What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travelers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at more than 200 U.S. airports.

TSA PreCheck benefits for air travelers include faster access to airline boarding gates and an absence of the usual requirements to scan your laptop and jacket. You can even keep your shoes on through security.

About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes to pass through security as of 2024. There are more than 18 million active members in the PreCheck program. The application process includes applying through the and attending a brief in-person meeting.

How TSA PreCheck Works

TSA PreCheck travelers often have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint. They don’t have to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Their carry-on items are not separately screened either. They can leave a laptop in its case and the carry-on bag can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size containers of liquids and gels.

The TSA PreCheck program began in December 2013 to speed pre-screened travelers through security checkpoints, which get backed up during busy times. The usual process includes a requirement that passengers remove their shoes, heavy jackets, and some electronics and pile them into trays for separate screening.

Further delays can be caused by passengers being pulled aside for additional scrutiny if the screening reveals banned items. These measures aren't pointless. A would-be terrorist smuggled explosives in his sneakers on a Paris-to-Miami flight in 2001. Dangerous or illegal items can be hidden inside laptops that have had their components removed. Bulky jackets can hide weapons. The TSA PreCheck program identifies passengers who are at very low risk of trying any of these strategies and speeds them through the security checkpoints.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck program benefits anyone who travels frequently for business or leisure reasons. Anyone forced to fly at peak times like holiday weekends will appreciate the break as well. TSA PreCheck benefits include:

• An effective pre-screening process that allows you to prove once and for all that you're a law-abiding citizen and you're not up to no good
• A quicker trip through the security checkpoint at the airport
• The chance to skip the minor annoyance of piling your laptop, shoes, and coat in a bin for separate screening
• A dedicated TSA staff at the head of a shorter line of people with TSA PreCheck status

In short, you'll spend less time standing in line and more time lounging in the airport cafe.

Applying for TSA PreCheck

More than 200 airports and 90+ airlines accommodate TSA PreCheck travelers. You can begin the application process online via the TSA's website.

However, you have to complete the application process in person at a TSA-authorized enrollment location. You will be fingerprinted and asked for a valid proof of identity and U.S. citizenship documents. Travelers who are foreign citizens must be able to provide certain residency documents to qualify.

The online application takes less than five minutes, on average, and the in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes.

Once approved for TSA PreCheck status, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Use that number any time you book a flight, and you will automatically have your TSA Pre status applied to your boarding pass. It looks like this: TSA Pre✓. Then you can start using those fast lanes reserved for TSA PreCheck passengers.

PreCheck Coverage With Credit Cards

Some credit card issuers provide access to TSA PreCheck as a membership benefit. Some offer periodic statement credits for TSA PreCheck, while others allow their members to pay for the program with loyalty points. According to the TSA, these cards include:

• Bank of America: Premium Rewards credit card
• Capital One: Spark Miles Card, Venture Card, and Venture X Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
• Citi: AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, Prestige Card
• Commerce Bank® World Elite Mastercard
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, Reserve American Express Card
• HSBC: Elite World Elite Mastercard, Premier World Mastercard
• Marriott: Bonvoy, Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
• MasterCard Black Card, MasterCard Gold Card
• Truist: Business Travel Rewards credit card, Enjoy Beyond credit card, Enjoy Travel credit card
• UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card
• US Bank: Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card, FlexPerks Gold American Express Card

Other Traveler Programs

TSA PreCheck only applies to air travel. The Department of Homeland Security operates other federal programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI that verify the identities of trusted travelers and speed them through security.

• The NEXUS program covers pre-screened travelers who are traveling between Canada and the U.S. by plane, car, or boat. It costs $50.
• The SENTRI program eases restrictions on travel from the U.S. to Mexico by air or land. It costs $122.50.
• Global Entry lets trusted travelers traveling internationally by plane, ship, or auto quickly move through customs and border protection. It costs $100.

For U.S. citizens, membership in these programs includes TSA PreCheck status. There are also private programs that can speed up your trip. One of them is Clear, a security technology program that uses biometric data to help identify passengers. Clear is already used in about 50 airports, as well as other locations such as stadiums.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear

TSA PreCheck allows pre-screened U.S. citizens and permanent residents to skip the lines at U.S. airport security. It costs $78 for a five-year membership.

However, TSA PreCheck is only available for flights leaving the U.S. Global Entry is a similar program for international travel, allowing trusted passengers to quickly move through customs and border checkpoints. It costs $100 for five years.

Clear is a private program available through some airlines. Clear uses biometric data—such as fingerprints and iris scans—to verify passenger identities, allowing them to move quickly through airport security. It's in use at some stadiums, too. Clear costs $189 and only lasts for one year.

The Bottom Line

Since 2013, the TSA PreCheck program has allowed pre-screened enrollees to speed through airport security via dedicated lanes with less stringent screening criteria. The program is available to all U.S. citizens and legal residents who do not have a criminal history. To enroll, there is an online application and an in-person interview. The application costs $78 and enrollment lasts five years, after which time it can be renewed for additional five-year periods.