Tsa Precheck: Austin Airport's Efficient Screening Option

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers TSA PreCheck, a program that provides low-risk travellers with a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. The program is open to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and members of Trusted Traveller Programs. Enrolled members can travel without having to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets, and can access dedicated screening lanes at participating US airports. TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoint 2 West in the Barbara Jordan Terminal at AUS. The airport also offers on-site enrolment for TSA PreCheck at the CLEAR Enrollment Centre at TSA Checkpoint 1, as well as at other enrolment centres in Austin, Texas.

TSA PreCheck enrollment at Austin Airport

The TSA PreCheck program was created in December 2011 to simplify airport security for low-risk travellers. The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as members of Trusted Traveller Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. Enrolled members can travel without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets, and can access dedicated screening lanes at participating U.S. airports.

Enrollment at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers in-person TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals at the CLEAR Enrollment Center, located at TSA Checkpoint 1 inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The enrollment center is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

To enrol, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of citizenship, fingerprint, and photo capture. There is an $85 enrollment application fee, which covers five years of participation if approved.

You can expedite the enrollment process by filling out an application online before heading to the airport. If you choose not to complete an online application, you can still enrol in person without an appointment. Be sure to bring any required documentation with you, which you can find listed under the Application section of the FAQs on the Austin Airport website.

TSA PreCheck Screening at Austin Airport

As of May 8, 2024, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR screenings have been consolidated to Checkpoint 2 West at Austin Airport. This change will streamline the experience for all travellers until construction on the expansion of the Barbara Jordan Terminal is completed in 2026.

Other Enrollment Centers

If you prefer, you can also enrol at one of the many other enrollment centers in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. For example, the Oak Hill TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center, located at 7010 W Highway 71, is open for enrollment and renewal services from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

TSA PreCheck screening locations at Austin Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a PreCheck program that provides low-risk travellers with a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. The program is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and members of Trusted Traveller Programs. At Austin Airport, also known as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), TSA PreCheck screening is available at dedicated checkpoints.

TSA Checkpoint Changes at Austin Airport

As of May 8, 2024, Austin Airport consolidated TSA PreCheck and CLEAR security screenings from three checkpoints to a single checkpoint. This change was made to streamline and simplify the experience for travellers using these services. The consolidated checkpoint for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR is Checkpoint 2 West.

Previous TSA PreCheck Checkpoints at Austin Airport

Prior to the changes implemented on May 8, 2024, TSA PreCheck screening was available at multiple checkpoints within Austin Airport. Checkpoint 2 West was already dedicated to TSA PreCheck, and this continues to be the case.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck at Austin Airport

Passengers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck program at Austin Airport before security in the baggage claim area. The TSA PreCheck enrolment centre is located near the International Arrivals door. Enrolment requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship, fingerprinting, and photo capture. There is an $85 enrolment application fee, which covers five years of participation if approved.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck program was created in December 2011 to streamline the airport security process for low-risk travellers. The program is open to US citizens and permanent residents, as well as members of Trusted Traveller Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI.

Save Time

TSA PreCheck members can save a significant amount of time during the airport security process. With dedicated screening lanes at participating US airports, members can enjoy a smoother and faster security screening experience.

Convenience

With TSA PreCheck, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, belts, light jackets, or 3-1-1 liquids from carry-on luggage. This means travellers can keep their belongings organized and easily accessible during the security screening process.

Wide Availability

TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports and is accepted by over 90 airlines, including major carriers such as Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and United. This ensures that members can enjoy the benefits of the program at most domestic travel hubs.

Easy Enrollment

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process that can be initiated online. The in-person appointment typically takes only 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting and a background check. The enrollment fee covers five years of participation in the program, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travellers.

Stress-Free Travel

By eliminating the need to remove multiple items during security checks, TSA PreCheck helps reduce the stress and hassle associated with air travel. This is especially beneficial for travellers with young children or those who prefer a more seamless and efficient airport experience.

By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, travellers can look forward to a more efficient and convenient airport security process, making their overall travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

TSA PreCheck application process

The TSA PreCheck program was created in December 2011 to provide a smoother airport security experience for low-risk travellers. The program is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as members of Trusted Traveller Programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.

The TSA PreCheck program is particularly useful for frequent travellers as it allows them to keep their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, and light jackets on during the security screening process. It also provides access to dedicated screening lanes at participating U.S. airports.

• Visit the official website, tsa.gov/precheck, to select an enrolment provider that meets your needs and has an enrolment location near you.
• Pre-enrol online: This step involves filling out an application form, which takes approximately five minutes. You can also schedule an appointment for the in-person process or choose to walk in without an appointment.
• In-person visit: Complete your enrolment at the chosen provider's location. This step typically takes about 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting, document verification (proof of identity and citizenship), photo capture, and payment of the application fee.
• Known Traveller Number (KTN): Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN). This process usually takes 3-5 days, but some applications may take up to 60 days. You will be notified via email or phone when your KTN is ready, and you can retrieve it online.
• Add KTN to reservations: Include your KTN in each participating airline profile or provide it when making air travel reservations. Ensure that the name used when applying for TSA PreCheck matches the name used when booking travel.

It is important to note that the TSA PreCheck program has an 85 enrolment application fee, which covers five years of participation if approved.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers TSA PreCheck services at Checkpoint 2 West.

TSA PreCheck eligibility

The TSA PreCheck program is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI allow some foreign citizens to apply.

To apply, you must provide an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship status documentation. The names on all documents must match the name provided on the application. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document (e.g., marriage certificates, divorce decrees) in addition to the required documentation.

At least one of the following documents is required:

• Unexpired US passport (book or card)
• Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
• Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
• Unexpired US Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card"
• Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year"
• Unexpired Re-entry Permit (I-327)

If you do not have any of the above documents, you will need at least two documents, including a valid photo ID and a document that meets citizenship requirements.

Valid photo IDs include:

• Unexpired driver's license issued by a US state or outlying possession
• Unexpired temporary driver's license plus expired driver's license
• Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a US state or outlying possession, including a federal agency, state or state agency seal or logo (e.g., a state university ID). Permits are not considered valid identity documents (e.g., gun permits).
• Unexpired US military ID card
• Unexpired US retired military ID card
• Unexpired US military dependent's card
• Native American tribal document with photo
• Unexpired DHS/TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

Documents that meet citizenship requirements include:

• US Birth Certificate
• US Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
• US Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
• US Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Certification of Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Expired US passport within 12 months of expiration (must be presented with at least one other document from the above list)

Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

Frequently asked questions