Image Credit: @tsa on Instagram

If you’re a frequent flyer, then you know all about TSA PreCheck.

It began October 2011, and in theory, it was supposed to streamline the passenger security check for so-called “trusted travelers.”

For an $85 fee (and agreeing to a background check), you didn’t have to take off your jacket, your shoes, or take out your laptop.

The TSA expected millions of people to sign up…but when the agency didn’t meet its expected enrollment levels, it started opening up PreCheck at the airport to those who were not signed up, and confusion and chaos reigned.

The non-PreCheck passengers had no idea why they were in those expedited lines, and started taking their shoes and jackets off anyway.

TSA agents, instead of yelling to take shoes off, were now yelling to leave them on. The whole point of PreCheck was defeated.

Now the TSA says it’s keeping PreCheck just for those 1.5 million road warriors who actually signed up for the program.

While that’s welcome news, now the TSA needs to go one more step and make PreCheck available at airport security checkpoints during times when people actually fly!

For more information about airport security, check out:

• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Is Worth It?
• 4 Ways to Get Around the TSA 311 Rule
• New Technology at Airports for Check-In & Customs

Keep reading for more travel tips.