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TSA PreCheck: Everything You Need To Know [Application, Benefits, Costs & More]

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Christy Rodriguez

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 36U.S. States Visited: 31

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a cer...
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Keri Stooksbury

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Countries Visited: 39U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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Anyone who’s been through airport security knows how much of a hassle it can be to simply reach your departure gate. But, as many of you probably know, having TSA PreCheck can make the airport-security experience much more tolerable.

For those of you who don’t already have it, let’s run through the ins and outs of the program, how it can help improve your travel experience, and show you how to get access.

What Is the TSA?

In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) was created as an agency within the Department of Transportation. It was later moved to the Department of Homeland Security where it currently operates.

The agency’s main function is to provide security for the commercial aviation industry, which includes the administration of the screening process at airports. Additional security measures, including canine units and Federal Air Marshals, are also used by the TSA at airports.

Hot Tip: Still have questions? Check out these TSA airport security FAQs.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is 1 of 5 Trusted Traveler Programs, which also include Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. These 4 are intended for personal and business travelers, while the fifth program is for commercial trucking (FAST).

Unlike the other trusted-traveler programs that are administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The program was started in October 2011 and allows the TSA to expedite the security screening process for low-risk travelers.

What Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?

Below are the airlines that are currently part of the TSA PreCheck program:

Advanced AirBrussels AirlinesIcelandairSouthern Airways Express
Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del EcuadorCape AirInterCaribbean AirwaysSouthwest Airlines
AeroMexicoCathay Pacific AirwaysITA AirwaysSpirit Airlines
Air CanadaChina AirlinesJapan AirlinesSun Country Airlines
Air Choice OneCondor AirlinesJetBlue AirwaysSunclass
Air EuropaContour AviationKey Lime AirSunwing Airlines
Air FranceCopa AirlinesKLM Royal Dutch AirlinesSwift Air
Air IndiaDelta Air LinesKorean AirSwiss International Air Lines
Air SerbiaEastern AirlinesLAN Peru S.A.Swoop
Alaska AirlinesEdelweiss AirLATAM AirlinesTAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
All Nippon AirwaysEL AL IsraelLufthansaTAP Air Portugal
Allegiant AirElite AirwaysNorwegian AirTurkish Airlines
American AirlinesEmiratesOmni Air InternationalUltimate Jet Charters
Aruba AirlinesEtihad AirwaysPAL ExpressUnited Airlines
Asiana AirlinesEurowings DiscoverPhilippine AirlinesVirgin Atlantic
Austrian AirlinesEVA AirPorter AirlinesViva Air Colombia
Avelo AirlinesFinnairQantasVivaAerobus
AviancaFlair AirlinesQatar AirwaysVolaris
Azul AirlinesFlycanaScandinavian AirlinesVolaris El Salvador
Boutique AirlinesFrontier AirlinesSeaborne AirlinesWestJet
Breeze AirwaysGlobal Crossing AirlinesSilver AirwaysWorld Atlantic
British AirwaysHawaiian AirlinesSingapore Airlines

TSA PreCheck Airport Locations

200+ airports in the U.S. participate in the program, including the 30 busiest airports in the nation:

Note that if you’re at an airport outside the U.S., you’ll have to wait in the “normal” security line with everyone else.

Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful if you regularly fly out of an airport that has consistently long TSA wait times

What Are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?

Leave your shoes on, keep your laptop in your bag, and more. Image Credit: TSA

The most noticeable perk of TSA PreCheck may very well be that you can leave your shoes on when passing through the security checkpoint. Additional benefits include the ability to leave on light outerwear, jackets, and belts, and keeping laptops and small liquids in your bag.

Essentially, it makes having carry-on luggage a breeze as you won’t have to take everything you carefully packed out again to go through the security line!

All of these benefits combined make the screening process much quicker, which is perhaps the best benefit of all, especially on busy travel days.

