Infants do not need TSA PreCheck, and they cannot hold their own membership

Infants and children under 18 cannot enroll in TSA PreCheck themselves. However, an infant traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck may move through expedited screening lines with that adult — the child does not need a separate membership or identification number.

The TSA allows one infant (typically under age 2) to travel in a parent's or guardian's lap without a separate ticket on domestic flights. That infant can accompany the PreCheck member through the expedited lane, but the infant's identity is not verified separately. Once a child is old enough to require their own airline ticket — usually around age 2 — they will go through standard security screening with you, even if you have PreCheck.

Key Takeaways

  • Infants cannot hold TSA PreCheck membership and do not need it to fly with a PreCheck-enrolled parent.
  • A lap infant can pass through the expedited security line with a PreCheck member but will not be screened separately.
  • Once a child requires their own airline ticket (around age 2), they must go through standard security screening even if traveling with a PreCheck member.
  • Children ages 13 and older can enroll in TSA PreCheck or NEXUS if a parent or guardian applies on their behalf and pays the fee.

What happens when you take an infant through TSA PreCheck screening

When you move through the expedited lane with an infant in your arms, the TSA officer will verify your identity using your PreCheck membership number or your driver's license. The infant travels with you and does not stop at a separate checkpoint. You may need to remove the infant from a carrier or sling so the officer can see that nothing is concealed, but the infant does not remove shoes or go through the metal detector separately.

Bring your infant's birth certificate or passport if you are traveling internationally, even though the infant will not be screened independently. Airlines require proof of the infant's age and identity for their records, and international borders may require documentation. Domestic travel with a lap infant requires only your own identification.

When your child needs their own ticket and security screening

Around age 2, airlines begin charging for a separate seat rather than allowing a child to sit in a parent's lap. Once your child has a paid ticket, they have their own name in the airline system and will be called through security screening separately — even if you have TSA PreCheck.

Your child will move through standard security with you, but they will be screened as their own passenger. They will need to remove shoes, place items in a bin, and walk through the metal detector or body scanner. The TSA does not offer expedited screening for children under 13 who do not have their own PreCheck membership.

TSA PreCheck for children ages 13 and older

Children ages 13 to 17 can enroll in TSA PreCheck if a parent or guardian applies on their behalf and pays the membership fee (currently $78 to $85 for five years, though this varies by enrollment center). The child will receive their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can use expedited screening independently when traveling alone or with family.

To enroll a teenager, you will need to visit an enrollment center in person with the child, a valid form of ID for the child (passport, state ID, or school ID), and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once approved, the child can enter their KTN when booking flights and will move through PreCheck lanes on their own.

Other programs that may help families with security screening

If you travel frequently with young children but do not want to pay for PreCheck, TSA CLEAR is an alternative that uses biometric scanning (fingerprint or iris scan) to verify identity. CLEAR costs more than PreCheck but moves you to the front of the security line. Children under 18 cannot enroll in CLEAR independently, but they can use it with a parent who is enrolled.

Some airlines offer family-friendly security lanes during peak travel times, though availability varies by airport. These lanes are designed for families with young children and may have shorter waits than standard screening, but they are not expedited in the way PreCheck is. Ask at your airline's ticket counter or check the airport's website before you travel to see what options are available at your departure airport.

What to pack and how to prepare for screening with an infant

Infant formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed through security in reasonable quantities — you do not need to place them in a quart-sized bag like you would with other liquids. Inform the TSA officer that you are carrying these items, and they may test them or open containers to verify contents. Frozen breast milk or formula is allowed if it is completely frozen solid at the checkpoint.

Pack diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in an easily accessible part of your carry-on. You may need to change your infant during the security process or shortly after. Strollers and car seats can go through the X-ray machine or be hand-checked by an officer; you do not have to collapse them unless the machine cannot accommodate them. Bring your infant's vaccination records or health documents if you are traveling internationally, as some countries require proof of certain vaccinations for entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck to get my 18-month-old through security faster?

Yes. Your infant can accompany you through the expedited lane and will not be screened separately. However, once your child is around age 2 and requires a paid airline ticket, they will need to go through standard screening even though you have PreCheck.

What if my child is 2 years old and has their own ticket — can they use my PreCheck?

No. Your child will go through standard security screening. Children under 13 cannot use a parent's PreCheck membership. If your child is 13 or older, you can enroll them in their own PreCheck membership so they can use expedited screening.

Do I need to show my infant's birth certificate at the TSA checkpoint?

For domestic flights, no — you only need your own ID. For international travel, bring your infant's passport or birth certificate because the airline and border agents will ask for it, even though the TSA will not verify it separately at security.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it if I only fly once or twice a year with my family?

That depends on your airport and travel patterns. PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years. If you fly through a busy airport where standard security lines are long, the time saved may be worth it. If your airport has short lines or you travel infrequently, standard screening may be fast enough.

Can I enroll my 10-year-old in TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck is available only to children ages 13 and older. Children under 13 cannot enroll, even with a parent's permission. Your 10-year-old will go through standard security screening regardless of your PreCheck status.