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How does PreCheck work at the airport?

What is TSA PreCheck®? The TSA PreCheck® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines page). No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets. Apply Now!



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TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you'll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, more than 89% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited five minutes or less in March 2023.

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To do so, click on Manage Trip for each reservation. Then, click on Add/Edit Passenger Information to add your PreCheck number.

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If your boarding pass doesn't show your PreCheck status, you cannot use the TSA PreCheck security lanes. For future reservations, log in to your airline account before booking your flight. Booking flights while logged in allows your PreCheck number to be added to reservations automatically.

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If you don't find out about the missing PreCheck designation until you're at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask them to add your KTN to your itinerary — even if you think it's not worth the trouble at that point.

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Once approved for TSA PreCheck status, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Use that number any time you book a flight, and you will automatically have your TSA Pre status applied to your boarding pass—it looks like this: TSA Pre?.

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The program doesn't guarantee you'll get through security faster, and, indeed, so many people are now clued into TSA PreCheck that the line can sometimes be as long as (or even longer) than the general public queue. But generally, you'll have a smoother experience than if you had nothing.

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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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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.

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Get through the line faster with TSA PreCheck™. TSA PreCheck™ lets you leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while you go through security. You can also leave your laptop and your liquids in your bag.

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How it Works
  1. Apply Online. Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers.
  2. Enroll in person. 10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.
  3. Travel with Ease.


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Once you complete enrollment and are deemed eligible for the program, wait three to five days for a Known Traveler Number. However, keep in mind that it can take up to 60 days to be approved in some cases.

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You book with an airline that doesn't participate in TSA PreCheck.
  • China Southern Airlines.
  • China Eastern Airlines.
  • EasyJet.
  • EgyptAir.
  • Norwegian Airlines.
  • Qatar Airways.
  • Ryanair.
  • Iceland Air.


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Perhaps the fastest way to get your KTN at this point is by signing in to the TTP website. If you applied for TSA PreCheck online, for example, you may have sign-in information to manage your application and membership. After signing in to the program's portal, you should be able to locate your KTN.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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Passengers can present their ID in Apple Wallet by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology reader at the travel document checking podium. The device will then display the requested information, which is only released after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID.

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The airline is required to send their manifest to TSA prior to boarding pass issuance. That is one reason boarding passes are not available until 24 hours before the flight. Through an algorithm that of course they won't disclose, low risk travelers are given Pre status from time-to-time.

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The difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership, and $70 to renew. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, plus faster U.S. customs screening for international travelers arriving at U.S. airports. It's run by a different agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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