Airports are not fun places, period. As any seasoned traveler can attest, it involves a lot of waiting around in interminably long lines. However, if you’re willing to pay for it, there are ways to make this process a little easier and a lot quicker, thereby reducing this agony. TSA PreCheck is one of several Trusted Traveler programs that let you pay to skip the long security lines and deal with fewer hassles on the day of your flight.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a government program that enables pre-approved and low-risk travelers to go through expedited security lines at more than US airports. Once accepted into the program, travelers must submit fingerprints, pay a non-refundable fee, and undergo a background check. They are then assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN). TSA PreCheck does not come with an ID card.
The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is in charge of screening you and your carry-on luggage. PreCheck grants you access to a unique TSA security line at most US airports and on flights operated by most US airlines. You don’t have to take things like laptops out of your luggage or remove your shoes or belt.
What is a Known Traveler Number?
A Known Traveler Number, or KTN, is assigned to all persons who have been approved for TSA PreCheck expedited screening. To have the TSA PreCheck indicator displayed on your boarding pass, you must include this number in the KTN field when making airline travel bookings.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
For a new five-year membership, the cost to apply for TSA PreCheck can range from $76.75 to $85. The charge is valid for five years and covers the operational costs of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program.
Note: Please keep in mind that you will not be refunded if you are disqualified from the program.
How to get TSA PreCheck
Getting PreCheck is relatively easy. The TSA PreCheck application process takes around 5 minutes to complete online. Then you must arrange an in-person interview at an enrollment center, many of which are located in airports. The interview, which will involve fingerprinting and a background check, will take around 10 minutes. To use TSA PreCheck, you must first apply for and receive a Known Traveler Number.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck
You can start by submitting an online application and scheduling an in-person appointment. Then, click on the “Apply Now” button. This will take you to the TSA’s Universal Enrollment website and the official TSA PreCheck application.
The online application takes approximately five minutes to complete and consists of 4 steps.
- In the first step, you must enter biographic information such as your name, gender, date of birth, email ID, and phone number.
- Then, you must confirm your eligibility for the program by answering a series of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions on your citizenship, residency, and criminal record, if any.
- The third step asks you to specify the photo ID and citizenship/immigration papers you will bring to your in-person appointment. A US driver’s license is an example of the former, whereas a passport or official birth certificate is an example of the latter.
- In the last step, you must choose an enrollment center (from approx. 400 centers across the country) for your in-person appointment. The page populates the closest centers to your address based on your ZIP code. Once you select a center, you can view the next open appointment time and schedule it. You may also walk in to the enrolling facility, but note that those with appointments have priority.
How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck?
The whole procedure will rely on the appointment availability at your nearest airport and the speed with which you can book a TSA interview.
Typically, after the appointment, there is a speedy turnaround. Approved applicants get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through email, typically 3-5 days after their interview. However, some TSA PreCheck applications can take up to 60 days to process, and an approval is not guaranteed. In addition, you may be denied if you have any disqualifying criminal charges.
Applicants who are denied will not receive a refund of the $85 application fee.
How does TSA PreCheck work?
Once you have obtained your KTN, you need to add it to your existing travel reservations and airline loyalty program profiles before check-in. This allows the TSA PreCheck icon to appear on your electronic or printed boarding pass.
Use the TSA PreCheck lane when you get to the airport security checkpoint. Directions to the lane are usually designated with a blue TSA PreCheck banner. So you usually won’t miss it. However, if you do and are on your first flight with TSA PreCheck, you can always ask for help.
The rest of the procedure is pretty straightforward. When your turn comes, walk to their office, show them a TSA PreCheck-stamped ticket/mobile boarding pass, and go through security. That’s it – you’re done!
TSA PreCheck renewal
You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership either online or in person. Here’s how:
Renew Online
- Gather your information: To use TSA PreCheck, you need your KTN, date of birth, and last name. Your KTN is a unique ID assigned to you when you enrolled. You can find it on your confirmation email, membership docs, or boarding pass when flying with a participating airline.
- Go to the TSA PreCheck website: Visit the TSA renewal website and click “Renew Your Membership.
- Enter your information: Enter your KTN, date of birth, and last name. Click “Continue.”
- Review and update your information: Review your contact information and make necessary updates. You can also update your passport information if it has changed since you enrolled.
