Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. Any child traveling alone routinely may want to enroll in the program.

There is no minimum age requirement to obtain a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Even infants and toddlers can have their own KTN. For TSA PreCheck specifically, children aged 12 and under can typically "ride along" with a parent or guardian who has the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass without needing their own membership. However, once a child turns 13, they are no longer eligible for this benefit and must have their own KTN to use the expedited security lanes. For Global Entry, every traveler, regardless of age (including newborns), must have their own individual membership and KTN to use the kiosks when entering the United States. In 2026, the application process for minors still requires a parent or legal guardian to be present during the in-person interview. Getting a KTN for a child is a popular move for frequent-flying families, as it ensures the entire group stays together in the faster security lines rather than the child being pulled into the standard screening queue once they hit their teenage years.