Changes At Check-In Could Cost You

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - It is probably the number one thing travelers dread the most when flying - going through security.

From pulling out your electronics and liquids to removing your belt, coat, and shoes so you have to walk barefoot through security - it's one of the biggest hassles when catching a flight.

But just feet away (no pun intended) travelers are going through security without all those hassles.

"I'm privileged. I can afford it and it's a pain the other way," said Barbara Beggs as she breezed through an airport security checkpoint.

Click here to watch David Sutta's report. 

Beggs is one of the lucky ones in what is called a TSA pre-check lane. Because she flies so often her airline enrolled her in the program allowing her a fast track through security.

Sari Koshetz, a spokeswoman for the TSA, said the program has been very well received.

"They love it because no one likes to take their shoes off and it certainly makes it easier in the line. Less stress," said Koshetz.

Initially the pre-check program was free through the airlines to their frequent fliers. About a year ago, the TSA opened the program up to anyone willing to pay $85.

Koshetz explained where the money goes.

"It actually does not go to TSA. That money goes towards having your background check done, your fingerprints taken and the contractors who run those offices get the money," said Koshetz.

Parker Stevenson, the former Hardy Boys actor, uses pre-check all the time.

"I think it's great because you can go through security easier and smoothly. However more and more people are becoming part of it so it's getting longer lines," Stevenson said.

That's because the secret is out. Recently the millionth person signed up for the program and those frequent fliers like Beggs, who were getting the fast lane for free, are being told they'll need to pay for the program to keep using the pre-check lanes.

Why the change now?

"We are trying to move the program into a situation where those who are in the program can be in the TSA lane even more often. So those initially invited to opt into the program by the airlines will still have the opportunity to be in the pre-checked lanes on given days but those who actually get a known traveler number will have more of a consistent experience," Koshetz said.

The question is will travelers pay $85 to keep the experience? Beggs answered without hesitation.

"Yeah. I fly every week. I fly every week. So not to have to take my computer out, my shoes off and my liquids out. That's worth it to me," she said.

Signing up though can be a bit of a hassle. Unlike the frequent flier program, you'll need to do fingerprints and a background check in person. In South Florida you can go to the airport and sea ports.

Critics argue $85 is a lot of money to skip a line. The TSA points out the program is good for five years so those who opt in are paying roughly $17 a year.