- Pay the renewal fee: The renewal fee is $70. You can pay with a credit card or debit card.
- Submit your application: Once you’ve reviewed everything and agree to the terms and conditions, click “Submit.”
- Wait for approval: TSA will review your application and send you an email notification in 3-5 business days to let you know if your renewal has been approved.
Renew in Person
- Find an enrollment center: You can find a list of enrollment centers on the TSA PreCheck website.
- Schedule an appointment: You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the enrollment center.
- Bring your required documents: You must bring your passport or another acceptable form of identification, proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status, and your payment (cash, check, or credit card).
- Complete the renewal process: The enrollment center staff will help you complete the renewal process, which includes fingerprinting and a background check.
- Pay the renewal fee: The renewal fee is $70.
- Wait for approval: TSA will review your application. You will receive an email notification within 3-5 business days, letting you know if your renewal has been approved.
Things to keep in mind
- You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership up to six months before it expires.
- Your new membership period will begin on the day your old membership expires.
- If your name has changed since you enrolled in TSA PreCheck, update it online or at an enrollment center.
- For more information on renewing your TSA PreCheck membership, visit the TSA PreCheck website.
What to do if you don’t receive PreCheck on your boarding pass
Sometimes your Known Traveler Number may disappear from your itinerary, and you will need to re-enter it. You can do this upon check-in. If you don’t see the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass and you’re flying with an approved carrier, go to the airline counter to re-enter your Known Traveler Number. You can also re-enter it from within the airline app.
How long does TSA PreCheck last?
Ideally, your TSA PreCheck membership will last you for five years.
Do children need to apply for TSA PreCheck?
Children under 12 can use the PreCheck advantages of their parents and benefit from faster security screening as like the program members. This applies to legal guardians as well.
Can I lose my TSA PreCheck membership?
Yes, you may lose TSA PreCheck if you commit certain federal security offenses, such as presenting false or fraudulent documents, threatening with a bomb, carrying a firearm, explosive, or other forbidden goods to the airport, or interfering with security procedures.
Which airports have TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is currently offered at more than 200 airports nationwide, with 85+ member airlines. Some of the major airports offering this program are:
| Austin-Bergstrom Int’l Airport (AUS) | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport (ATL) | Orlando Int’l Airport (MCO) |
| Baltimore- Washington Int’l Airport (BWI) | Honolulu Int’l Airport (HNL) | Philadelphia Int’l Airport (PHL) |
| Boston- Logan Int’l Airport (BOS) | Houston – G Bush Intcntl Airport (IAH) | Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l Airport (PHX) |
| Charlotte-Douglas Int’l Airport (CLT) | Las Vegas – McCarran Int’l Airport (LAS) | Portland Int’l Airport (PDX) |
| Chicago Midway Int’l Airport (MDW) | Los Angeles Int’l Airport (LAX) | Salt Lake City Int’l Airport (SLC) |
| Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport (ORD) | Miami Int’l Airport (MIA) | San Diego Int’l Airport (SAN) |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | Minneapolis- St. Paul Int’l Airport (MSP) | San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO) |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth Int’l Airport (DFW) | Nashville Int’l Airport (BNA) | Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport-SeaTac (SEA) |
| Denver Int’l Airport (DEN) | New York – John F. Kennedy Int’l Airport (JFK) | Tampa Int’l Airport (TPA) |
| Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) | New York – LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | Washington National Airport (DCA) |
| Ft. Lauderdale- Hollywood Int’l Airport (FLL) | Newark Liberty Int’l Airport (EWR) | Washington-Dulles Int’l Airport (IAD) |
You can find the full list of participating airlines via the TSA website.
How to get TSA PreCheck for free
Several cards provide statement credits for the application fee. You will receive a return in the form of a statement credit in a few weeks, effectively waiving the application charge if you use one of the following credit cards to pay for the expense. The following credit cards give TSA PreCheck fee credits:
- Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
- Capital One Venture Rewards credit card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Citi Prestige card
- The Platinum Card from American Express
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Yes, we think it is well worth paying for if you travel more than once yearly or are a frequent flyer.
Gerard Stevens is a travel writer with five years of experience specializing in U.S. air travel and airport navigation. From comprehensive airport guides to savvy parking tips, he simplifies the flight experience to help travelers move from the parking lot to the boarding gate with total confidence.
