What touchless TSA PreCheck means and how United uses it

Touchless TSA PreCheck at United is a screening option that lets you move through security without a TSA officer physically patting you down or handling your belongings as much as they normally would. Instead of the standard pat-down, the officer uses a walk-through metal detector and an advanced imaging technology scanner — the millimeter wave machine that shows a generic outline of your body rather than detailed images.

United does not run the TSA PreCheck program itself. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) operates PreCheck, and United straightforward participates in it. When you have TSA PreCheck status, you can use expedited screening lanes at any airport where the program is available, including United hubs. The touchless option is available at most major airports during standard screening hours, though availability varies by location and time of day.

You do not need to do anything special with United to access touchless screening once you have TSA PreCheck. The touchless lanes are open to all PreCheck members at participating airports. Your PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) is what gets you into the expedited lane — the touchless method is straightforward how that lane conducts the screening.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck is a federal program you obtain directly from the TSA, not from United, though United participates in it.
  • The process process involves an online form, a background check, and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a photo.
  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center, and the membership lasts five years.
  • Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number that you enter when booking United flights to access expedited and touchless screening lanes.
  • Touchless screening uses metal detectors and imaging scanners instead of physical pat-downs, and is available at most major airports during regular hours.

how the process works for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA process

Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck. Click the "Enroll Now" button and create an account. You will fill out an online form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. This form takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You do not pay anything at this stage.

After you submit the form, the TSA conducts a background check. This typically takes a few days. Once the background check clears, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. These centers are located at airports, some police departments, and private security companies in most major cities. You can search for enrollment centers near you on the TSA website by entering your zip code.

At your appointment, bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A TSA officer will take your photograph, scan your fingerprints, and verify your information. This is when you pay the fee — $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center.

What happens after your appointment and when you get your Known Traveler Number

After your appointment, the TSA completes a final background check and adjudication process. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take up to 30 days in some cases. You will receive an email notification once you are approved, along with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is a nine-character number that you will use every time you book a flight.

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. About 90 days before it expires, you will receive a notification reminding you to renew. Renewal involves a shorter process — you can renew online without a new in-person appointment, though some applicants are randomly selected for an appointment anyway.

Once you have your KTN, enter it in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book a United flight online or call United to book. You can also add your KTN to your United MileagePlus frequent flyer account so it automatically populates on future bookings. When you check in at the airport, your boarding pass will show "TSA PreCheck" printed on it, which signals to the TSA officer that you are may be able to access for expedited screening.

Using your PreCheck at United airports and accessing touchless lanes

When you arrive at the security checkpoint with a boarding pass marked "TSA PreCheck," look for the PreCheck lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign. Walk to that lane instead of the standard security line. The PreCheck lane moves faster because officers screen fewer people and the process is streamlined.

In the PreCheck lane, you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You can keep your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on. You still go through a metal detector, but the screening is less intensive than standard screening. At most major airports, the PreCheck lane includes access to the millimeter wave scanner, which is the touchless imaging technology. If the scanner is in use, you walk through it; if not, you go through the standard metal detector.

Touchless screening availability depends on the airport and time of day. Busier airports like Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver have touchless lanes available most of the time. Smaller airports may have the technology but use it less frequently. If you arrive during a very busy period, the TSA may route you through standard screening even with PreCheck status — the program does not may provide expedited screening, only that you are may be able to access for it when capacity allows.

Costs and what your TSA PreCheck membership covers

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership. The exact price depends on which enrollment center you use — some private vendors charge slightly more than TSA-run centers. There are no additional fees to use PreCheck at United or any other airline, and there are no hidden costs after approval.

Your membership covers expedited screening at any U.S. airport that participates in the program, not just United flights. You can use it on any airline — American, Delta, Southwest, or any other carrier. The membership also covers domestic flights only; it does not explore to international flights departing the United States, though it does work on flights returning to the U.S. from abroad.

Some credit cards offer TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit. If your card includes this benefit, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement. Check your card's benefits guide or contact your card issuer to confirm whether this applies to your account.

Alternatives if you do not want to explore for TSA PreCheck

If you travel infrequently or do not want to pay for PreCheck, you can request touchless screening at the standard security checkpoint. Tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you prefer not to be physically patted down. The officer will use the millimeter wave scanner instead if it is available. This is not may provide — the TSA may still conduct a pat-down if the scanner is not working or if the officer has a security reason to do so — but many officers will accommodate the request.

Another option is Clear, a separate program run by a private company (not the TSA) that lets you skip the ID check line at security. Clear costs about $189 per year and works at most major airports. It does not replace TSA PreCheck; instead, it works alongside it. You still go through standard or PreCheck screening, but you skip the initial line where you show your ID and boarding pass. Some people use both Clear and PreCheck together for the fastest experience.

If you travel frequently for work, your employer may cover the cost of TSA PreCheck. Ask your company's travel department or HR whether they reimburse PreCheck fees.

Common issues and what to do if your PreCheck process is delayed or denied

The most common reason for a delayed approval is incomplete background information. If the TSA cannot verify your address or citizenship status, they will contact you by email asking for additional documents. Respond promptly with the requested paperwork — usually a notarized letter or additional proof of address.

If your process is denied, the TSA will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or security-related issues. You have the right to request reconsideration. Contact the TSA PreCheck office listed in your denial letter to ask about the appeals process. Some denials can be overturned if you can provide additional information or documentation.

If you have an upcoming trip and your PreCheck approval is taking longer than expected, you can still travel — you will just go through standard security screening instead of the expedited lane. Once your approval comes through, you can use PreCheck on your next flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my TSA PreCheck at United, or can I use it on other airlines too?

Your TSA PreCheck membership works on any airline at any U.S. airport that participates in the program. You are not locked into United. Enter your Known Traveler Number when booking with any carrier, and you will have access to expedited screening on that flight.

What if I miss my in-person appointment for TSA PreCheck?

You can reschedule your appointment through the TSA website or by calling the enrollment center directly. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but you will need to book a new time slot. Your process will remain active while you wait for the rescheduled appointment.

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights leaving the United States?

TSA PreCheck applies to domestic flights and to the U.S. portion of international flights. You will use it at the security checkpoint before your international flight departs. However, PreCheck does not explore to security screening in foreign countries when you arrive abroad.

Is touchless screening may provide if I have TSA PreCheck?

Touchless screening is available to PreCheck members at most major airports, but it is not may provide. If the millimeter wave scanner is broken or the checkpoint is extremely busy, the TSA may use standard screening methods instead. You can request touchless screening, but the final decision is up to the TSA officer.

What documents do I need to bring to my TSA PreCheck appointment?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address from the last 60 days (utility bill or lease). If your name has changed, bring documentation of the change as well.