Even with these perks, some travelers will still be pulled at random for extra screening, but the overall time spent being screened will still be lower compared to a non-TSA PreCheck screening. In fact, the TSA reported that 89% of travelers in TSA PreCheck lines waited less than 5 minutes (as of March 2023).

How Does the Program Work?

To use TSA PreCheck, you must complete the membership application and approval process. If approved, your membership will be active for 5 years — after that period, you’ll have to renew your membership if you wish to keep it.

Once you’ve completed the in-person appointment (assuming everything is in order with your background check), you’ll be notified. Then, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and become eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes.

Hot Tip: Some airports have launched the ability to create a screening time reservation, further reducing the time to wait in line during busy times. 

Before traveling, make sure you add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation to ensure you have access to TSA PreCheck. Many airlines allow you to do this online, but you can also call the airline to have your number added to your reservation.

You can also add your KTN to your frequent flyer accounts so that it will be automatically included when you book flights.

If you notice that “TSA PreCheck” is not printed on your boarding pass or visible on your mobile boarding pass, speak with the appropriate airline check-in desk for assistance. It must be listed on your boarding pass, or you will not be allowed to access those security lanes.

For parents and guardians with children ages 12 and under, know that your children are eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes with you. Children ages 13 to 17 may accompany a TSA PreCheck-approved parent when they are on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck designation on their boarding pass.

If you’re flying with an airline that is not one of the 80+ partners of the program, you won’t be able to utilize the program. Fortunately, TSA continues to partner with more and more airlines.

Who Is Eligible? What Are the Requirements and Restrictions?

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident and pass a background check.

Violations of transportation security regulations and incomplete or false information on your applications can disqualify you from membership.

Additionally, there are several criminal offenses and factors that can disqualify you.

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you can apply for Global Entry and may be granted the benefits of TSA PreCheck even though you can’t apply directly for the TSA PreCheck program:

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Bahrain
  • Colombia
  • Germany
  • India
  • Netherlands
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?

The initial application fee is $78 and is good for 5 years. If you’re rejected from the program, you will not receive a refund.

If you choose to renew your application online, it will cost $70 and is still valid for the same 5-year timeframe. If you choose to renew in person, the fee remains $78.

Fortunately, there are several credit cards that will reimburse the fee regardless of approval.

Hot Tip: The cost of TSA PreCheck was reduced from $85 to $78 in November of 2022.

What Credit Cards Reimburse the TSA PreCheck Application Fee?

We’re big fans of credit cards and the many travel benefits they provide, so, naturally, we want to share with you our recommended cards that will reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck.

If you use one of the cards in the table below to pay the $78 application fee or the $70 to $78 renewal fee, you will receive a statement credit. You could also use any of these cards to pay — and then get reimbursed — for the $100 fee for Global Entry instead, since Global Entry provides automatic access to TSA PreCheck.

Cardholders are eligible for the statement credit once every 5 years, which corresponds with the length of your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

Here are a few of our favorite cards that offer complimentary Global Entry and TSA PreCheck:

If you already have a membership and don’t need the credit, you can pay for a friend or family member’s application and receive the credit that way. Not a bad birthday gift if you ask us!

Several of these cards will extend this benefit to authorized users as well. While you may be charged for adding authorized users on some cards, the $100 credit can help make it more manageable.

Applying for TSA PreCheck

To apply, you must fill out an online application so that the TSA can conduct a background check. You’ll have to include information such as citizenship, address, date of birth, and immigration documentation (if applicable).

Hot Tip: The TSA has a handy tool to determine which documents will be necessary here.

Once you’ve finished your application, you’ll need to make an appointment at an enrollment center. There are over 500 locations throughout the U.S.

At your interview, you’ll be required to show a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable.

The interview is quick and mostly for verification. You can expect questions about yourself and your travel, and you’ll be fingerprinted during the process.

You’ll be notified of approval (or denial) within 60 days once the in-person interview is complete, but many people are approved within 3 to 5 days. During this time, you can check your application status online.

Don’t wait to apply as in-person appointment slots can fill up quickly.

