How many Americans have PreCheck?

Thirty-two million travelers now benefit from TSA PreCheck expedited screening after being vetted though TSA PreCheck ®, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry or another federal vetting program.



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Although more than 15 million Americans have now joined TSA PreCheck, it is still a worthwhile purchase for travelers, and the benefits outweigh the minor drawbacks. Once you get through the application process, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of TSA PreCheck for five years before you have to renew again.

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The first was that the TSA PreCheck application program has surpassed 15 million active members, officially setting a new record for membership. The second was that more than 19,200 individuals applied for membership on Feb. 21, 2023, which broke the record for any single day in the program's history.

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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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Who can apply for TSA PreCheck®? The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.

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Most budget airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, and Sun Country all participate in TSA PreCheck. Notable airlines that don't participate in TSA PreCheck include Aer Lingus, China Southern, China Eastern, and EgyptAir.

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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.

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Why do some passengers get TSA pre-check? TSA and some airlines used to give some passengers precheck access, sometimes randomly, and sometimes for frequent flyers.

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

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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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Cons: Because of the program's popularity, TSA PreCheck lanes can sometimes be longer than the normal security ones. However, an extra few minutes of waiting here and there might be worth it to avoid having to strip down and assume the position in a scanner every time you fly.

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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.

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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. After approval, return to the TSA PreCheck website and click the Check My Service Status link to find your KTN.

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Air Travel in the U.S. With an average of 2.56 million passengers per day passing through TSA checkpoints, June was also the busiest month at U.S. airports since July 2019. Looking at all of 2023 so far, passenger throughput has been virtually identical to 2019 levels.

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Your KTN is helpful when traveling because it's your key to access the TSA PreCheck lanes; these lanes typically have shorter wait times and allow members to undergo a less intrusive screening process than the standard lanes.

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If you have both TSA PreCheck and Clear, then you not only go through the TSA PreCheck lane but get to cut the PreCheck line — if there is one. TSA PreCheck lines are typically short. In September 2021, 96% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes, according to the TSA.

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

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TSA PreCheck gets you into expedited security lines with fewer hoops to jump through when you get there. However, it will not help you speed through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S., as Global Entry does. Although Global Entry includes membership to TSA PreCheck, it does not work the other way around.

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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. TSA will notify members with eligibility results. How much does TSA PreCheck® renewal cost?

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

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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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Applying for Global Entry is more of a hassle than TSA PreCheck. Here's why: Passport: You must already have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry. Getting a passport comes with its own costs and paperwork.

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