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

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a variety of services to help travellers navigate the airport quickly and efficiently. One such service is CLEAR, which provides dedicated lanes to expedite travellers' journeys to their gates. Travellers can also enrol in TSA PreCheck® at the airport, which allows children under 17 to join an adult in the TSA PreCheck® lane when it appears on the child's boarding pass. TSA PreCheck® members can also renew their membership through CLEAR and may be eligible for discounts on other CLEAR travel products.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has TSA PreCheck

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck® at Orlando International Airport is a straightforward process. You can pre-enrol through CLEAR and complete your application at the airport. CLEAR offers exclusive pricing when you bundle TSA PreCheck with CLEAR Plus, which provides dedicated lanes at 59 airports nationwide. Alternatively, you can choose from a list of authorised enrolment providers, considering factors such as cost, locations, and additional benefits. Some providers even offer discounts on other travel products when you renew through them.

The enrolment process typically involves three steps: submitting your application online, completing your biometrics, and providing necessary documentation. You can usually complete these steps in as little as 15 minutes, with no appointment needed, and select locations are open seven days a week with extended hours. Once enrolled, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes during security screening.

Additionally, children 17 and under can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass. This further enhances the convenience for families travelling through Orlando International Airport. With TSA PreCheck, you can make your travels through MCO more efficient and stress-free. Remember that TSA employs unpredictable security measures, and while PreCheck significantly expedites the process, no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Enrol in TSA PreCheck online or at an enrollment centre

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck can be done conveniently online or in person at an enrollment centre. To get started, visit tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrollment provider that suits your needs and has a location near you.

The online application process is straightforward and can be completed in just five minutes. You will need to provide basic information and select a provider based on cost, locations, and any additional benefits they offer. After submitting your application, you can complete the enrollment in as little as 10 minutes at your chosen provider. This includes providing your fingerprints, photo, and identity documents, as well as making the necessary payment.

If you prefer an in-person enrollment, you have the option to pre-enroll online first and then schedule an appointment, or you can simply walk into an enrollment centre without an appointment. The in-person process is also designed to be quick and efficient, typically taking around 10 minutes to complete. During this time, your biometric data, including fingerprints and photo, will be captured, and your identity documents will be verified. You will also need to make the payment for the application fee during your visit to the enrollment centre.

Remember, the official TSA PreCheck website ends in ".gov," and first-time applicants must complete their payment in person at a TSA enrollment centre. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can add to your airline reservations to start enjoying a faster and more streamlined screening experience.

TSA PreCheck members can use CLEAR Plus Lanes

TSA PreCheck® is a US government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at US airports without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. This allows travellers to enjoy a more convenient and efficient experience at airport security.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that offers expedited security screening at select US airports. CLEAR Plus members can use dedicated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints to move faster through airport security. Family members under 18 years old can join a CLEAR Plus member in the CLEAR Lane for free.

When combined with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus offers an even faster route through airport security. TSA PreCheck members who also have CLEAR Plus can avoid waiting in line at airport security and quickly move through the screening process. This combination is especially valuable at busy airports with long TSA PreCheck lanes.

The cost of enrolling in both programs simultaneously is $199 for the first year, which includes five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR Plus for as low as $121.05. This bundled option provides a significant discount on the regular price of CLEAR Plus. Military service members and government employees are eligible for CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate.

Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck

It's important to note that this only applies to children who are 13-17 years old. Children 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without any restrictions. So, if you are travelling with children under 12, you won't need to worry about having them on the same reservation or ensuring they have the TSA PreCheck logo.

Additionally, if an adult is using a gate pass to accompany a child travelling alone, they will not be permitted to use the TSA PreCheck lane, even if they themselves are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The adult will be directed to standard screening as gate passes are excluded from TSA PreCheck benefits. This applies to both parents and non-parents using gate passes to accompany minors.

So, while children under 17 can generally join an adult with TSA PreCheck, it's important to ensure that the child has the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass if they are 13-17 years old and that they are on the same reservation as the eligible adult.

TSA PreCheck does not guarantee expedited screening

TSA PreCheck is an expedited security initiative designed to help travellers enjoy a more convenient journey through the airport. However, it is important to note that TSA PreCheck does not guarantee expedited screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

The TSA, not the airline, selects individuals for expedited screening. While being a member of a CBP Trusted Traveller Program or having a PreCheck application increases the likelihood of being selected for PreCheck, it is not a guarantee. Passengers can increase their chances of being selected by ensuring that their profile information matches their government-issued IDs exactly.

Even if a traveller is TSA PreCheck-eligible, they may not always be able to use the dedicated PreCheck lane. In such cases, they may still be able to access the standard screening lane with their shoes, light jackets, and 3-1-1 liquids and laptops in their bags.

Additionally, adults using gate passes to accompany children travelling alone will be directed to standard screening, even if they are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. This is because gate passes are excluded from TSA PreCheck benefits.

Frequently asked questions