How Did I Get TSA PreCheck Without Applying?

When the program was first rolled out in late 2011, some members of frequent flyer programs were invited to participate free of charge. These frequent flyers were not given KTNs, though, so they were still required to formally enroll in the program.

However, you have 3 other options for getting access without directly applying for it. If you’re approved for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you’ll be given access to TSA PreCheck.

A Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough

If you’re looking for a quick rundown on the initial application process, we have you covered. Let’s dive right into it:

Step 1: Visit the TSA PreCheck Home Page

From the homepage, you can start your application. Image Credit: TSA

Once on the homepage, you need to click on the red Apply Now button in the middle of the page. This will bring you to the first page of the application, which asks for biographical information.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Get your application started by filling in your biographical information. Image Credit: TSA

Work your way through each page of the application. The application is simple and won’t take more than 15 minutes if you have all the necessary information on hand.

Step 3: Schedule Your In-Person Interview

The final piece of the application process is to select a location for your in-person interview. You’ll need to search for your location. The search results will show options near you and how many appointment slots are available in the next 45 days.

Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll need to select a location for your interview. Image Credit: TSA

After selecting a location, you will need to choose a date and time for your in-person interview.

Step 4: In-Person Interview

Bring all the required documents. You’ll select which 2 forms of ID you’ll bring in the online application. This could be a driver’s license and a passport. If applicable, bring any required immigration documents as well.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card to pay the $78 fee. You could pay by cashier’s (or certified) check, but with so many credit cards that reimburse you for the fee, why would you?

Step 5: Wait for an Update

Most will be notified within 3 to 5 days after their appointment, but it can take up to 60 days to hear back. Keep this in mind when planning a trip: you don’t want to leave your application and interview to the last minute!

Step 6: Add Your Known Traveler Number to Frequent Flyer Accounts

Once approved, you’ll be notified and provided with your Known Traveler Number. Add this to your frequent flyer accounts so it’s automatically included in your itineraries going forward.

Step 7: Enjoy the Benefits

You can now use the TSA PreCheck security lanes at over 200 airports nationwide. Enjoy your expedited screening experience!

Compared to Other Trusted Traveler Programs

With 4 common Trusted Traveler Programs, how do you know which one to choose? This section compares each of the different programs so you have a better idea.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

Global Entry provides expedited screening upon re-entering the U.S. from abroad. The program is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

If you’re a member of Global Entry, you’re provided access to TSA PreCheck. However, having a membership to TSA PreCheck does not provide access to Global Entry.

The enrollment process is similar as each requires an application and an in-person interview. The Global Entry application is available online. The fee for Global Entry is $100 but can be reimbursed by several credit cards, similar to TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS

NEXUS is a joint program between the U.S. and Canada designed to allow more efficient travel between the 2 countries, and it provides access to both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

In addition, NEXUS provides expedited entry into Canada. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck members do not get this benefit.

The cost is only $50, which is a fantastic deal, but you’ll have to visit one of the enrollment centers located in select cities in the northern U.S.

TSA PreCheck vs. SENTRI

On the southern border of the U.S., the SENTRI program provides similar benefits to that of NEXUS in the north. The cost of SENTRI is higher though — $122.25. So unless you’re planning on frequenting the land border to Mexico, this extra cost might not be worth it.

To receive expedited entry into Mexico, you’re required to have a SENTRI membership, so, again, neither Global Entry nor TSA PreCheck on their own will be enough. Enrollment centers are located in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Final Thoughts

If you’re going to travel often, you definitely want to sign up for the TSA PreCheck program to make the security screening process a little less painful!

With so many credit cards that will reimburse you for not only TSA PreCheck but Global Entry as well, you might as well sign up for Global Entry, if possible. You get the same access to TSA PreCheck, and it will make your return to the U.S. much easier.

If you know you won’t travel outside of the U.S. for 5 years, though, perhaps you only need TSA PreCheck.

