily on the little things.

Which seat should I choose?

Which airline has the best schedule?

Should I check a bag?

How early should I arrive?

Should I get TSA PreCheck?

Those are all legitimate questions.

But there’s a bigger question:

What happens financially if something goes wrong?

That’s the question many travelers don’t ask until they’re standing in the middle of an airport dealing with a canceled flight, a medical emergency or a trip they suddenly can’t take.

Planning ahead gives you more options.

A Simple Travel-Preparation Checklist

Before your next major trip, consider putting these items on your checklist:

✓ TSA PreCheck

If you’re eligible and travel frequently, consider whether the convenience of expedited security screening makes sense for you.

✓ Travel protection

If you’ve invested significant money into your trip, consider whether protecting those expenses and addressing potential medical and travel emergencies makes sense.

✓ Health insurance review

Before international travel, understand what your existing health insurance actually covers outside the United States.

✓ Emergency medical and evacuation coverage

Don’t overlook the potentially enormous cost of medical treatment and transportation during an emergency abroad.

✓ Read the policy

Don’t buy travel protection based solely on a headline benefit or price.

Understand what is covered and just as importantly, what isn’t.

TSA PreCheck and Travel Protection: Two Different Tools for the Same Goal

Think about it this way:

TSA PreCheck helps you start the trip with less hassle.

Travel protection helps you deal with the unexpected after you’ve booked the trip.

One is about convenience.

The other is about financial protection and assistance when certain covered events disrupt your plans.

Neither one guarantees that your trip will be perfect.

But that’s not really the point.

The point of planning for travel isn’t to assume something will go wrong.

It’s to make sure you’re prepared if it does.

Because you’ve already invested your time, your money and probably a lot of anticipation into your vacation.

Taking a few extra steps before you leave can help you spend less time worrying about what could happen and more time enjoying where you’re going.

Before You Travel, Ask Yourself Three Questions

1. How can I make the airport experience easier?

For many frequent travelers, TSA PreCheck may be worth considering.

2. How much money have I put at risk by booking this trip?

Add up your nonrefundable flights, hotels, cruises, tours and other prepaid expenses.

3. What would happen if I had a serious medical emergency or couldn’t complete my trip?

If the financial answer makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth looking into your travel protection options before you leave.

The best trip is one you can enjoy with confidence and good travel planning starts long before you reach the gate.