How do I skip TSA lines?

Apply for TSA PreCheck
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.



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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


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Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threats—mainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA. Those are things like explosives or knives made out of materials other than metal, like ceramics, says Malvini Redden.

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Google search traffic for “TSA Precheck” is around its highest level in five years. Most TSA PreCheck applicants must complete an online application, and get approved within three to five days of their in-person enrollment appointment, on average. However, it can take 60 days or longer, the TSA said.

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The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

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If you are an international traveler, you'll likely benefit more from Global Entry. However, if you only travel domestically, TSA Precheck is a fantastic option. TSA PreCheck comes with: “Fastpass” through airport security - expedited security screening for low-risk travelers departing from U.S. airports.

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  • Unexpired U.S. Passport (book or card)
  • Unexpired Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
  • Unexpired Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card.
  • Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) often referred to as a “Green Card”


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Yes. TSA PreCheck® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®.

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Is TSA PreCheck Free for Seniors? TSA PreCheck is not free for seniors and there are no senior discounts applicable to the $78 application fee.

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It's also worth noting that not every airport has TSA PreCheck and not every terminal within an airport has it. And TSA PreCheck lines may have their own hours and are not always open when the standard security line is open, such as early in the morning.

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Key differences between TSA PreCheck and Clear There are a few differences between the expedited screening services. Here's what you should know: Price: Clear is more expensive at $189/year versus TSA PreCheck at $78 for five years. Processing time: Clear applications are processed immediately for same-day use.

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The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

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10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.

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Reasons TSA PreCheck can be denied
It is possible to lose TSA PreCheck by committing federal security violations or crimes. These include both on an airplane or even when not flying. On the plane, these can include: Assault.

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“Millimeter wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger's body or penetrate the skin,” Langston says. That said, Malvini Redden says body scanners would also not pick up anything else stashed inside a body cavity, such as drugs or hazardous liquids.

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Furthermore, the GAO report found that it isn't just headgear and hairstyles that increases the rate of false alarms, a passenger's body fat content will also affect the rate of false alarms.

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You are NEVER too old to travel. Because getting old IS just a number. There are, however, plenty of other things that enter the equation that come hand in hand with age. It is THESE things that you should take into account before you buy that plane ticket.

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Special TSA Security Screening for Passengers 75 and older – Passengers 75 and older are not required to remove their shoes and light jacket at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint, and they are allowed an extra pass through Advanced Imaging Technology devices.

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