Whatever the case may be, think about enrolling in this program to save time and increase efficiency at the airport.


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Frequently Asked Questions

About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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65 comments

Dick Wallin

April 10, 2018

How does a person renew the Trusted Traveler Pre check after 5 years? Do you go to an enrollment center, or can it be done on line? Thanks

Alex Miller

April 11, 2018

Great question. We actually covered this in our Global Entry piece, you’ll see the information right here: /travel/global-entry-program/#Renewing-Your-Membership
Thanks!

Terri

December 18, 2022

If I have a concealed carry permit do I have to pay tsa for another background check?

Jarrod West

December 19, 2022

Hi Terri,

Yes, you would still have to pay the TSA PreCheck application fee.

Bud Wright

September 16, 2018

The process for applying for TSA PreCheck is more cumbersome than going through the regular line.

Robyn

October 27, 2018

It was a wonderful process! Only 12 minutes from start to finsh!

J vance

January 10, 2020

Has anyone else noted an increased scrutiny by TSA since going through the process and expense of getting TSA pre- check? I have.

Nik Carter

March 10, 2019

No Bud, you’re wrong. TSA Precheck gets a special shorter line because less people have it. So, it is much quicker. No Shoes off, No Laptop out etc. And don’t forget you apply once in 5 years. How many times do you fly in 5 years domestic and international, use TSA Precheck.

Carrie Hansen

November 13, 2018

Do they require a govt photo ID for a 13 and 14 year old? My daughters do not have a drivers license of course. Any other options besides applying first for a state issued photo id?

Jeff Brownson

November 13, 2018

Hey Carrie, a passport would work for a photo ID and would be a great thing for your kids to have so you can take advantage that next cheap airfare for a trip out of the country. Hope that helps.

Nik Carter

March 10, 2019

Carrie … If children travel with parents
TSA Precheck of parent cover all kids too

JetPig

September 23, 2021

As long as they’re 12 years old or younger.

Gretchen Erickson

December 03, 2018

I received TSA PRECHECK after filling out info on myself before I accompanied my wheel chair bound mother to the gate several years ago and received pre check always after that except now recently I haven’t been receiving it. What do I need to do to get it back?

Alex Miller

December 07, 2018

Hi Gretchen. You’d need to get approved for TSA PreCheck so that you are guaranteed to get PreCheck whenever you’re traveling alone, with others etc

MARGARET A LUTHER

December 14, 2018

I do not know my TSA number. How do I find it? Yes, I have one. I used it December 2017.

Christine Krzyszton

December 15, 2018

Hi Margaret! If you signed up for TSA PreCheck and paid the $85 for the 5 year membership, you can access your account with this link. You may also search your email for a confirmation notice of your registration. If you have a Known Traveler Number, you can also access that account here. https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/precheck Thanks for your question.

Mike Rickert

December 22, 2018

Can I use a debit card for the application fee?

Christine Krzyszton

December 23, 2018

Hi Mike and thanks for your question. The TSA website does not list debit cards as an acceptable form of payment. It reads, “You may pay the $85 TSA Pre✓® Application Program fee with a credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check.” However, some debit cards are capable of processing a transaction as credit. Personally, I would try it.

Betsy

January 04, 2019

I already have a level 2 background screening. Do I still need a background check?

Stephen Au

January 04, 2019

Hey Betsy,

TSA will perform the background check when you apply for PreCheck. It’s a part of the application process. But, the good thing is that you won’t see any of this. All you do is apply!

Larry

December 07, 2019

I have an Amex Business Platinum card which I would like my daughter to use to pay for her TSA PRE. I understand that she must apply and the schedule an interview and bring my credit card to the interview to pay her $85 application fee. Will TSA let her pay with my card? She is married and now has a different last name.

Katie Seemann

December 09, 2019

Hi Larry,

You’ll pay the application fee online when you apply for TSA PreCheck. She shouldn’t need to bring the card to the interview.

