What TSA PreCheck lets you do at security

TSA PreCheck is a program that lets you move through airport security faster by skipping some of the standard screening steps. When you have an active TSA PreCheck membership, you can go through a dedicated security lane at participating airports, keep your shoes and belt on, leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on, and keep your light jacket on during the screening process.

The program does not change what the TSA screens for — they still scan your bags and you still walk through a metal detector or body scanner. It straightforward removes the time spent removing items and changing clothes. Most people save 5 to 15 minutes per trip through security.

TSA PreCheck works at more than 200 U.S. airports. Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane, but the major hubs and most mid-size airports do. You can check whether your airport participates by visiting the TSA website and searching for your airport code.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an active TSA PreCheck membership number to use the program — your membership card or Known Traveler Number (KTN) is what gets you into the PreCheck lane.
  • Add your KTN to every airline ticket you book, or the TSA will not know you are PreCheck-may be able to access and will send you to the standard lane.
  • Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years and costs $78 to $85 depending on where you renew it; you must renew in person at an enrollment center.
  • The PreCheck lane is available only at U.S. airports, and you cannot use it for international flights even if you are departing from a U.S. airport.
  • If you forget to add your KTN to your ticket, tell a TSA officer at security and they may still let you through the PreCheck lane if you can show your membership card.

Finding your Known Traveler Number and membership card

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-digit code that identifies you as a TSA PreCheck member. You received this number when you completed your enrollment appointment. The KTN appears on your physical TSA PreCheck card, in your enrollment confirmation email, and in your TSA account online.

To find your KTN in your TSA account, go to tsa.gov, click "Manage Your TSA PreCheck," and sign in with your username and password. Your KTN will appear on the main page of your account. If you cannot find your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.

If you lost your physical card, you can still use your KTN at security — you do not need to carry the card itself. However, if a TSA officer asks to see proof of membership, you will need either the card or a printed copy of your account page showing your KTN and membership status.

Adding your KTN to airline tickets

The most important step is adding your KTN to your airline ticket before you arrive at the airport. Without your KTN on the ticket, the airline will not flag you as PreCheck-may be able to access, and the TSA will direct you to the standard security lane even if you have an active membership.

When you book a flight online, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "Frequent Flyer Information," or "Special Services." Enter your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your card or in your TSA account. Different airlines place this field in different locations — some ask for it during the initial booking, others ask for it when you add a frequent flyer number, and some let you add it during check-in.

If you book through a travel agent or phone, tell the agent your KTN and ask them to add it to your reservation. If you already booked a ticket without your KTN, log into your airline account, find the reservation, and edit it to add your KTN. You can do this up until you check in for your flight.

Using the PreCheck lane at security

When you arrive at the airport, look for signs marking the TSA PreCheck lane. At most airports, it is a separate line near the standard security checkpoint. Walk to that line and have your boarding pass and ID ready — the TSA officer will scan your boarding pass to confirm your PreCheck status before you enter the lane.

Once you are in the PreCheck lane, you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You can also leave your laptop, tablet, and liquids bag inside your carry-on — you do not need to remove them. Place your carry-on on the conveyor belt, walk through the metal detector or body scanner, and collect your bags on the other side.

If the TSA officer tells you that you are not showing as PreCheck on your ticket, show them your physical membership card or a photo of it on your phone. Many officers will let you through the PreCheck lane if you can prove membership, even if your airline did not add your KTN to the ticket. However, this is not may provide, so adding your KTN before you travel is the safest approach.

What happens when your membership expires

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you completed your enrollment appointment. The TSA will send you an email reminder about 90 days before your membership expires, but you are responsible for renewing before the expiration date.

To renew, you must visit a TSA enrollment center in person. You cannot renew online or by mail. Go to tsa.gov, find an enrollment center near you, and book an appointment. Bring your current TSA PreCheck card, a valid ID, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. The renewal appointment takes about 10 minutes and costs $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center.

If your membership expires before you renew, you will lose access to the PreCheck lane when ready. Your KTN will no longer work, and airlines will not recognize you as PreCheck-may be able to access. You can still book flights and add your expired KTN to your ticket, but the TSA will direct you to the standard security lane.

TSA PreCheck does not work for international flights

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. domestic program only. You cannot use it for international flights, even if you are departing from a U.S. airport. When you fly internationally, you will go through standard security screening regardless of your PreCheck membership.

If you travel internationally and want expedited security screening, you may be interested in Global Entry, a separate program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits for domestic flights plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States. However, Global Entry is a different program with its own enrollment process and cost.

Troubleshooting common PreCheck problems

If you arrive at the airport and the TSA tells you that you are not showing as PreCheck, the most common reason is that your KTN was not added to your ticket. Ask the TSA officer if you can show your membership card — many will let you through the PreCheck lane if you can prove membership in person.

If your membership expired and you did not renew, you will not be able to use PreCheck until you complete a renewal appointment at an enrollment center. There is no way to use an expired membership, even if you have your card.

If you recently completed your enrollment appointment but your KTN is not working at the airport, contact the TSA at 866-289-9673 before your next flight. Your enrollment may not have been fully processed in the system yet, which can take a few days after your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's TSA PreCheck membership?

No. TSA PreCheck is tied to your identity and your KTN. Only the person whose name is on the membership can use it. If someone else tries to use your KTN on their ticket, the TSA will not recognize them as PreCheck-may be able to access.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck card?

You do not need your physical card to use PreCheck — your KTN is what matters. You can show your KTN on your phone or a printed copy of your TSA account. However, if a TSA officer asks for proof of membership and you cannot show it, they may direct you to standard security. Order a replacement card through your TSA account if you want a physical backup.

Do I need to add my KTN to my ticket if I have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Your membership alone does not get you into the PreCheck lane. You must add your KTN to every ticket you book, or the airline will not flag you as PreCheck-may be able to access. Without it on your ticket, the TSA will send you to standard security.

Can I use TSA PreCheck if I am traveling with children?

Children under 12 can go through the PreCheck lane with you without their own membership. Children 12 and older need their own TSA PreCheck membership to use the lane. If your teenager does not have PreCheck, they will need to go through standard security while you use the PreCheck lane.

What if my flight is cancelled and I rebook on a different airline?

You will need to add your KTN to the new ticket. If the airline rebooks you automatically, check your new reservation and add your KTN if it is not already there. Do this as soon as possible after rebooking to make sure the system has time to process the change before your flight.