Sachin Walls
TSA PreCheck® is a program by the Transportation Security Administration that allows low-risk travellers to speed through security at the airport. With TSA PreCheck®, travellers don't need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, applicants can start the application online or walk into any enrolment location. Applicants can select any enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. Once approved, applicants receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which they can add to their airline reservations. It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the program | TSA PreCheck® |
| Who is it for? | Domestic travelers who take less than four international trips a year |
| What are the benefits? | You can speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets |
| How to apply? | Pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment |
| What happens during the in-person process? | The enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment |
| How long does it take? | The online application takes five minutes to complete with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes |
| How much does it cost? | Costs for enrollment vary by provider which results in pricing variation |
| Who is not eligible? | Those who have committed certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault, etc. |
| What if I have children? | Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child's boarding pass |
| What if I travel internationally more than four times a year? | Consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck® |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® eligibility and how to apply
TSA PreCheck® is a service provided by the Transportation Security Administration to speed up the security screening process at airports. It is available when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic, connecting flights after returning to the United States.
Eligibility:
TSA PreCheck® is generally for domestic travellers who take less than four international trips a year. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, Global Entry is recommended instead. Children under 17 do not need to apply for TSA PreCheck® unless they routinely travel alone.
How to Apply:
To apply for TSA PreCheck®, you can start by reviewing the various DHS trusted traveller programs to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you. The fastest and easiest way to enrol is to start the application online. The application process typically takes 5 minutes, after which you complete your enrolment in 10 minutes at your chosen provider, which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. The costs for enrolment vary by provider. Once approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you must add to your airline reservations. Most applicants receive their KTN in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.
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Known Traveler Number (KTN)
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to individuals approved for TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added when booking airline reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass. The KTN is typically 9 or 10 digits long and can be a combination of numbers and letters. It can be found on the back of your NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry card or by logging on to the Trusted Traveler Programs website.
TSA PreCheck® is available when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic, connecting flights when returning to the United States. It offers a smoother airport security experience, allowing travellers to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and electronics and liquids in their bags.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you can start the application online or walk into any enrollment location. The cost varies by provider, and applicants can choose based on cost, location, and additional benefits. Once approved, you will receive your KTN, which you can then add to your airline reservations.
It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA PreCheck® enrollees are subject to recurrent criminal history vetting, and certain violations of federal security regulations can result in denial or suspension of expedited screening privileges.
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Global Entry
To apply for Global Entry, you must submit and pay for your application, wait for CBP to complete your background check, schedule and attend an in-person interview, and then you will receive your benefits. Minors are free with a parent who is already in or applying for Global Entry.
It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. If certain violations of federal security regulations are committed, such as assault, threat, or bringing a prohibited item to an airport, you will be denied expedited screening for a period of time.
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Security measures and prohibited items
To get pre-screened for airports, you can enrol in TSA PreCheck®. This allows low-risk travellers to have a smoother experience at airport security checkpoints. With TSA PreCheck®, you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and your electronics and liquids can stay in your bag. Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® without needing their own Known Traveller Number (KTN).
TSA security measures are unpredictable and may change from time to time to meet evolving threats. All travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA relies on the public to report any suspicious activity, such as unattended baggage, individuals with threatening items, or persons attempting to enter restricted areas.
Regarding prohibited items, hazardous materials are generally forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. For specific guidelines on what is allowed, travellers can refer to the TSA "What Can I Bring?" page, which provides an alphabetical list of items permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. This includes common items like liquids, electronics, sporting equipment, and medical devices, as well as instructions for transporting firearms and hazardous materials.
It is important to note that violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, intimidation, interference, providing false documents, making threats, or bringing prohibited items, can result in denial of expedited screening for a certain period, with the duration depending on the seriousness of the violation.
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TSA PreCheck® for children
TSA PreCheck® is a service provided by the Transportation Security Administration to speed up the security screening process at airports. It is available when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic, connecting flights. While it is not required for children to have their own TSA PreCheck®, there are certain conditions and benefits for children travelling with adults with TSA PreCheck® and for unaccompanied minors.
Children Travelling with Adults with TSA PreCheck®
Children aged 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® without needing their own Known Traveller Number (KTN). The child's boarding pass does not need to show the TSA PreCheck® indicator, but the adult's boarding pass must have it. Additionally, the adult and child must be on the same airline reservation.
Unaccompanied Minors with TSA PreCheck®
Unaccompanied minors, or children travelling without an adult escort, who have TSA PreCheck® must present an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. The specific ID requirements vary depending on the airline, so it is important to contact the airline for more information. Generally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
TSA PreCheck® Enrollment for Children
Generally, children do not need to enrol in TSA PreCheck® unless they routinely travel alone. If a child travels alone frequently, they should enrol in TSA PreCheck® or another DHS Trusted Traveller Program. The enrolment process for children travelling alone may involve different requirements and considerations, so it is recommended to refer to the official TSA website or contact the TSA directly for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for TSA PreCheck® online in 5 minutes and then make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.
With TSA PreCheck®, you are able to speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
TSA PreCheck® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead, which includes TSA PreCheck® benefits.
Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass. Children do not need to apply for TSA PreCheck® unless they routinely travel alone.