Dante Martinez

June 02, 2019

I was approved and added my known traveler number with Delta. However, on my last flight my boarding pass did not indicate TSA PreCheck. When I called Delta, they advised me that TSA randomly selects to not allow you through the PreCheck lines. Does this sound correct? If that’s true, it would be quite frustrating as you are paying for and applying for what then??

Christy Rodriguez

June 02, 2019

Hi Dante, technically TSA PreCheck isn’t a guaranteed perk. However, we’ve noticed that TSA PreCheck isn’t included only when something goes wrong with your booking process.

For example, did you happen to book the flight before you added your known traveler number to your account? Sometimes it isn’t applied to prior bookings. It could also have something to do with your TSA PreCheck information not exactly matching your ticket’s information. It’s hard to know specifically what happened, but I don’t believe it’s a common occurrence to not be granted PreCheck.

I definitely agree that’s frustrating, so be sure to check those common issues above. Hope this helps and thanks for reading!

Annabelle McCaw

June 03, 2019

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS. I’ve had this for 5 years and has never showed up on my boarding pass.

Christy Rodriguez

June 03, 2019

Hi Annabelle, sorry to hear that PreCheck wasn’t worth it for you.

Please be advised that you do have to add your known traveler number (received from TSA PreCheck) to your airline’s information. This isn’t done automatically. If you still have PreCheck, make sure you add this when you’re making your next booking!

Otherwise, I would be sure to contact TSA directly here: https://www.tsa.gov/contact
as you should be eligible for this on your flights!

Annabelle McCaw

August 18, 2019

Hello Christy, TIN was added everytime I booked but never shows up on the boarding pass. I recently encountered another lady who has been having the same problem with TSA.
Decided it’s best to keep your money in your pocket, where it belongs, and be a responsible adult and just arrive at the airport early, it’s not that hard people.

Christy Rodriguez

August 18, 2019

Hi Annabelle, I’m not exactly sure what a TIN is. If you have TSA PreCheck, make sure you’re entering it in the Known Traveler Number (or KTN) area. If that’s not working, I would definitely contact TSA as this should work the vast majority of times!

But yes, TSA PreCheck is definitely not a necessity, but sure nice to have – especially if you’ve already paid for it!

Julie

July 27, 2021

Is there a separate cost for the application other than the $85 fee? I know someone who paid $140 for the application plus the $85 fee.

Jarrod West

July 27, 2021

Hi Julie,

You should not have to pay any other fee other than the $85 application fee. Are you sure your friend didn’t apply for another program in addition to TSA PreCheck?

Rebecca L Schmitt

July 22, 2019

I had purchased TSA precheck in 2016, however when I traveled this last weekend I was told I did not have it. I am wondering how I can get TSAPrecheck on my current ticket to travel to Michigan on July 24, 2019 (traveling with Frontier Airlines from Orlando FL) and for future travel. I believe I have another two years left on my TSA Precheck.
Also I was wondering if TSA Precheck covers all airlines, or do I have to purchase TSA Precheck for every airline? (I wouldn’t think so).
Please advise ASAP. Thank you, Rebecca L Schmitt

Christy Rodriguez

July 22, 2019

Hi Rebecca! So TSA PreCheck lasts for 5 years, so you should still have it. A few things to check:
1) When you make a reservation, you have to include the Known Traveler Number that you received when you originally got TSA PreCheck – this isn’t done automatically. If you don’t know this, you can check that here. You can also include this after the fact for bookings you have previously made by managing your booking online.
2) Not all airports participate, so I’m not sure where you flew from/to last weekend, but this may also be why you didn’t have it. We have a list of participating locations in the article, but Orlando is included!

As far as which airlines are included, we actually have a list of all of the participating airlines in this article, so be sure to check that out.

Hope this helps!

