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TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security program that allows eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. TSA PreCheck® enhances aviation security and provides a better travel experience. Eligible passengers flying both domestically and outbound internationally from participating airports, as well as passengers with connecting domestic flights arriving in the United States on an international flight, may use the TSA PreCheck® lanes when going through the screening process. However, it is important to note that TSA incorporates random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck® | An expedited security program allowing eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. |
| How to participate in TSA PreCheck® | To participate, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). |
| Benefits of TSA PreCheck® | You may not need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt, or laptop from your bag. |
| Requirements for TSA PreCheck® | All travelers, including TSA PreCheck® enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., passport) in order to fly once TSA is enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airports. |
| TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry | TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are both Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck®: expedited security screening
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security program that allows eligible travellers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. The program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.
With TSA PreCheck®, travellers can go through a dedicated screening lane at the airport where they may not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, light jackets or electronics from their bags. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, travellers can follow a few steps or walk into any enrolment location. Applicants can choose any enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. Costs for enrolment vary by provider. Once approved, applicants will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which they must add to their airline reservations to be eligible for TSA PreCheck®.
Additionally, AAdvantage® members can opt in to use TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID, which allows for a faster and easier way to verify IDs using facial recognition instead of a boarding pass or physical ID.
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REAL ID requirements
From 7 May 2025, all state and territory residents in the US will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft. The REAL ID Act of 2005 authorises states to issue full-term REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These citizens must have been admitted to the US as non-immigrants under the Compact of Free Association and must meet the REAL ID Act's identification requirements.
The REAL ID card, itself, must be REAL ID-compliant unless the resident is using an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently mandatory to access a federal facility, nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identification, such as a US passport. Children under 18 are also not required to provide identification when travelling within the US.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals should contact their state's driver's licensing agency. The REAL ID checklist, developed by the office of the Secretary of State, is an interactive guide to help individuals prepare the necessary documents for the application process. All documents presented for verification must be valid, original, and not expired. Photocopies and images from a cellphone are not accepted. An individual can only receive one REAL ID card, either a REAL ID driver's license or a REAL ID identification card.
It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel, including international sea cruise travel.
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Global Entry application
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The program costs $120, and membership lasts for five years. All applicants must undergo a background check, which usually takes two weeks but can take up to 12 months or longer depending on criminal history.
To apply for Global Entry, you must first create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Once you have an account, you will need to wait for CBP to complete your background check. After this, you will need to schedule and attend an in-person interview, which is required for first-time enrollees.
Global Entry is a separate program from TSA PreCheck®, which provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. However, having Global Entry allows you to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. To access TSA PreCheck lanes, you must include your Known Traveler Number (your CBP PASSID for Global Entry) in the appropriate field of your airline reservation. A TSA PreCheck indicator must then be displayed on your boarding pass to access the lanes.
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Secure Flight system
The Secure Flight program is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport. It does so by matching passenger names against trusted traveller lists and watch lists maintained by the federal government. Results are used to communicate with airlines about high or low-risk passengers. Airlines are required to obtain the full name, sex, date of birth, Redress Number, and Known Traveller Number of passengers and those needing access to the sterile area. This information is transferred to the TSA 72 hours before the departure time of a flight.
The program was introduced in August 2007, with the proposal that airlines send passenger information to the TSA for comparison against watch lists. The TSA would then respond with instructions to either screen a passenger normally, use enhanced screening, or deny entry into the sterile area. The program was officially implemented in October 2008, with the transfer of watch list matching to the TSA.
The Secure Flight program is part of the TSA's layered approach to security to ensure the safe passage of travellers to their destinations. The TSA's screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport. The Secure Flight program screens aviation passengers and certain non-travellers before they access airport sterile areas or board aircraft.
In 2011, the TSA began using the entire Terrorist Screening Database, instead of being limited to the No Fly List or Selectee List. The program was further expanded in 2013 to search private databases for information like past travel to identify low-risk people for TSA PreCheck. The TSA has stated it will not collect or use "commercial data" to conduct Secure Flight watch list matching.
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers expedited screening through TSA PreCheck®. This program allows travellers to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. To be eligible for TSA PreCheck®, travellers must enter their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in their airline reservation to receive a TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding pass.
The Known Traveler Number is a CBP PASSID for members of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk travellers through dedicated lanes and kiosks.
Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the United States. The application fee is $120, and membership lasts for five years. All applicants must undergo a background check, which usually takes two weeks but can take up to 12 months or longer, depending on criminal history.
NEXUS and SENTRI are also CBP Trusted Traveler programs that provide expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers at land borders and sea ports of entry.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security program that allows eligible travellers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports.
To get TSA PreCheck®, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
With TSA PreCheck®, you can go through a dedicated screening lane at the airport where you may not need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt, or laptop from your bag.
If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck®, your boarding pass will show TSA PreCheck®.
