How TSA PreCheck Enrollment Surges Signal a Gold Rush in Premium Travel and Security Tech

The U.S. travel industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a confluence of post-pandemic recovery, rising air travel demand, and the rapid adoption of premium security services. At the heart of this transformation lies the TSA PreCheck program, a once-niche service that has now grown to over 20 million active members by mid-2025—a 33% surge since 2023. This exponential growth is not just a sign of improved airport efficiency; it is a leading indicator of a broader rebound in consumer discretionary spending, particularly in premium travel services, airport security technology, and ancillary offerings like airport lounges. For investors, the implications are clear: companies positioned to benefit from this trend are poised for outsized gains.

TSA PreCheck: A Bellwether for Travel Recovery

TSA PreCheck's enrollment boom reflects a fundamental shift in traveler behavior. Post-pandemic, consumers are prioritizing convenience and time savings over cost, a trend amplified by the integration of PreCheck with premium credit card benefits (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum). These partnerships have effectively turned PreCheck into a no-cost perk for high-net-worth individuals, accelerating adoption. By 2025, third-party enrollment providers like IDEMIA and CLEAR have expanded to over 500 and 396 locations, respectively, democratizing access to the program.

The financial upside is staggering. The TSA PreCheck program generated $311,928 in revenue in fiscal year 2023, with third-party providers capturing a significant share of the $1.2 billion Trusted Traveler market. CLEAR, for instance, reported $219.5 million in revenue by Q2 2025, a 17.5% year-over-year increase, driven by its 7.6 million active members. This growth is not just a function of enrollment numbers but also of recurring revenue models, volume discounts, and digital enrollment tools.

Biometric Tech and the Future of Airport Security

The integration of biometric technology with TSA PreCheck is the next frontier. CLEAR's eGates, now operational at Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Seattle, allow members to bypass the TSA podium entirely using facial recognition. These automated lanes, funded entirely by CLEAR, are a glimpse into the future of airport security: touchless, AI-driven, and highly efficient. The TSA's Touchless ID program, available at 15 airports, further underscores this shift, enabling PreCheck members to verify identity via facial scans without presenting a physical ID.

For investors, the winners are clear. L3Harris Technologies and Leidos, which supply CT scanners and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) kiosks, are set to benefit from a $5.5 billion TSA modernization contract. Meanwhile, IDEMIA and Telos are expanding their enrollment networks, with Telos reporting 396 locations across 38 states by July 2025. These companies are not just selling hardware—they're monetizing convenience through recurring membership fees and data-driven partnerships.

Ancillary Services: The Premiumization of Air Travel

The ripple effects of TSA PreCheck's success extend beyond security lanes. Airport lounge operators like PS Airport Lounges have seen a 35% membership growth over three years, driven by travelers who value time efficiency and exclusivity. With TSA PreCheck enabling faster access to premium amenities, these lounges are redefining the airport experience with private work suites, gourmet dining, and spa access.

Moreover, the $3.5 trillion U.S. travel industry is witnessing a cultural shift toward paying for convenience. A 2023 study by the Air Transport Action Group found that every 10 minutes saved in airport processing increases in-airport retail spending by 3.2%. This multiplier effect benefits not just airlines but also retailers, food service providers, and car rental companies operating in high-traffic airports.

Strategic Investment Opportunities

1. Third-Party Enrollment Providers: IDEMIA and CLEAR are the most direct plays on TSA PreCheck's growth. IDEMIA's focus on military and family discounts ensures a steady influx of new users, while CLEAR's ePassport feature and partnerships with airlines position it as a leader in biometric integration.
2. Security Technology Firms: L3Harris and Leidos are critical to the TSA's $5.5 billion modernization push. Their expertise in CT scanners and AI-driven threat detection aligns with the agency's goal of reducing wait times and improving throughput.
3. Airlines with Integrated PreCheck Lanes: Delta and American Airlines have embedded PreCheck into their loyalty programs, enhancing customer retention. These airlines also benefit from higher ancillary revenue as travelers spend more on premium services.
4. Airport Lounge Operators: PS Airport Lounges and similar operators are capitalizing on the premiumization trend. Their growth is tied to TSA PreCheck's expansion, making them a compelling long-term play.

Conclusion: A Golden Age of Travel

The TSA PreCheck program is more than a security initiative—it's a barometer for the broader travel economy. As air travel demand grows by 4.3% annually through 2030, the demand for efficient, secure, and time-saving services will only intensify. For investors, the key is to identify companies that are not just adapting to this shift but leading it. From biometric tech firms to premium lounge operators, the winners of this golden age of travel are already emerging.

The time to act is now. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary on the horizon, the airport of the future is being built—and those who invest in its infrastructure today will reap the rewards for years to come.