Francis Keays

July 26, 2019

I had my in person interview- not much of an interview past getting fingerprinted and my credit card charged begining of the week. I was told that I could be able to get my KTN in a few days by looking it up. I have, but it doesn’t give me my number, it give me this message, “ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED
TSA mailed you a letter with information regarding your eligibility determination. If you do not receive this letter within 10 days of receiving this status, please contact the UES Call Center for assistance.
Status as of 7/23/2019.”
Does this mean I have been declined?

Christy Rodriguez

July 26, 2019

Hi Francis, from the “Eligibility Determined”, it sounds like you have been approved. It does typically take a few days to get your official approval letter, so I would suggest checking again early next week regarding your status.

Just as a reminder, we are not affiliated with TSA is any way, so I would suggest contacting them directly with any questions. Here is a link with all of the contact options.

Thanks for reading!

Suzanne

August 20, 2019

I only have 5 weeks until my already scheduled vacation. Do I have time to get the TSA PreCheck? Do I have time for the Global Entry? We plan on a London trip next year, so the Global may be better, but, would I have time to include this trip? Thanks

Christy Rodriguez

August 20, 2019

Hi Suzanne. On their website, TSA notes that the TSA PreCheck approval process “takes approximately 2-3 weeks, although many applicants receive their approval in a few days.” Global Entry (which does come with TSA PreCheck) processing times takes on average 11 weeks to be conditionally approved. After that, you would need to schedule an interview, which may be a few months out.

So it seems like you might have time to get TSA PreCheck, but this would be double cost if you plan on later applying for Global Entry. Ultimately, the decision on what is best is up to you!

Val

August 25, 2019

How does this work if you travel with a pet?

Christy Rodriguez

August 25, 2019

Hi Val, great question. If you have TSA PreCheck, you will proceed through the designated line as usual. You may be asked to hold your pet or walk them through the machine. (TSA agents may also ask you to put their leash and collar through the x-ray belt.)

Also, we have a whole guide to the best airports for pets with a guide to navigating security that you should definitely check out. Thanks for reading!

Michael

September 14, 2019

I was told that my Texas Commercial Drivers License allows me to go through TSA PreCheck. Just wondering if this was true. My company bought me a ticket to fly me home and it was on my boarding pass. Wasn’t sure if it was a company thing or for my CDL.

Christy Rodriguez

September 14, 2019

Hi Michael, I think what you’re referring to is TSA’s Hazmat Endorsement. The website says that you should apply if you have a state-issued CDL and are required to transport materials that require placarding under the Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations.

This is a separate program and doesn’t grant automatic access to TSA PreCheck. Check out this website for more details: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/

There are a few reasons you could get TSA PreCheck without paying – but basically the TSA runs your information prior to your flight and determines that you are a low-level threat and grants you the one-time privilege. The only way to ensure that you get this is by applying for the PreCheck program.

Hope this helps and thanks for reading!

Cathy

September 16, 2019

If we get approved for PreCheck but have already purchased our boarding passes (prior to getting approved), can we use the PreCheck lines? Or are we out of luck?

Christy Rodriguez

September 16, 2019

Hi Cathy, I’m not sure what you mean by “purchased our boarding passes”. If you mean that you’ve paid for your tickets before getting approved for PreCheck, yes! You can still go in and manage your reservation online and add in your Known Traveler Number (that you will receive once approved for PreCheck) on to your reservation.

If you’ve already received your boarding passes for your flight in the next day, then you would be out of luck for this trip since the TSA PreCheck marker does need to be on the boarding pass to use the PreCheck lines.

Hope this helps!

Cathy

September 18, 2019

Thank you so much Christy.
We have purchased tickets but have not received/printed them. We do not fly out until 10-06-2019.

Dr. Samson Adegbite

October 07, 2019

How do I renew my Pre-Check approval after it expires.

Christy Rodriguez

October 07, 2019

Hi Samson, ideally you would want to renew TSA PreCheck before it expires as you can do this 6 months prior to expiration. If it is already expired, you may have to go through the initial enrollment process again depending on how long it has been expired (more than 1 year).

