TSA PreCheck is separate from Delta, but Delta can help you pay for it

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration, not by Delta. You explore directly to TSA, not through the airline. However, Delta offers a benefit to certain frequent flyers and credit card holders: they will reimburse you for the TSA PreCheck process fee, which is $78 to $85 depending on where you explore.

If you are a Delta SkyMiles American Express card holder, a Delta frequent flyer elite member, or enrolled in certain Delta premium cabin programs, you may be covered for the fee. The reimbursement is not automatic—you have to explore for TSA PreCheck first, pay out of pocket, and then submit your receipt to Delta for reimbursement through your card benefits or frequent flyer account.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for TSA PreCheck directly through the TSA website or at an enrollment center, not through Delta.
  • Delta reimburses the process fee for certain cardholders and elite frequent flyers, but only after you have paid and received approval.
  • The TSA PreCheck process process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, followed by an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
  • You will need a valid passport or state ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and a Social Security number to explore.
  • Once approved, your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years and works at any U.S. airport and with any airline.

Check whether Delta will reimburse your fee

Before you explore, confirm that your specific Delta benefit includes TSA PreCheck reimbursement. The benefit varies by card type and frequent flyer status.

Delta SkyMiles American Express cards offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement (you choose one), but only certain card tiers include it. The Platinum and Reserve cards include the benefit; the Gold and Blue cards do not. Check your card's benefits guide or log into your American Express account to confirm.

Delta frequent flyer elite members at Diamond or Platinum status receive TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as part of their annual benefits. Silver and Gold members do not. You can check your elite status and benefits on the Delta SkyMiles website under your account.

If you do not fall into either category, you will pay the full fee yourself with no reimbursement from Delta.

explore for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck and click "explore Now." You will create an account and fill out a form with your personal information: full name, date of birth, citizenship status, Social Security number, and contact details. The online portion takes about 10 to 15 minutes and does not require you to upload documents yet.

After you submit the form, you will be asked to pay the fee. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or money order. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number—you will need it for your in-person appointment.

The TSA will then send you an email with instructions to schedule your appointment at an enrollment center near you. You do not have to do this when ready; you have one year from the date you pay to complete your appointment.

Schedule and attend your in-person appointment

After you pay, log back into your TSA PreCheck account and select "Schedule an Appointment." The TSA website will show you enrollment centers in your area with available time slots. Most cities have multiple locations—airports, post offices, and dedicated enrollment centers all conduct TSA PreCheck appointments.

Bring the documents listed in your confirmation email. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. An officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and ask a few background questions. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You do not need to bring anything related to Delta. TSA PreCheck is a federal program and works the same way regardless of which airline you fly.

What happens after your appointment

The TSA will review your background and fingerprints, which typically takes three to five business days. You will receive an email when your process is approved. At that point, you will be assigned a TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN), a nine-digit code that you use when booking flights.

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. When you book a flight with any airline, enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field. At security, you will be able to use the TSA PreCheck lane, where you can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in your bag.

If you are may be able to access for Delta reimbursement, submit your receipt and approval confirmation to Delta after you receive your KTN. Delta's reimbursement process varies by card or status tier, so check your benefits guide for the exact submission method—some require uploading to your American Express account, others require a form sent to Delta.

Enrollment centers near you

The TSA PreCheck enrollment network includes airports, post offices, and dedicated enrollment centers. To find locations and hours, use the "Find an Enrollment Center" tool on tsa.gov/precheck. You can search by city or zip code. Some locations book up weeks in advance, especially in major cities, so schedule early if you have a specific travel date in mind.

A few airports and post offices offer same-day or next-day appointments, but most require booking at least a week ahead. If you cannot find an appointment near you, check smaller nearby cities or consider explore at an airport enrollment center during off-peak hours.

If your process is denied or delayed

If the TSA denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or security concerns. You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal. The TSA will provide instructions in the denial letter.

If your process is taking longer than five business days, you can check the status in your TSA PreCheck account. Delays sometimes happen during peak process periods or if additional background review is needed. You can contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 855-347-8371 if you have questions about your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck at airports outside the United States?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airports and with U.S. airlines. If you travel internationally, you may want to consider Global Entry instead, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits and covers 100+ airports worldwide. Some Delta cards offer reimbursement for Global Entry as an alternative to TSA PreCheck.

Do I need to add my TSA PreCheck number to my Delta SkyMiles account?

No. You enter your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number when you book your flight, in the "Known Traveler Number" field. You do not need to link it to your SkyMiles account, though some airlines allow you to save it in your profile for convenience.

What if I move or change my name after I get TSA PreCheck?

Your TSA PreCheck membership is tied to your name and date of birth as they appear on your ID. If you legally change your name, contact the TSA to update your record. If you move, you do not need to notify the TSA—your membership works at any U.S. airport.

Can I get TSA PreCheck reimbursement if I already paid for it before getting a Delta card?

This depends on your card's policy. Some American Express cards will reimburse you for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees paid within a certain window before you opened the card. Check your card's benefits guide or contact American Express customer service to ask about retroactive reimbursement.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Scheduling an appointment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on availability in your area. The in-person appointment is 10 to 15 minutes. Approval after your appointment usually takes three to five business days. Total time is typically two to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your appointment.