What crimes keep you from getting TSA PreCheck?

As a passenger, you're required to refrain from travel-related crimes and violations to qualify for TSA PreCheck membership, including:
  • Assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew. ...
  • Physical or sexual assault or threat of same against any individual on an aircraft.
  • Interference with security operations.




The TSA has a specific list of disqualifying criminal offenses that are divided into "permanent" and "interim" categories. Permanently disqualifying crimes include espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, and murder; if you have ever been convicted of these, you can never get PreCheck. Interim disqualifying crimes—where you are ineligible for 5 to 7 years after conviction or release from prison—include robbery, bribery, extortion, arson, and drug-related offenses (specifically distribution or importation of a controlled substance). Interestingly, simple possession of a small amount of a controlled substance is often not an automatic disqualifier in 2026, depending on the state. Additionally, any "security-related" offenses, such as making a bomb threat or assaulting a flight crew member, will lead to an immediate and likely permanent ban from all "Trusted Traveler" programs like PreCheck and Global Entry.

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Reasons TSA PreCheck can be denied Assault. Threat. Intimidation or interference with flight crew. Physical or sexual assault (or threat of assault) on an aircraft.

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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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See Also: TSA Background Check Disqualifying Factors Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism, or conspiracy to commit such crime. A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident). Improper transportation of a hazardous material under 49 U.S.C.

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However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

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Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.

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There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can head to the front of the security line, free of charge.

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For example, if your offense was downgraded to a misdemeanor or a lesser offense, was expunged or pardoned, or if it has been more than 7 years since you were convicted of a disqualifying offense (for some, but not all felony convictions), you should be eligible for participation in PreCheck.

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They are typically not running warrant checks on everyone that comes through the airport. Still, there are numerous security guidelines and regulations that must be followed. If you break the rules, you could get in trouble with the police, and they will probably find out about your warrants.

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If the conviction was a while ago, you may have to contact the U.S. Embassy, Office of Consular Affairs in your country to obtain a waiver. Other misdemeanors may result in denial if they are recent. A crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may be grounds to deny entry to the United States.

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Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.

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You may leave on your shoes and light jacket during screening. If you alarm during security screening, you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down. You can request to be seated during this portion of the screening.

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The TSA largely looks for physical evidence that a passenger could be a threat, so they'll generally have no reason to search through the data on your phone. After all, they're the Transportation Security Agency, not a detective agency. Even if they did have reason to want to access your phone, they'd need a warrant.

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