What is TSA PreCheck? What it does, benefits and more
Airport security may not be everyone’s favorite part of traveling, but it’s a security measure travelers must take before boarding a flight. Spending extra time at security can be troublesome, and that's where TSA PreCheck® can be beneficial for any eligible traveler passing through the majority of U.S. airports.
An overview of TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TTPs are designed to help expedite the airport security screening process.
Members of TSA PreCheck can access designated security screening lanes, which can potentially help travelers save time at the airport. That's partly because members typically do not have to remove belts, shoes or lightweight jackets at TSA security screenings. Also, large electronics like laptops and tablets can stay in their cases or carry-on bags.
How TSA PreCheck works
TSA PreCheck membership begins with an application process that we'll outline later. Once approved, new members receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You would add this number to a travel reservation at the time you book or check-in for a flight. You might also be able to add it to a frequent flyer profile that you have with an airline.
Your experience with the TSA normally begins in the lines approaching the security checkpoint. If you have a membership, the TSA PreCheck symbol is printed on your boarding pass, even if it's a digital version. This provides access to lanes designated specifically for TSA PreCheck. As you approach the body and baggage scans, having TSA PreCheck means you don't have to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
One benefit of TSA PreCheck is the ability to access designated airport security lanes. Not every passenger has TSA PreCheck. As a result, the designated lines may be shorter and more efficient.
Another benefit is that TSA PreCheck members typically don’t need to remove certain clothing and carry-on items to pass through airport security. Shoes can usually stay on and laptops can stay in your carry-on.
Though the TSA cannot guarantee anyone an expedited screening process, the potential benefits of TSA PreCheck may make the security screening process smoother.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck
The main steps of applying to TSA PreCheck include completing an online application, attending an in-person appointment and paying the application fee.
Apply online at TSA.gov/PreCheck
When you begin the TSA PreCheck application process online, you will be asked to enter some information about yourself. As you finish the online application, you should see a list of documents needed for your in-person appointment.
Schedule an appointment
After the online application, it’s time to attend an in-person appointment. This is when you pay the nonrefundable application fee, submit to a background check and have your fingerprints taken. These appointments are usually brief, but it's important you bring the required documents to avoid delays.
Receive your decision
The TSA will notify you whether your application is approved, denied or needs more information. The decision may come in as little as 3-5 days, though some applications may take up to 60 days to review.
An approval will come with your unique KTN. When you add your KTN to your travel reservation, your boarding pass will display the TSA PreCheck symbol. This allows you to access the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.
Can you get TSA PreCheck for free?
Active-duty military members and children 12 and under may use TSA PreCheck lanes for free. Additionally, children 13-17 may access TSA PreCheck lanes if they have a TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. To do this, they must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.
Some travel credit cards may also reimburse you for the TSA PreCheck application fee, though cards with this benefit tend to have annual fees.
To receive a reimbursement statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee, you'll first have to pay the fee with an eligible credit card. For your first TSA PreCheck application, the fee is due at your in-person appointment.
For example, if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, you can receive a statement credit every four years as reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fee. To be eligible, you'll have to pay the fee with your Sapphire Reserve card. Note that this credit card has an annual fee.
You can visit your credit card issuer's website or contact them to find out if and how they would reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee.
TSA PreCheck Requirements
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you'll have to meet the eligibility requirements, complete the entire application process and pay the required fee.
Eligibility requirements
Barring any disqualifying factors, U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents may qualify for TSA PreCheck.
- U.S. citizens: One way to obtain U.S. citizenship is at birth or at some point afterwards by having parents who have U.S. citizenship. Another option is called naturalization, a process which can grant U.S. citizenship to a lawful permanent resident after they meet certain requirements.
- U.S. nationals: All U.S. citizens are considered to be U.S. nationals, but the opposite is not true. Individuals born in an outlying possession of the U.S., or of parents who meet certain requirements, are considered U.S. nationals.
- Lawful permanent residents: A lawful permanent resident is legally permitted to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
There are also specific rules and requirements for children:
- Ages 12 and under: These children may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the PreCheck symbol on their boarding pass.
- Ages 13 to 17: If a parent or legal guardian has TSA PreCheck, and they're traveling with their child in this age range, that child may receive TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. However, there's a chance that children of this age could be randomly excluded from the TSA PreCheck lane.
- Children traveling alone: Children 17 and younger will need their own TSA PreCheck membership when traveling alone or without a parent or legal guardian who has TSA PreCheck.
Application process
The application process is typically the same for every individual who wants to enroll in the program. We detailed the application process above, which begins with an online application. Then you attend an in- person appointment where you submit to a background check and have your fingerprints taken.
You could also walk in to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center to complete the entire application, but scheduled appointments are prioritized.
Required documentation
Certain documents are required during the in-person appointment portion of your enrollment process. You will have to provide original or certified copies of documents unless the TSA requirements state otherwise.
Refer to the official TSA website for an updated list of required documentation.
Cost
At some point in your enrollment process, you'll have to pay the nonrefundable TSA PreCheck application fee. The fee differs based on which partner you are enrolling through: CLEAR, Idemia or Telos. Refer to the official TSA website for up-to-date pricing information.
If you're applying for the first time, you cannot pay this fee online. Therefore, you won't be asked for payment information during the online application. You'll have to complete your application and pay the fee in person during your appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
How long does TSA PreCheck last?
TSA PreCheck membership expires every five years. To see the exact date your membership expires, you can log in to the TSA PreCheck website using your KTN or other credentials. The dashboard there should show your membership's expiration date.
You can renew your TSA membership ahead of the expiration date. The length of the process can vary, but you may want to start approximately six months before your current membership expires. This should provide plenty of time to complete the renewal process without a lapse in membership.
In summary
A TSA PreCheck membership has the potential to make the airport security screening process smoother and faster. That's mainly because members can access designated security lanes and typically do not have to remove their shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets.
If you're interested in applying, confirm your eligibility and begin an application at the TSA website. Remember that some travel credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee.
