What is TSA PreCheck?

What is TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the U.S.

Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that they are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

More than 90 airlines participate in TSA PreCheck to provide a smoother airport screening process. Simply add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a “TSA PreCheck” designation on your boarding pass and use the dedicated security lines. On some flights, you may not receive TSA PreCheck benefits based on the airline you’re flying, which airport you are flying from or TSA procedures.

Children up to 12 years old do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are travelling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes too. Children ages 13-17 can travel with TSA PreCheck member parents so long as the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass as well.

Know more about the TSA PReCheck from Airfare Policy at +1-866-952-7309.

What is the TSA PreCheck Requirements?

The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.

Travelers interested in TSA PreCheck must apply online for pre-approval. Once your interview is booked, you are required to bring an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification, plus proof of citizenship. Accepted documents include your passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate.

Immigrants can learn more about required documentation on Airfare Policy customer support at +1-866-952-7309.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The benefits sound great, but what is the fee for TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck costs $78 at Idemia enrollment centers and $85 at Telos enrollment centers. The membership lasts for five years. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online. As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost.

How to get TSA PreCheck for free?

While you can pay for TSA PreCheck with your credit card or debit card, you can actually get it for free instead of paying cash. Here are four ways to do just that:

Randomly issued	Some passengers may randomly receive TSA PreCheck as a way to introduce them to the benefits of being a member. Consider this a marketing effort by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage people to sign up for TSA PreCheck.
Military benefits	All active members of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by entering their Department of Defense identification number as their Known Traveler Number. This includes those serving as Reserves and National Guard, as well as cadets and midshipmen attending a military academy.
Redeem rewards	Some airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus, allow you to redeem miles and points to pay for TSA PreCheck application fees.
Credit card benefits	Many travel cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years.

For more information, call Airfare Policy at +1-866-952-7309 for assistance.

Way to sign up for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Here’s how to pre-enroll for TSA PreCheck online and get your interview set up in five simple steps:

Go to the TSA website and click on “Apply now.”
Complete the brief questionnaire confirming your eligibility for the program.
Provide a list of the identifying documents you’ll bring along to your interview.
Choose from one of the 600+ enrollment centers and schedule your TSA PreCheck appointment.
Look for an email confirming your appointment.

Cracking the TSA PreCheck interview

The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes less than 10 minutes. It is primarily meant to verify your identification documents and process your fingerprints. For most people, you’ll need to bring your driver’s license and passport. However, it is best to use this interactive guide from the Department of Homeland Security to answer a few quick questions to know for sure which documents you should bring.

You will also be required to pay the nonrefundable $78 or $85 fee at your appointment. Payment can be made by credit card, company check, cashier’s check or money order.

Once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, add your Known Traveler Number to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles. This will allow you to use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes across the U.S.

What are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck program benefits anyone who travels frequently for business or leisure reasons. Anyone forced to fly at peak times like holiday weekends will appreciate the break as well.

TSA PreCheck benefits include:

An effective pre-screening process that allows you to prove once and for all that you’re a law-abiding citizen and you’re not up to no good
A quicker trip through the security checkpoint at the airport
The chance to skip the minor annoyance of piling your laptop, shoes, and coat in a bin for separate screening
A dedicated line for people with TSA PreCheck status

In short, you’ll spend less time standing in line and more time lounging in the airport cafe.

Call Airfare Policy at +1-866-952-7309 for assistance.

Conclusion

Since 2013, the TSA PreCheck program has allowed pre-screened enrollees to speed through airport security via dedicated lanes with less stringent screening criteria. The program is available to all U.S. citizens and legal residents who do not have a criminal history.

To enroll, there is an online application and an in-person interview. The application costs $78 and enrollment lasts five years, after which time it can be renewed for additional five-year periods.

FAQs on TSA PreCheck

What Are the TSA PreCheck Benefits?

TSA PreCheck benefits for travelers include fast passage through security at airports and fewer annoyances. PreCheck travelers do not have to pile their laptops, shoes, or overcoats in bins for separate screening. The usual restrictions on liquids and gels apply, but these can stay in the traveler’s carry-on.

How Can I Apply for TSA PreCheck?

First, submit a short online application via the TSA’s PreCheck website, then schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Enrollment centers are located by zip code or address search.

Can My Children Join Me on the PreCheck Line?

Yes, children 12 and under can join a parent or legal guardian with TSA PreCheck in the dedicated lanes if they’re traveling together, even if they do not have their own known traveler number.

Is TSA PreCheck a Security Vulnerability?

Critics have argued that the vetting process is flawed and that those with bad intent can falsify statements made during in-person interviews. Still, there have been no known security incidents related to PreCheck since its inception in 2013.