What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program designed for low-risk travelers to seamlessly pass through an expedited security screening process at more than 200 U.S. airports.
TSA PreCheck offers air travelers numerous benefits, including faster access to boarding gates and an exemption from removing laptops and jackets during security checks. Imagine keeping your shoes on as you breeze through security!
As of 2024, approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck participants waited less than 10 minutes in security lines. With over 18 million active members, this popular program involves a straightforward application via the TSA website and a brief in-person meeting.
Key Points to Remember
- Enjoy expedited security screening at most U.S. airports, eliminating the usual hassle of scanning laptops and shoes.
- Managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), this program focuses on ensuring airport safety seamlessly.
- Secure your TSA PreCheck status by applying online and attending a short in-person meeting with a TSA “enrollment provider.”
- The application involves fingerprinting and showing identification plus citizenship or residency documents.
- The cost for TSA PreCheck is $78, and membership lasts for five years.
How TSA PreCheck Works
TSA PreCheck participants often enjoy dedicated lines at security checkpoints. No need to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for screening; laptops can stay in their cases, and carry-on bags may include travel-size liquids and gels.
Launched in December 2013, the program’s goal was to expedite pre-screened travelers’ passage through security, reducing delays during peak times. Normally, passengers might remove shoes, heavy jackets, and some electronics, and place them in trays for separate screening. Any banned items risk further scrutiny and delays.
These measures help prevent security threats such as the explosive hidden in a passenger’s sneakers on a 2001 Paris-to-Miami flight. TSA PreCheck identifies and expedites travelers who present the least security risk.
The Benefits of TSA PreCheck
Ideal for frequent travelers, TSA PreCheck offers remarkable benefits during both business and leisure travel, and even over busy holiday weekends.
TSA PreCheck benefits include:
- A streamlined pre-screening confirming you’re a law-abiding citizen.
- Faster trips through airport security checkpoints.
- Avoiding the inconvenience of placing laptops, shoes, and jackets for separate screening.
- Access to special TSA PreCheck lines at airports.
Spend less time standing in lines, and more time relaxing before your flight!
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
Available at more than 200 airports and by 90+ airlines, the application process begins online via the TSA’s website.
Complete the application in person at a TSA-authorized enrollment location, provide fingerprints, and show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship (or provide specific residency documents for foreign citizens). The online application takes under five minutes on average, while the in-person meeting lasts around 10 minutes.
Upon approval, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck. Adding this number to all flight bookings ensures your TSA PreCheck status shows on your boarding pass, like this: TSA Pre✓.
$78
The fee for TSA PreCheck application, which is non-refundable and valid for five years.
PreCheck Coverage with Credit Cards
Some credit cards offer TSA PreCheck as a membership benefit, providing periodic statement credits or allowing payment via loyalty points. Notable cards include:
- Bank of America: Premium Rewards Card
- Capital One: Spark Miles Card, Venture Card, Venture X, Venture X Business Card
- Chase Sapphire: Reserve Card
- Citi: AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, Prestige Card
- Delta SkyMiles: Platinum American Express Card, Reserve American Express Card …
Other Traveler Programs
While TSA PreCheck is exclusively for air travel, additional programs serve different needs:
- NEXUS: Facilitates travel between Canada and the U.S. at $50.
- SENTRI: Eases U.S.-to-Mexico travel at $122.25.
- Global Entry: Speeds through customs for international travelers at $100.
Programs like Global Entry often include TSA PreCheck membership for U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, private programs such as Clear utilize biometric data to expedite security and are available in over 55 airports and various locations such as stadiums.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear
- TSA PreCheck: Available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents for domestic flights at $78 for five years.
- Global Entry: Facilitates faster customs processing during international travel. Costs $100 for five years.
- Clear: A private biometric program available for domestic use in airports and some stadiums, costing $189 per year.
Requirements for TSA PreCheck
The application is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. Ineligibility may stem from incomplete or false application information, transportation security regulation violations, or specific criminal offenses.
Complete an online application and schedule an interview at a TSA-approved office. A fee covers non-refundable processing.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck Enumerated
TSA PreCheck travelers enjoy faster security passage with fewer inconveniences, such as leaving laptops, shoes, or heavy jackets in their carry-ons. While the usual liquids and gels restrictions hold, they don’t require separate screening.
How to Get TSA PreCheck
Start by submitting a brief online application via the TSA’s PreCheck website. Then schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Locating enrollment centers by ZIP code or address search is easy via the TSA portal.
Family Perk: Can My Kids Join Me?
Yes, children aged 12 and under can accompany a parent or legal guardian with TSA PreCheck status in the dedicated lanes if traveling together—even without their own known traveler number.
Addressing Security Concerns
Critics claim potential vulnerabilities in the vetting process, but no security incidents linked to TSA PreCheck have been reported since the program began in 2013.
The Bottom Line
The TSA PreCheck program, operational since 2013, expedites pre-screened enrollees through security trails with minimal fuss. Open to U.S. citizens and legal residents, the status requires an online application and an in-person interview. For $78, membership is valid for five years and can be renewed, providing valuable ease for frequent travelers.
Related Terms: Global Entry, Travel Security, Airport Screening, Clear Pass, NEXUS, SENTRI.
References
- Transportation Security Administration. “2023 TSA Year in Review”, Page 2.
- Transportation Security Administration. “TSA PreCheck”.
- Transportation Security Administration. “TSA PreCheck® sets new active membership record”.
- FBI.gov. “Richard Reid’s Shoes”.
- Transportation Security Administration. “TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines”.
- Department of Homeland Security. “Trusted Traveler Programs”.
- Transportation Security Administration. “Credit Card and Loyalty Programs Featuring TSA PreCheck”.
- CLEAR. “Pricing”.
- Transportation Security Administration. “TSA PreCheck® FAQ”.
- L.A. Times. “Op-Ed: The scary truth about TSA’s PreCheck security vulnerabilities”.
