Lois Larson
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through expedited security screening at over 200 airports in the United States. The program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. It costs $78 for five years and offers benefits such as dedicated security lines, no removal of shoes, laptops, or jackets, and faster access to airline boarding gates. The application process includes applying online and attending an in-person meeting for fingerprinting, document verification, and payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Program Name | TSA PreCheck® |
| Availability | Over 200 U.S. airports and most international trips |
| Cost | $78 for five years |
| Application Process | Online via the TSA website and in-person at a TSA-authorized enrollment location |
| Application Requirements | Fingerprinting, identification, citizenship or residency documents |
| Benefits | Expedited security screening, dedicated lines, no need to remove shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, or liquids from bags |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS |
| Known Traveler Number (KTN) | Required for renewal or update of an existing airline reservation |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® membership and eligibility
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveller screening at over 200 airports and 90 airlines in the United States. It is managed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is available for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS are also eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck®.
The program allows approved travellers to pass through dedicated security lines without having to remove laptops, liquids, belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets. TSA PreCheck® travellers often have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint, and their carry-on items are not separately screened. This means that they can leave their laptops in their cases and include travel-size containers of liquids and gels in their carry-on bags.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, individuals can follow these three steps:
- Submit a TSA PreCheck® application online through the TSA website. The application process includes providing personal information and selecting an enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits.
- Complete the enrolment process in person at a chosen enrolment provider. This includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. The cost of enrolment varies by provider, with a five-year membership typically costing $78.
- Once approved, individuals will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which they can add to their airline reservations to access expedited screening.
It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and all travellers, including those with TSA PreCheck®, will be screened. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
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The application process
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and a streamlined screening process at over 200 airports across the United States. The program is available for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS are also eligible to participate.
- Submit your application online via the TSA website. This can be done in as little as 5 minutes.
- Complete the enrollment process in person at a TSA-authorized enrollment location. This includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Ensure that you select an enrollment provider with locations near you.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) upon approval. This number lets the airlines know that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.
- Add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a "TSA PreCheck" designation on your boarding pass.
- Use the dedicated security lines and expedited screening process at participating airports.
Please note that TSA PreCheck status costs $78 and is valid for five years. The application process may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, but the above steps provide a general overview of what to expect.
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The expedited screening process
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and a streamlined screening process at over 200 airports across the United States. It is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through expedited security.
The application process involves applying through the TSA website and attending a brief in-person meeting. Applicants are fingerprinted and must show identification, citizenship, or residency documents. Membership costs $78 and is valid for five years. Once approved, members receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which is added to flight reservations to receive a "TSA PreCheck" designation on the boarding pass.
At the airport, travellers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, where they can keep their shoes on and leave liquids and laptops in their bags. They do not need to remove belts, lightweight jackets, or travel-sized containers of liquids and gels from their carry-on luggage. Typically, TSA PreCheck passengers spend less than 10 minutes passing through security.
The specific procedures at the security checkpoint can vary depending on the airport, terminal, lane, and TSA staffing. At some airports, PreCheck travellers may have their own dedicated bag/body scanner lines, while at others, they may converge with the regular lines. In the latter case, travellers are usually given a card to indicate that PreCheck rules apply to them. While PreCheck travellers generally do not need to remove their devices, this may vary depending on the operational capability of the lane or checkpoint.
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Dedicated security lines
Travellers with TSA PreCheck status can keep their shoes on and leave their laptops in their bags when passing through security. They also do not need to remove their belts or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Additionally, their carry-on items are not subject to separate screening, and they can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size liquids and gels in their carry-on luggage.
The dedicated security lines significantly reduce waiting times for TSA PreCheck members. According to reports, approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes to clear security. This benefit is particularly advantageous for frequent travellers or those flying during peak times.
To utilise the dedicated security lines, travellers must apply for TSA PreCheck status and complete the application process, including fingerprinting and providing identification and residency documents. The status is valid for five years and comes at a cost of $78. Once approved, members receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which they can add to their flight reservations to receive TSA PreCheck designation on their boarding pass.
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Other programs to speed up airport security
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers to speed through security at over 200 airports in the US. It costs $85 for five years and allows travellers to keep their shoes, belt, and jacket on, as well as keeping their laptop in their bag. However, there are other programs that can help speed up the airport security process.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program that allows members to speed through international immigration and security lines at airports. It is particularly useful for those entering the US, as members can skip long customs lines and move quickly through checkpoints with a fingerprint scan and the necessary documents. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck.
Clear
Clear is a program that uses a biometric identity platform to speed up the identification process at airport security. It uses fingerprint and iris scanning to identify members, who can then proceed straight to the physical security check. Clear costs $179 per year, and up to three family members can be added for an additional $50 per year each.
Airline Elite Status
Most airlines provide their mid-tier and high-tier customers with access to priority security lines. This benefit usually extends to any companions travelling with the elite member, so it can be a great way to speed up the security process for a group.
Reserve Your Spot
Some airports allow travellers to reserve their spot in the security line in advance, sometimes for an extra fee. For example, at New York City's LaGuardia Airport, travellers can pay $15 or $20 for a B-Fast pass that allows access to a shorter security line.
By utilising these programs and strategies, travellers can significantly speed up the airport security process and reduce the stress and time associated with air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that allows approved travellers to pass through dedicated security lines without having to remove laptops, liquids, belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets.
To get TSA PreCheck, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The application process includes applying through the TSA website and attending a brief in-person meeting.
TSA PreCheck status costs $78 and is good for five years.
