Minors do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership to pass security, but the rules depend on their age and who is traveling with them

Children under 18 can go through airport security without a TSA PreCheck card as long as they travel with an adult who has one. If that adult has an active PreCheck membership, the child can use the expedited lane with them. Children traveling alone or with a non-PreCheck adult must use standard security lines.

The TSA does not issue PreCheck cards to minors, so you cannot buy one for a child. However, children can be added to a parent's or guardian's account at no extra cost, which lets them travel in the PreCheck lane when that adult is present. This is the most practical option for families who fly together regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 traveling with a PreCheck member can use the expedited security lane at no additional cost.
  • The TSA does not sell PreCheck memberships to minors, so a child cannot have their own card.
  • A child can be added to a parent's PreCheck account online through the TSA website, which takes a few minutes.
  • Teenagers traveling alone or with a non-PreCheck adult must use standard security screening, which takes longer.
  • PreCheck membership costs $78 to $85 for five years and covers one adult; adding a child costs nothing.

How children travel through security with a PreCheck adult

When a child travels with an adult who has an active TSA PreCheck membership, both can enter the PreCheck security lane together. The child does not need to show a card or have their own membership. The adult's PreCheck status extends to any children traveling with them, as long as the child is under 18 and listed on the adult's account.

The PreCheck lane moves faster because passengers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and liquids stay in bags. Children benefit from this speed just as much as the adult. However, the child must still go through the metal detector or body scanner and have bags screened — PreCheck does not skip those steps, it just streamlines them.

If a child is not listed on the adult's PreCheck account, the TSA may not allow the child to use the expedited lane, even if the adult has PreCheck. Adding a child takes five minutes on the TSA website and costs nothing.

Adding a child to a parent's PreCheck account

To add a child to an existing PreCheck membership, log into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website. Look for the option to add a family member or dependent. You will need the child's full name, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status. The process is free and takes a few minutes.

Once the child is added, they can travel in the PreCheck lane with you when ready — there is no waiting period or additional card to receive. The child's name will be linked to your membership for the remainder of your five-year PreCheck term. When your PreCheck expires and you renew, the child's status renews with it at no extra charge.

If you do not yet have PreCheck and want to add a child, you must first enroll yourself. You can enroll online or at an enrollment center in your area. After your membership is active, you can add the child to your account.

What happens when a child travels without a PreCheck adult

A teenager or child traveling alone, or traveling with an adult who does not have PreCheck, must go through standard security screening. This means removing shoes, belts, and jackets; taking out laptops and liquids; and waiting in the regular security line. Standard screening typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on airport traffic, whereas PreCheck usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Unaccompanied minors on commercial flights must follow the airline's unaccompanied minor policy, which usually requires the child to be at least 5 years old and sometimes older depending on the airline. The airline handles supervision and gate procedures; TSA security screening is separate. An unaccompanied minor still goes through standard security unless they have their own PreCheck, which the TSA does not offer.

If a teenager is old enough to travel alone and flies frequently, their parent or guardian might consider getting PreCheck for themselves so the teenager can use the expedited lane when traveling together on other trips.

PreCheck cost and membership length for families

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which enrollment center or online provider you use. This covers one adult and any children under 18 you add to the account. Adding multiple children costs nothing extra — the fee is per adult membership, not per person.

If both parents have PreCheck, each can add children to their own account. A child can then travel in the PreCheck lane with either parent. However, a child cannot use PreCheck if traveling with someone who is not on their parent's account — for example, a grandparent or aunt without their own PreCheck membership would not be able to bring the child through the expedited lane.

PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date of enrollment. When it expires, you renew by paying the fee again. Children added to your account do not need to renew separately — they renew as part of your membership renewal.

Alternatives if PreCheck does not fit your travel pattern

If your family flies only once or twice a year, PreCheck may not be worth the cost. Standard security screening, while slower, is free and works for all travelers regardless of age or membership status. Many families find that arriving at the airport earlier on travel days is simpler than paying for PreCheck.

Global Entry is a separate program that includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when returning to the United States from international travel. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and also covers children under 18 added to the account at no extra cost. If your family travels internationally, Global Entry may offer better value than PreCheck alone.

Some credit cards offer PreCheck or Global Entry statement credits as a cardholder benefit, which can offset or cover the entire membership fee. Check your card's benefits guide to see if this option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 16-year-old get their own TSA PreCheck card?

No. The TSA does not issue PreCheck memberships to anyone under 18. A teenager can only use PreCheck by traveling with an adult who has an active membership and has added them to their account. Once the teenager turns 18, they can enroll in their own PreCheck membership.

What if my child is traveling with their grandparent who doesn't have PreCheck?

The child will need to go through standard security screening. PreCheck only extends to children traveling with an adult who has an active membership and has added the child to their account. If the grandparent wants to use PreCheck with the child, the grandparent would need to enroll in their own membership and add the child to it.

Do I have to add my child to my PreCheck account, or can they use it automatically?

You must add your child to your account through the TSA website. Children are not automatically included. Once added, they can use PreCheck with you right away at no extra cost. The process takes a few minutes and requires your child's name, date of birth, and citizenship information.

Will my child's PreCheck status change when they turn 18?

Yes. When your child turns 18, they can no longer use your PreCheck membership. At that point, they can enroll in their own PreCheck account if they want to continue using expedited security screening. Your membership will not automatically transfer to them.