TSA PreCheck works the same way on Delta as on any other airline, but Delta offers a few shortcuts to enroll and a rewards program that makes it worth doing through them

TSA PreCheck is a background-checked status that lets you go through a faster security line at the airport. Delta does not issue TSA PreCheck itself — the Transportation Security Administration does — but Delta has partnered with enrollment centers and offers Medallion members (their frequent flyer program) a way to pay for it through their account. Once you have TSA PreCheck, you use it on Delta the same way you use it on every other airline: you enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when you book, and it appears on your boarding pass.

The fastest path depends on whether you are already a Delta frequent flyer. If you are not, you can enroll directly through the TSA website or at an enrollment center near you. If you are a Delta Medallion member, you can pay for TSA PreCheck through your Delta account and earn frequent flyer miles on the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 and is valid for five years; you renew by mail or online without a new appointment.
  • Delta Medallion members can pay for TSA PreCheck through their Delta account and earn frequent flyer miles on the enrollment fee.
  • You must enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when you book a Delta flight for TSA PreCheck to show on your boarding pass.
  • Enrollment requires an in-person appointment at an approved enrollment center; you bring a valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship, and proof of residence.
  • If you hold a Global Entry card, you automatically have TSA PreCheck and do not need to enroll separately.

Enroll through Delta if you are a Medallion member

Delta Medallion members can enroll in TSA PreCheck through their Delta account and pay the fee directly. Log into your Delta account, go to the "My Wallet" or "Account" section, and look for the TSA PreCheck offer. The cost is the same as enrolling directly with the TSA, but you earn frequent flyer miles on the fee — usually 500 to 1,000 miles depending on your Medallion status.

When you pay through Delta, the system generates a link to book your enrollment appointment at an approved center. You will still attend an in-person appointment and provide the same documents as anyone else, but the process is streamlined because Delta handles the payment and appointment scheduling. After your appointment, you receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from the TSA, and you enter it into your Delta profile so it appears on all your boarding passes automatically.

Enroll directly with the TSA if you are not a Delta member

If you do not have a Delta Medallion account or prefer not to enroll through Delta, you can enroll directly with the TSA at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "Enroll Now" and select an enrollment center near you. The TSA website shows all approved locations, including some airports, post offices, and third-party enrollment agencies. Book your appointment online — most centers have openings within one to three weeks.

The fee is $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center. Bring a valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The appointment takes about 15 minutes. After the TSA approves your background check — usually within two to four weeks — you receive your Known Traveler Number by email.

Add your Known Traveler Number to your Delta account

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, log into your Delta account and add it to your profile. Go to "My Profile," then "Frequent Flyer Information," and enter your KTN in the TSA PreCheck field. Save the changes. From that point on, every time you book a Delta flight, your KTN will appear on your boarding pass automatically.

If you book a flight before you add your KTN to your account, you can still add it after booking. Log into your reservation, go to "Manage My Booking," and add your KTN there. It will update on your boarding pass within a few hours. You can also call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 and ask a representative to add it to your reservation.

Use TSA PreCheck at the airport

When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign and is separate from the standard security line. Hand your boarding pass and ID to the TSA officer. Because your KTN is on your boarding pass, you are in the PreCheck line, which means you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster.

TSA PreCheck works at over 200 U.S. airports and on flights departing the United States. It does not explore to international flights arriving in the U.S. or to flights on airlines outside the United States, even if you are connecting through a U.S. airport. If you are flying Delta internationally, you still go through standard security.

If you have Global Entry, you already have TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is a separate TSA program that costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit. If you hold a Global Entry card, you do not need to enroll in TSA PreCheck separately — your Global Entry number works as your Known Traveler Number. Enter your Global Entry number in your Delta account the same way you would enter a TSA PreCheck KTN, and it will appear on your boarding pass.

Global Entry also lets you use expedited customs and immigration lines when you return to the United States from abroad. If you travel internationally more than once a year, Global Entry often pays for itself in time saved at customs. The card is valid for five years, just like TSA PreCheck.

Renew your TSA PreCheck before it expires

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date you enroll. About four months before your expiration date, the TSA sends you a renewal notice by mail or email. You can renew online through the TSA website without attending another appointment — the renewal costs the same as the initial enrollment and takes about two weeks to process.

If you miss the renewal window and your TSA PreCheck expires, you must enroll again from the beginning, including a new in-person appointment. To avoid this, set a reminder on your phone or calendar for four months before your expiration date. You can also check your expiration date anytime by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on tsa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my boarding pass does not show my TSA PreCheck number?

Check that you entered your KTN correctly in your Delta account and that you booked the flight after adding it. If you booked before adding your KTN, update your reservation through Delta's website or call 1-800-221-1212. If the KTN is in your account and on your reservation but not on your boarding pass, contact Delta — there may be a system delay, and they can reissue your boarding pass at the airport.

Can I use TSA PreCheck on Delta flights booked with miles?

Yes. TSA PreCheck works on any Delta flight, whether you paid cash or used miles. As long as your KTN is in your Delta account and on your boarding pass, you can use the PreCheck line.

Do I need TSA PreCheck if I have a Delta Medallion card?

No, Medallion status and TSA PreCheck are separate. Medallion status gives you priority boarding and other perks, but it does not give you a faster security line. TSA PreCheck is what gets you through security faster. Many frequent flyers have both, but you do not need one to have the other.

What happens if I move to a different state after I enroll?

Your TSA PreCheck is valid nationwide and does not depend on where you live. You do not need to update anything or re-enroll. Your KTN stays the same for the full five years.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck on airlines other than Delta?

Yes. TSA PreCheck works on every airline that flies in the United States. You enter your KTN when you book with any airline, and it appears on your boarding pass. The PreCheck line is the same at every airport.