The TSA PreCheck program is designed to make your travel faster, easier, and more secure. You can use it when you fly and also at certain airports with participating airlines.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program for travelers departing from U.S. airports.
If you’re a frequent traveler, or simply someone who has somewhere to be, you may find that TSA PreCheck can help with your airport security experience. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program for travelers departing from U.S. airports. With this program, you’ll get to keep on your shoes and belt, leave your jacket on instead of taking it off in the security line, keep your laptop in its bag and use a designated lane when passing through security checkpoints.
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck:
- You must be a U.S., Canadian or International passport holder
- You must have a valid application fee payment receipt showing that the fee was paid online (one-time payment) or at an acceptance facility (fee charged every five years; $85 – $100)
If these requirements are met and no issues arise during the eligibility check-in process, then you will receive an electronic Known Traveler number (KTN). This number allows you to utilize the expedited screening lanes at more than 150 airports across the US when traveling domestically or internationally by air within seven days of receiving it via email or text message.
You can use your mobile boarding pass if you have a smartphone or tablet.
If you’re already enrolled in TSA PreCheck, or if you know that you’ll be traveling with a pre-approved boarding pass, you can use your mobile boarding pass if you have a smartphone or tablet.
For example: If there is an issue with the machine at the airport and it’s not working, then having another form of confirming your flight may help speed up the process.
If you have not received your card within 10 days of approval, contact the TSA Contact Center.
If you have not received your card within 10 days of approval, contact the TSA Contact Center.
To reach the TSA Contact Center:
- Call 855-872-9277 (855-TSA-CHECK). Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).
- Check the website for information about changing a program membership or requesting an expedited replacement of your Known Traveler Number (if available for your program type) at [this link](https://www.tsa.gov/know) on Saturday and Sunday during non-business hours.* You should expect to be connected with an automated system that will ask you questions about what program you would like to join and if you are eligible to join it. The automated system will provide instructions on how best to proceed with applying for membership in the chosen program(s).
Upon successfully submitting an application through the automated system, applicants will receive an email confirmation letter within 5 business days indicating their membership has been approved and any additional steps they may need take next before receiving their permanent Known Traveler Numbers or cards in the mail.* Applicants should check their spam filters if they do not receive this confirmation letter within 5 business days after submitting their information online.* If applicants still do not receive confirmation by 10 business days after submitting their information online, please call 855-872-9277 (855-TSA-CHECK) for assistance with reestablishing a service record or emailing [this address](mailto:TSA_ContactCenter@dhs.gov).
Once complete, print the application and bring it with you to your appointment.
You can print out the application, fill it out, and bring it with you to your appointment. You’ll also need to bring a valid passport or other acceptable identification.
- Note that TSA PreCheck is available at participating airports only. The locations are updated on their website periodically (you can filter by city).
The application fee is $85 for a five-year membership.
You will have to pay a $85 application fee. This is non-refundable and needs to be paid in full before submitting your application to TSA PreCheck.
Once you are approved, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Once you are approved for TSA PreCheck, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number is used to book flights and can be used for five years. It is linked to your passport number, so it’s important that you enter the correct information when applying for TSA PreCheck. This number can also be used at the airport to verify identity and expedite security check points by allowing the agent to verify who you are without having to bring out their laptop or printout from another location.
You can use it at any airport that offers TSA PreCheck for domestic and international travel with participating airlines.
- You can use it at any airport that offers TSA PreCheck for domestic and international travel with participating airlines.
- PreCheck is available in more airports than other programs, so you can fly to more locations with a single application.
- You don’t have to pay extra for the privilege of using your TSA PreCheck card; your membership comes free with an approved application.
You must show up at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights.
To take advantage of TSA PreCheck, you must show up at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights. You can check in online up to 24 hours before your flight.
Even though it’s more expensive than other programs, the TSA has expanded its PreCheck system to many more airports than other programs offer access to.
One of the best things about TSA PreCheck is that it’s available at a ton of airports. A lot more than other programs offer access to, actually. It’s not necessarily cheaper than other programs, but if you fly often enough, it can be worth it just for the convenience and privacy.
Conclusion
PreCheck is a great way to save time at the airport, but it’s not always the most cost-effective option. If you’re only flying domestically or internationally once every few years, then it might not be worth it for you. However, if you travel frequently and want all the perks of expedited security screening (without having to deal with long lines), then this program is perfect!