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What is TSA PreCheck and how do I apply?
You could spend less than five minutes in airport security.
While eliminating your wait in the airport security line entirely is impossible, you can curb it significantly with TSA PreCheck. This five-year membership will help you zoom through security lines across the US.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a government-issued program that helps you get through airport security faster.
It’s available only for flights that depart from US airports. This is a contrast to Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits and gets you through customs faster as you arrive in the US.
What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?
Get through airport security faster.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers traveling in January 2019 waited no more than five minutes in the security line.
You don’t have to remove items you normally would.
You can keep your shoes on, as well as your belt or light jacket. Also, you can leave your laptop or eligible liquids in your bag.
There are exceptions, and you might still be randomly searched.
Available across the country.
Access TSA PreCheck at more than 200 airports across the country. Over 50 airlines participate in the program, including Delta, United and American.
Your membership lasts five years
Paying the application fee could give you TSA PreCheck benefits for quite a while.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
A TSA PreCheck application costs $85. This fee is non-refundable, even if you’re not approved.
Don’t want to pay? Look for a credit card that offers a statement credit for your TSA PreCheck application.
Our pick for TSA PreCheck
Compare credit cards with TSA PreCheck fee credits
With a travel card, you could receive a statement credit for your TSA PreCheck application.
A few cards are priced at a premium — think $450 a year and up. However, you can land the TSA PreCheck benefit with select cards priced around $95 a year.
One standout is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express® Card, which offers excellent travel rewards and no annual fee.
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Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck?
You can apply for TSA PreCheck if you’re a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
If you’re a Canadian citizen or resident, apply for the NEXUS program. It gives you expedited passage through customs when you enter the United States or Canada.
You’re not eligible if you’ve…
- Provided false or incomplete information on your TSA PreCheck application.
- Violated transportation security regulations.
- Had disqualifying criminal offenses, as defined by the TSA.
How do I apply for TSA PreCheck?
With a quick online application and in-person interview, you could be on your way to a TSA PreCheck membership. Follow these steps to apply:
- Go to the TSA website and submit an online application. Required information includes contact details, citizenship, date of birth and, if necessary, immigration documents.
- Schedule an in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting.
- Attend your 10-minute appointment at your chosen location.
According to many travelers, you’ll typically hear back about approval within one to two weeks. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) online or via mail.
Back to topWhat to expect in your TSA PreCheck interview
Don’t go all the way to an appointment center only to be turned away. Have the following documentation on hand:
- A valid photo ID. A government-issued driver’s license, military ID card, passport book or card, etc.
- Citizenship or immigration document. A passport book or card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), eligible birth certificate, etc.
- If necessary: immigration documents. You may be asked to bring these if you aren’t a US citizen.
On the Universal Enroll website, you can use the “What to Bring” tool to determine documents you’ll need at your interview.
What happens in a TSA PreCheck interview?
Interviews are usually under 10 minutes long. You’ll give details about yourself: your travel habits, why you want a PreCheck membership, your criminal record and more.
You’ll also have your fingerprints and photo taken.
TSA PreCheck interview locations
On the Universal Enroll website, you can use the Enrollment Center Locator to find a TSA PreCheck interview location near you.
How do I get TSA PreCheck without applying?
If you’re approved for Global Entry, you can access TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost.
You can also qualify for TSA PreCheck if you’re approved for NEXUS or SENTRI.
How to use TSA PreCheck
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Before your flight, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation.
Do this while booking your flight. You can likely do so after booking if you wish.
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, add your KTN to your account. When you book your flight through the account, your KTN will automatically be added to your reservation.
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When you print your boarding pass, check that “TSA PreCheck” is written on it.
If this designation is missing, you won’t be admitted through the TSA PreCheck line. -
When you approach the security checkpoint, look for a TSA PreCheck line.
This line is usually designated with a sign, and it may have relatively few passengers in it. -
Keep your belt, shoes and light jacket on. Don’t take out items from your luggage.
Put your bag through the X-ray machine. If your bag needs additional screening or you’re subject to an additional search, a TSA agent will let you know.
Which airlines have TSA PreCheck?
These are all of the airlines that participate in TSA PreCheck, according to the TSA.
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Air Serbia
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Aruba Airlines
- Avianca
- Boutique Airlines
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Cape Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Condor Airlines
- Contour Aviation
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Finnair
- Flycana
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Icelandair
- InterCaribbean Airways
- JetBlue Airways
- Key Lime Air
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- Lufthansa
- Miami Air International
- Norwegian Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Seaborne Airlines
- Silver Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Southern Airways Express
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Sunwing Airlines
- Swift Air
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan.)
- Thomas Cook Airlines (UK)
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- ViaAir
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
- World Atlantic
- Xtra Airways
Bottom line
By investing a bit of time and money upfront, you can save a lot of time in the airport security line with TSA PreCheck.
For more products that can help you travel more easily, check out a few airline credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
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