In either case, renewal (or re-enrollment, if necessary) can be completed online through your Trusted Traveler Profile here: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. Note that some people will have to renew in person to provide updated data or new fingerprints though. Hope this helps!

Mary Auge

November 16, 2019

I did the complete TSA Precheck a few months ago, paid the fee & got approved. I recently flew to Phoenix, AZ from Minneapolis, MN on Southwest. I entered my TSA Precheck ID#. I had TSA PRE on my initial flight but not on the return. Why not? SW Flight #1014 on Nov. 7, Return SW Flight #2374 on Nov. 12. Phoenix is a TSA Precheck friendly airport. Did I miss not putting it in again when I printed my return ticket? Was that necessary when it was entered on my reservation? I was not happy. Thank you, M. Auge

Katie Seemann

November 17, 2019

Hi Mary,
I understand how frustrating that can be! (The same thing has happened to me). In this instance, it sounds like a fluke since you had TSA Precheck on your first flight. Unfortunately, that can happen sometimes. If you don’t get TSA Precheck you can go to the ticket counter and give them your Known Traveler Number and they should be able to add it for you.

Joe

December 27, 2019

If you complete this TSA precheck application and are approved, how long do you have to schedule the interview? (Ie approval good for 2 months, 6 months, a year?)

Jarrod West

December 28, 2019

Hi Joe,

After your application approval, you will have 30 days to schedule an interview, but up to 1 year to complete that interview.

Donnie Henson

September 05, 2020

I’m a disabled American veteran with a permanent retired military ID card. Do I still need to apply for a TSA PreCheck membership or can I use this for a known traveler card?

Jarrod West

September 09, 2020

Hi Donnie,

Known traveler numbers are only given to people who are members of NEXUS, SENTRI, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry. So you would need to apply for one of those programs in order to receive one.

Thanks for reading!

Cathy

October 08, 2020

I just applied for the TSA pre-Check, and now have an interview scheduled. Is there a way to upgrade to Global instead? Do I have to redo the application?

Jarrod West

October 08, 2020

Hi Cathy,

I recommend you call the office where your interview is scheduled and see if this is possible. But I anticipate that you will have to submit a new application.

Judith

February 03, 2021

If you go through the TSA PreCheck process and received a known traveler number, do you still need to obtain a Real ID?

Christy Rodriguez

February 04, 2021

Hi Judith,

Unfortunately REAL ID requires a photo ID, which TSA PreCheck doesn’t provide. There are a few other options you could use instead of getting a REAL ID driver’s license, such as a Global Entry card or your passport/passport card. Hope this helps!

Laurene

January 28, 2022

What in the world do people who can’t get in for interview/fingerprinting due to job scheduling. Is there no other option for these services?

Jarrod West

January 29, 2022

Hi Laurene,

Unfortunately, not at this time. It seems the only option is to try and make it work with your schedule.

Cathy Steffens

July 14, 2022

If approved can I add the Known Traveler Number to a flight I’ve already purchased?

Katie Seemann

July 15, 2022

Hi Cathy,
Yes, once you have a Known Traveler Number you can go in and add it to any existing flight reservations you may have. I’ve also been able to add it at the ticket counter before a flight.

Margaret LaPlante

February 05, 2023

Is there a top age where you automatically get TSA Pre-check. Example at 75 or 80?

Keri Stooksbury

February 06, 2023

Hi Margaret. TSA PreCheck is a fee-based program, regardless of age. Thanks for reading!

jennifer tiernan

April 13, 2023

Can my almost 18 year old go to the TSA appointment without me (an adult)?

Jarrod West

April 13, 2023

Hi Jennifer,

If your child is still a minor at the time of appointment then you would need to accompany them. Thanks for reading!

Joseph Sullivan

May 04, 2023

I am a TSA Member and received a letter with my numbers etc. Will I also be receiving a card from you as I will be travelling shortly if I should need one, as of yet I have not received one.

Jarrod West

May 04, 2023

Hi Joseph,

No, there is not a TSA PreCheck card.

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