More than 200 domestic airports and 73 airlines provide TSA PreCheck – almost everywhere in the U.S. - and your membership is valid for five years.
People Also Ask
Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global EntryAlthough TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can speed up different screenings at airports, you cannot upgrade a TSA PreCheck membership to include Global Entry.
If I am TSA PreCheck® eligible, am I guaranteed expedited screening? No, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
Note that if a TSA PreCheck lane isn't open but you have TSA PreCheck, you'll typically be given a card that allows you to keep on your shoes and go through the metal detector rather than the full body scanner, while still using the “standard” lane.
TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.
To receive TSA PreCheck®, you must include your Known Traveler Number (your CBP PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members) in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA PreCheck® indicator must be displayed on the boarding pass to access the lanes.
It costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $100 to apply for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck, if approved). If you apply for TSA PreCheck first, you will have to pay another fee for Global Entry if you decide to apply later.
If you mostly travel domestically and want access to expedited security screening, TSA PreCheck may make sense for you. If you travel internationally and want access to faster customs screening upon reentry to the U.S., consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, instead.
However, if you mostly or only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck is probably all you need. It costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $100 to apply for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck, if approved).
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass.
Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you may be directed to use the normal security lines at times. This can be for any number of reasons, including PreCheck being closed. View the checkpoint schedule before you travel.
Global Entry is a federal program allowing members faster screening when returning to the U.S. A five-year membership is $100 and includes TSA Precheck. The Trusted Traveler Programs website estimates application processing times of four to six months for Global Entry.
While your card isn't required to access Global Entry kiosks at the airport, there are other scenarios in which you'll need it. If you plan to take advantage of Global Entry's access to NEXUS or SENTRI, your Global Entry card will be required.
Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry.
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Travelers who have TSA PreCheck status can enjoy faster-moving dedicated security lines at airports and do not have to remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets. Gels and small liquids may often remain in carry-ons as well as laptops.
Of course, you'll also need to be arriving from a flight abroad, but at least you can complete the interview without an appointment. It is possible to handle the Global Entry walk-in interview on arrival if you plan.
Can I bring my spouse through the TSA PreCheck lane? Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account. In some instances, however, security may allow them through when it's clear that their boarding passes match yours as the primary account holder.