A Smooth Journey: Understanding Pre-Check At Airports

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at over 200 U.S. airports. Members of the program can experience a more convenient security process, as they do not need to remove belts, shoes, jackets, or electronics such as laptops from their bags. To enrol in the program, travellers must complete an online application and attend an in-person appointment, where they will be fingerprinted and will need to show identification and citizenship or residency documents. The program costs $78 and lasts for five years.

TSA PreCheck is a US government program

TSA PreCheck offers a smoother security screening process, with no need to remove shoes, laptops, belts, or light jackets. Members can also keep their 3-1-1 liquids in their bags. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes to pass through security as of 2024.

The application process for TSA PreCheck includes applying through the TSA website and attending a brief in-person meeting. Applicants are fingerprinted and must show identification and citizenship or residency documents. The cost of TSA PreCheck status is $78 and is valid for five years.

TSA PreCheck is particularly beneficial for frequent travellers, both for business and leisure. It offers a quicker trip through security checkpoints at the airport, eliminating the need to remove items like laptops, shoes, and coats for separate screening.

TSA PreCheck is only available for US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be disqualified due to incomplete or false information, violations of security regulations, or criminal offences. The program is not open to those under the age of 18, although children aged 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck status through the dedicated lanes.

It allows travellers to pass through security faster

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at over 200 U.S. airports. It is a huge time-saver, with 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes to pass through security as of 2024.

The program allows travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and lightweight jackets on, and laptops and liquids in their bags, during security checks. This is a significant convenience and time-saver, as the usual process includes a requirement for passengers to remove these items and place them in trays for separate screening.

The TSA PreCheck program is managed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is charged with airport safety. The program began in December 2013 to speed up security checks for pre-screened travellers, especially during busy times.

To obtain TSA PreCheck status, travellers must apply through the TSA website and attend a brief in-person meeting with a TSA “enrollment provider." Applicants are fingerprinted and must show identification and citizenship or residency documents. The cost of TSA PreCheck status is $78 and is valid for five years.

Once approved, travellers receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which they can add to their airline reservations. This allows them to use the fast lanes reserved for TSA PreCheck passengers.

It costs $78 for five years

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at over 200 U.S. airports. The TSA PreCheck status costs $78 and is valid for five years.

The $78 fee is a non-refundable application fee that covers the operational costs of the background check. The application process includes applying through the TSA website and attending a brief in-person meeting. Applicants are fingerprinted and must show identification and citizenship or residency documents.

TSA PreCheck benefits include faster access to airline boarding gates, no need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or 3-1-1 liquids from carry-on luggage, and shorter wait times. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes to pass through security as of 2024.

The TSA PreCheck status can be renewed for an additional five-year period. The renewal fee is $70 if completed online and $78 if done in person.

It's available at over 200 airports

TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports across the United States. It is a government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process.

The benefits of TSA PreCheck include faster access to boarding gates, and the ability to keep your shoes, jacket, and laptop in your bag as you pass through security. In fact, as of 2024, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes to pass through security.

The program is available at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines. To enrol, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. The application process involves applying online and then attending a brief in-person meeting. The cost of enrolment is $78 and is valid for five years.

Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which you can add to your flight reservations to receive a TSA PreCheck designation on your boarding pass. This will grant you access to the dedicated security lanes.

It's only available for certain travellers

TSA PreCheck is only available to certain travellers. The program is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Children aged 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane when travelling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck, while those aged 13-17 may be able to access the lane if they are travelling with a PreCheck member parent or guardian and have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. Children in this age group may, however, be randomly excluded from the lane. Children travelling alone will need their own TSA PreCheck membership.

Some credit cards also offer TSA PreCheck as a benefit for cardholders, and military benefits may also apply.

Frequently asked questions