Precheck: A Faster, Easier Airport Security Experience

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the US. The program is run by the Transportation Security Administration and is only open to US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents.

Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that they are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits. These benefits include expedited security screening, with no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.

TSA PreCheck is a US government program

TSA PreCheck benefits for air travellers include faster access to airline boarding gates and an absence of the usual requirements to scan your laptop and jacket. You can even keep your shoes on through security. TSA PreCheck travellers often have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint. They don't have to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Their carry-on items are not separately screened, either. They can leave a laptop in its case, and the carry-on bag can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size containers of liquids and gels.

The TSA PreCheck program began in December 2013 to speed pre-screened travellers through security checkpoints, which get backed up during busy times. The usual process includes a requirement that passengers remove their shoes, heavy jackets, and some electronics and pile them into trays for separate screening. Further delays can be caused by passengers being pulled aside for additional scrutiny if the screening reveals banned items.

The TSA PreCheck program identifies passengers who are at very low risk of trying any of these strategies and speeds them through the security checkpoints. Benefits of the program include an effective pre-screening process that allows travellers to prove once and for all that they're law-abiding citizens and are not up to no good. There's also a quicker trip through the security checkpoint at the airport and the chance to skip the minor annoyance of piling your laptop, shoes, and coat in a bin for separate screening. A dedicated line for people with TSA PreCheck status is also a benefit.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, travellers deemed low-risk can go to the Trusted Traveller portal or to the TSA PreCheck application site. After completing the application form, travellers can select an enrolment centre and schedule an appointment. The TSA PreCheck application process is administered by third-party vendors IDEMIA, CLEAR, and Telos at many centres across the country, including airports, local government offices, and office supply stores.

The cost of becoming a traveller with TSA PreCheck status is $77.95 to $85, depending on the provider. The membership lasts for five years. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online.

It costs between $77.95 and $85 for 5 years

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at over 200 airports across the U.S. The membership lasts for five years and costs between $77.95 and $85, depending on the enrollment provider selected.

The TSA has selected the following partners to help enroll travelers in TSA PreCheck: Clear, Idemia, and Telos. Clear offers the cheapest TSA PreCheck enrollment at $77.95, followed by Idemia at $78, and Telos at $85.

The enrollment cost covers the operational costs associated with the TSA PreCheck Application Program and the background check. The TSA PreCheck program verifies members as low-risk travelers, allowing them to use dedicated security lines and keep their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets on during security screenings.

The initial enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck can be paid using a credit or debit card. However, it is also possible to get TSA PreCheck for free through certain credit cards, loyalty programs, or military benefits. Some credit cards offer statement credits to cover the TSA PreCheck application fee, which must be paid using the card to be eligible for reimbursement.

In addition to the enrollment fee, there may be costs associated with visiting an enrollment center for the required interview and fingerprinting. The location of enrollment centers may influence travel costs, as there are more Idemia and Clear locations than Telos locations.

Overall, the TSA PreCheck membership, costing between $77.95 and $85 for five years, provides travelers with a faster and more convenient security screening experience at many U.S. airports.

It saves time at security

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. TSA PreCheck benefits include an expedited security screening process at most U.S. airports, skipping the usual screening of personal items like laptops, shoes and jackets.

TSA PreCheck travellers often have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint. They don't have to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Their carry-on items are not separately screened, either. They can leave a laptop in its case, and the carry-on bag can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size containers of liquids and gels.

The TSA PreCheck program identifies passengers who are at very low risk of trying to smuggle contraband items and speeds them through the security checkpoints. This means that, for most travellers, the time spent waiting in line at security is significantly reduced. In fact, as of October 2024, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes in line.

The TSA PreCheck program began in December 2013 to speed pre-screened travellers through security checkpoints, which get backed up during busy times. The usual process includes a requirement that passengers remove their shoes, heavy jackets, and some electronics and pile them into trays for separate screening. TSA PreCheck allows travellers to keep their shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop and TSA-approved liquids packed in their carry-on luggage, saving time at security.

It's available at over 200 airports

TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports across the United States. This means that, with a membership, you can enjoy a smoother security screening process at most airports.

The TSA PreCheck program allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process. This means that you can keep your shoes, belt, light jacket, and electronics in your luggage, and you don't need to remove liquids under 3.4 ounces from your suitcase or carry-on bag.

TSA PreCheck benefits are available when flying with over 90 airlines at more than 200 airports. This includes major airports such as:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, NY (JFK)
• Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA (ATL)
• O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, TX (DFW)
• Denver International Airport, Denver, CO (DEN)
• San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Bay Area, CA (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA (SEA)
• Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
• Miami International Airport, Miami, FL (MIA)
• And many more!

It's only for US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at more than 200 U.S. airports. The program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

TSA PreCheck benefits include a quicker trip through the security checkpoint at the airport, and the chance to skip the minor annoyance of piling your laptop, shoes, and coat in a bin for separate screening. TSA PreCheck travellers often have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint. They don’t have to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Their carry-on items are not separately screened, either. They can leave a laptop in its case, and the carry-on bag can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size containers of liquids and gels.

The TSA PreCheck 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. Applicants must fill out an online application and schedule an in-person interview at a regional TSA-approved office for screening. A non-refundable processing fee is required. The cost of becoming a traveller with TSA PreCheck status is $77.95 to $85, and the membership lasts for five years.

Frequently asked questions