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How does TSA 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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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.

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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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Unexpired driver's license issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include a federal agency, State or State agency seal or logo (such as a State university ID).

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You can also update existing reservations with your TSA PreCheck number. Go to Edit Traveler Information in the Manage Reservations section on the website, at an airport kiosk or in the United app.

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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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Just how much time does TSA PreCheck save? TSA estimates that 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line. This is a small amount of time separating you from the back of the security line to the terminal, meaning the most useful benefit is, of course, saving time.

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How do I know when I'm approved for TSA PreCheck®? Most applicants receive their KTN (Known Traveler Number) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Applicants can receive updates on their enrollment application status by email, phone, text or by checking online.

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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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Because of the quicker screening procedures, the PreCheck line is usually shorter than a standard security screening line. More often than not, you'll get through in less than five minutes.

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Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. 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.

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What are the odds of getting TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck may be the least exclusive club that's actually worth joining. More than 99 percent of travelers who apply are admitted into the expedited airport screening program, according to TSA spokesperson Jenny Burke.

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Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

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If you still do not have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, please call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673, submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years.

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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.

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About 1% of all applications received by Global Entry and TSA PreCheck applications are denied.

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The easiest way to add PreCheck to a ticket on American Airlines is to update your AAdvantage profile with your KTN. Log in and go to Your Account. Choose Information and Password, then add your PreCheck number in the Known Traveler Number field in the Secure Traveler section.

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