- To apply for TSA PreCheck, fill out the online application and go to an enrollment center for an in-person interview once you’ve been approved.
- Get your Known Traveler Number from TSA via email. Enter the KTN on your reservation, and your boarding pass will show a “TSA PreCheck” indicator on it.
- At the airport, enter the TSA PreCheck line. You may not be required to remove light jackets, belts, shoes, liquids, or electronic devices.
Applying for the TSA PreCheck Benefits
Verify that you are a US citizen or resident. The TSA PreCheck program is only offered to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. You must be able to provide valid citizenship documentation during the application process. Canadian citizens who have enrolled in the NEXUS program are also eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits. Citizens of a few select countries may also be eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits by signing up for the Global Entry program. This program is open to citizens of India, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexican nationals.
Fill out the online application. To begin the application process, visit the TSA’s PreCheck application webpage. Click on “New Enrollment” and fill out the form. You will be asked to provide some personal details – like your name, address, birth date, recent employment history, and any recent countries you have visited. Make sure that the name you enter on the application matches the name on your passport exactly. If the two differ in any way, you won’t be able to use the TSA PreCheck option. When applying, you can self-identify as “Male,” “Female,” or “Another Gender.” The gender on your ID documents does not have to match the gender you select on your application. If your gender does not match the gender you originally selected on your application, you can request a data update from the enrollment provider you applied with.
Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. You can make an appointment online during the initial application process or walk into an enrollment center without making an appointment. Visit TSA’s online Enrollment Center Locator and enter your zip code to find a location near you. At the appointment, bring an original or certified copy of your identity/citizenship status documentation. This may include your passport or a valid photo ID and a document that meets citizenship requirements. See the entire list here. The TSA agent will perform a background check, fingerprint you, and ask you a few straightforward questions about your personal details during the interview.
Pay the application fee at the interview appointment. To cover the cost of the background check, you’ll be asked to pay a non-refundable $85 fee. This fee also maintains your eligibility for TSA PreCheck for 5 years. TSA doesn’t offer assistance with the fee, but if you have any participating credit cards, you may qualify to have some or the entire application fee covered. To renew your TSA PreCheck for another 5 years after it expires, you’ll be asked to pay a non-refundable $70-78 fee.
Recieve your Known Traveler Number 3-5 days after the interview. Once you’ve been approved for TSA PreCheck, you’ll get an email or phone notification with instructions on retrieving your Known Traveler Number (KTN) online. This number functions as your TSA PreCheck identifier, and you can look up your KTN at any time on the TSA website. Some applicants may wait up to 60 days to receive their KTN. Check your application status online. TSA may deny your application if you provide incomplete or incorrect information, you violate transportation security rules, or you have committed a disqualifying criminal offense.
Flying with TSA PreCheck
Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation. Include your KTN in the appropriate field of each reservation you make with a participating airline, whether you’re booking a flight online or by phone with an airline agent or travel management company. You can also add it to any frequent flyer profiles, employer booking systems, or online travel websites that you use. Once you add your KTN, you will receive a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. If you don’t include your TSA PreCheck number when you book an airline ticket, you won’t be able to use TSA PreCheck benefits at the airport. The TSA PreCheck program was initially available at just 4 U.S. airports but has expanded to more than 200 airports nationwide. To see the airports that offer PreCheck, visit the TSA’s Airports and Airlines interactive map.
Enter the security line marked for TSA PreCheck passengers. Once you get to the security line at the airport, look for the lane labeled “TSA Pre✓®” or "Expedited Screening". This line should have fewer people and shorter waits as you move through security. You will be required to show your boarding pass with the "TSA Precheck" indicator printed on it. This will allow you to use the expedited screening lane when boarding your flight.
Keep your light jacket, belt, and shoes on. When you’re TSA PreCheck approved, you’re not required to remove your light jackets, belts, or shoes as you pass through security. If your shoes or belt have large metal pieces on them, you may be asked to remove them. You will be asked to remove heavy jackets, but you can keep light jackets and sweaters on.
Keep liquids, gels, aerosols, and laptops in your bag. In the TSA PreCheck line, you’re not required to remove liquids from your bag or to take out electronic devices, like laptops. Instead, keep all of these items in your luggage and simply send your bag through the X-ray machine as-is. However, you still are required to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size 3.4 ounces (100 milliliter) containers. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Cooperate with any additional screenings or requirements. Remember that even TSA PreCheck-approved passengers are still subject to additional screening if deemed necessary by TSA personnel. Follow any instructions given to you by TSA employees, even if you have TSA PreCheck status. You may be asked to submit to additional X-ray screening of your luggage, body scans, or even physical pat-downs.
Comments
0 comment