Key Takeaways
- Expedited airport security for approved travelers.
- Skip removing shoes, laptops, belts, liquids.
- Costs $78 for five-year membership.
- Free for U.S. military personnel.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program administered by the Transportation Security Administration that offers expedited airport security screening for eligible travelers in the United States. It allows approved individuals to use dedicated lanes and enjoy a faster, more convenient screening process at participating airports.
This program supports frequent flyers, military members, and other qualified travelers by reducing wait times and simplifying the screening experience.
Key Characteristics
TSA PreCheck delivers several benefits designed to streamline airport security.
- Expedited screening: Access to dedicated lanes where you don't need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids from carry-ons.
- Wide participation: Over 100 airlines, including Delta, and more than 200 airports support the program.
- Known Traveler Number (KTN): Members receive a KTN to link with reservations, enabling TSA PreCheck status on boarding passes.
- Family convenience: Children aged 13-17 can accompany an enrolled parent through TSA PreCheck lanes when on the same reservation.
- 5-year membership: After a background check and fingerprinting, approval grants a 5-year membership period.
How It Works
To enroll, you complete an online application and pay a $78 fee, then schedule a brief in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number to add to your airline profiles, which triggers TSA PreCheck eligibility during check-in.
At the airport, present your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator to use expedited lanes. The process typically takes about 10 minutes and does not require removal of common items, improving your travel experience.
Examples and Use Cases
Many major U.S. airlines participate in TSA PreCheck, enhancing convenience for frequent travelers.
- Airlines: Delta and American Airlines offer TSA PreCheck lanes to streamline passenger flow.
- Military: U.S. Department of Defense service members receive free TSA PreCheck access by adding their DoD ID to reservations.
- Credit card benefits: Some premium cards featured in the best airline credit cards guide reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees, providing added value.
Important Considerations
TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed on every flight, as TSA may randomly exclude travelers for security reasons. Enrollment is managed by commercial companies like IDEMIA, which operates numerous enrollment centers nationwide to facilitate the application process.
Additionally, while TSA PreCheck expedites screening, it has faced criticism regarding fairness and its impact on regular security lanes. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about enrollment and travel planning.
Final Words
TSA PreCheck offers clear time savings and smoother airport experiences for eligible travelers at a reasonable cost. Consider applying if you fly frequently and want to streamline security; start by completing the online application and scheduling your background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that offers expedited security screening at U.S. airports, allowing eligible travelers to move through dedicated lanes more quickly without removing shoes, laptops, belts, jackets, or compliant liquids.
U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, select frequent flyer members, military personnel, and Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Program members are eligible for TSA PreCheck.
You apply online, pay a $78 application fee, then schedule a 10-minute in-person background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, your membership is valid for five years.
TSA PreCheck saves you time by letting you use expedited security lanes where you don’t have to remove shoes, laptops, belts, jackets, or 3-1-1 liquids from your carry-ons, making the screening process faster and more convenient.
Yes, children aged 12 and under can always accompany a TSA PreCheck-enrolled parent or guardian through the expedited lanes, and now children aged 13-17 can do so if they are on the same reservation.
No, TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed on every flight. The TSA may randomly exclude passengers, and eligibility depends on participating airlines and airports.
No, U.S. Department of Defense service members receive TSA PreCheck for free by adding their DoD ID number to their travel reservations, and DoD civilians can opt in at no cost through the DoD ID Card Office Online.
If you are approved and linked your Known Traveler Number to your reservation, your boarding pass will display 'TSA PRECHK' either underneath your name on printed passes or at the top-right corner on mobile boarding passes.
