“If you fly two to three times per year, whether it be international or domestic, then the ability to skip super long security lines with TSA PreCheck is certainly worth the cost,” says John Taylor Garner, CEO of Odynn, a credit card awards optimization platform.
If you believe you should have the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass but did not receive it, please call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673, submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.
When you enroll in TSA Pre?® (valid for 5 years), you'll speed through expedited security lines without the need to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or lightweight jacket.
If you are unclear why you are not receiving the TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass, first check that your membership has not expired by looking up your KTN (Known Traveler Number) here. If your KTN is still active, confirm with your airline that your KTN, name, and date of birth are accurate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The cost for TSA PreCheck® membership renewal varies by enrollment provider. Please find current offerings here. The fee maintains your eligibility for a period of 5 years, and covers the operational costs associated with the background check.
How long does it take to get approved? 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.
*An original or certified copy of a document must be issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession bearing an official seal. Short form or abstract birth certificates and notarized copies of documents are not acceptable.
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.