TSA PreCheck

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travelers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency, to pass through an expedited security screening process at certain U.S. airports. In March 2021 alone, 98% of TSA PreCheck passengers took less than five minutes to pass through security.

Qualifying travelers often have their own special lines at the security checkpoint. They don’t have to remove their belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets. They may also leave a laptop in its case and a 3-1-1 compliant bag (which can contain items with small quantities of liquids and gels, such as a travel-size bottle of mouthwash) in their carry-on luggage, instead of removing it, as regular passengers have to do.

How TSA PreCheck Works

The TSA PreCheck program is intended to speed up the passage of verified travelers through security checkpoints, which often become crowded as passengers gather to board their flights. Typically, passengers must remove articles of clothing and personal items that could be used to contain hazardous materials.

Shoes, for example, were previously used in attempts to smuggle and detonate explosives on an airplane. Electronic equipment, such as laptops, are also usually subject to scrutiny at checkpoints because of attempts to hide materials inside by removing components. TSA PreCheck verifies which passengers are present the lowest risk to flight security, so these passengers can pass through security checkpoints without the need to remove shoes, belts, or jackets from their person or laptops and liquids from their bags.

Applying for TSA PreCheck

Some 200 airports and 79 airlines offer TSA PreCheck service. You can begin the application process online via the TSA's website. However, you will have to enroll in person, via a visit to one of the more than 380 application centers,where you will be fingerprinted and asked for valid proof of identity and U.S. citizenship documents. Travelers who are foreign citizens must meet certain residency requirements in order to qualify for the program.

The in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes.

The price of becoming a traveler with TSA PreCheck status. Though the fee is non-refundable, your membership lasts for five years, and is renewable.

Once approved for TSA PreCheck status, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Use that number any time you book a flight, and you will automatically have your TSA Pre status applied to your boarding pass — it looks like this: TSA Pre✓.

And you can then start using those faster lanes at participating airports reserved for TSA pre-passengers.

Other Traveler Programs

TSA PreCheck only applies to air travel. The Department of Homeland Security operates other federal programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI for verifying the identities of trusted travelers, and speeding their path through security.

For U.S. citizens, membership in these programs membership includes TSA PreCheck status as well.