Tsa Precheck: Charlotte Airport's Fast-Track Security Option

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoint A, and previously had them at checkpoint C until it closed for construction. The airport has a total of five security checkpoints, with checkpoint B also offering TSA PreCheck. The TSA PreCheck lanes can be used by certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA PreCheck program, and participants of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler program.

TSA PreCheck® at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers TSA PreCheck® lanes at security checkpoint A. This checkpoint is located at the west end of the new terminal lobby and features eight screening lanes.

TSA PreCheck® is a program that allows for more efficient security screening of eligible passengers at participating airports. This includes certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA PreCheck® program, and participants of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Trusted Traveler program (including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI).

To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, applicants can visit the TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Center located in the atrium after security at CLT. Once the application has been approved, passengers can use any TSA PreCheck® lane at any U.S. airport.

In addition to TSA PreCheck®, CLT also participates in Global Entry for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers arriving on international flights. The Global Entry Enrollment Office is located pre-security in Arrivals/Baggage Claim and is open by appointment only from Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 8 pm.

To further enhance the passenger experience, CLT has partnered with CrowdVision to provide real-time security checkpoint wait times via the airport's website and mobile app. This technology uses Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to measure the reflection of light and gauge wait times.

It is important to note that all security checkpoints at CLT are operated by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the checkpoints, and all concourses and aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint. Passengers are advised to arrive early, as current security measures have increased the time needed to check in.

TSA PreCheck® eligibility and enrollment

TSA PreCheck® is a program by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows for more efficient security screening of eligible passengers at participating airports. This includes certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA PreCheck® program, and participants of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Trusted Traveler program (including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI).

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck®, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

To apply for TSA PreCheck®, visit tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrollment provider that meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you. You can pre-enroll online and schedule an in-person appointment, or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. The online application takes about five minutes to complete, while the in-person visit takes about 10 minutes. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.

The TSA PreCheck® application fee covers your eligibility for a period of five years and varies by enrollment provider. The fee covers the operational costs associated with the background check and TSA PreCheck® Application Program.

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck® lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may access the lanes if they have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible to receive the logo, the passenger must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian.

Please note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

TSA PreCheck® lanes

The TSA PreCheck® program allows eligible passengers at participating airports to go through security screening more efficiently. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has TSA PreCheck® lanes, which can be found at security checkpoint A.

Eligibility and Enrollment

To be eligible to use the TSA PreCheck® lanes, passengers must enrol in the program. The enrollment process involves an application and an interview at a TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Centre. Once the application has been approved, enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number, which allows them to use any TSA PreCheck® lane at any US airport.

Locations at Charlotte Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has two dedicated TSA PreCheck® lanes, located at checkpoint B and checkpoint D. All concourses and aircraft gates at the airport are accessible from any security checkpoint.

Wait Times

Passengers can view estimated wait times for the TSA PreCheck® lanes via the CLT website or mobile app before arriving at the terminal. This technology uses Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to measure the reflection of light and gauge wait times.

Additional Information

• TSA PreCheck® is available to certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA PreCheck® program, and participants of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler program (including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI).
• A Global Entry Enrollment Centre is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal for conditionally approved passengers to finalise their application.
• TSA PreCheck® lanes feature Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which automates the identity verification process.
• TSA PreCheck® lanes may not always be faster than regular security lanes, and wait times can vary depending on traffic and staffing.

TSA PreCheck® wait times

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has dedicated TSA PreCheck® lanes at checkpoints A, B, and D.

The TSA PreCheck® program allows eligible passengers to undergo expedited security screening at participating airports.

At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, passengers can view estimated wait times for the TSA PreCheck® lanes via the airport's website or mobile app before arriving at the terminal. This technology uses Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to measure the reflection of light and gauge wait times.

While the TSA does not provide real-time wait times for the TSA PreCheck® lanes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, passengers can get an idea of the current wait times by checking the airport's website or app. Additionally, passengers can refer to crowd-sourced information, such as forums and social media, to get an idea of the wait times.

According to crowd-sourced information, the TSA PreCheck® lane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport typically has wait times of around 10 to 15 minutes. However, it is important to note that wait times can vary depending on various factors, such as the number of passengers, time of day, and staff availability.

To ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early, have their valid government-issued photo ID and boarding pass readily available, and follow all security regulations.

Additional Information

It is important to note that TSA PreCheck® eligibility does not guarantee expedited security screening at all times. The TSA may randomly select passengers with PreCheck® status for additional screening measures.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about TSA PreCheck® wait times at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, passengers are advised to check the official sources, including the airport's website, app, or social media channels.

TSA security screening hours

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has multiple security checkpoints, including TSA PreCheck®. Checkpoint A is designated for Main PreCheck®. The security checkpoint hours for Checkpoint A are 3:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Checkpoint 1, which features TSA PreCheck® screening, has eight screening lanes and is located at the west end of the new terminal lobby. The security checkpoint hours for Checkpoint 1 are 3:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and it is open intermittently. Checkpoint 3 also offers standard security screening and is open from 4:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. It is important to note that security checkpoint hours are subject to change.

To ensure a smooth and efficient screening process, passengers are advised to arrive early, especially when travelling with young children, infants, elderly or disabled passengers. Current security measures can increase the time needed to check in. Passengers are also reminded to have their photo identification and boarding pass readily available, as only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the checkpoints. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for gate access. Passengers without identification will need to provide additional information for identity verification and should allow extra time for this process.

To further expedite the security screening process, passengers can enrol in TSA's PreCheck® program, which offers more efficient security screening for eligible passengers at participating airports. This includes certain frequent flyers of participating airlines, members of the TSA PreCheck® program, and participants of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler program. TSA PreCheck® lanes can be found at Checkpoint A.

In addition to TSA PreCheck®, other expedited security screening options are available at CLT, such as Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control (MPC). Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The Global Entry Enrollment Office is located pre-security in Arrivals/Baggage Claim and is open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only. MPC is a free program that allows eligible travellers to submit their passport and customs declaration information through a secure app, streamlining their entry process into the United States.

Frequently asked questions