What TSA PreCheck does at security

TSA PreCheck lets you go through a shorter security line at the airport and keep on most of your clothes and shoes while you're screened. You don't have to remove your belt, light jacket, or shoes. You can leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on instead of taking them out. The line itself is usually much shorter than the standard line, which means you spend less time waiting.

You use it by showing your boarding pass and a valid ID at the security checkpoint. The TSA officer will scan your boarding pass and verify your identity. If your PreCheck benefit is active on your account, you'll be directed to the PreCheck lane. The whole process is faster because fewer people are in that line and the screening steps are streamlined.

PreCheck works at over 200 U.S. airports. Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane, but most major ones do. If your airport doesn't have a separate lane, you'll still get expedited screening in the standard line.

Key Takeaways

  • Show your boarding pass and valid ID at the security checkpoint to use PreCheck; the TSA officer scans your boarding pass to confirm your benefit is active.
  • You can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in your bag during screening.
  • PreCheck works at over 200 U.S. airports, though not all have a dedicated PreCheck lane.
  • Your PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you were approved, and you need to renew it before it expires to keep using the benefit.

How to check if your PreCheck is active

Before you go to the airport, verify that your PreCheck membership is still valid. You can check the status on the TSA's official website by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and date of birth. The KTN is a nine-digit number assigned to you when your PreCheck membership was approved. You should have received it in an email or letter when you completed your enrollment.

You can also call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 to confirm your membership status. Have your KTN ready when you call. If your membership has expired, you'll need to renew it before you can use PreCheck again.

Your PreCheck membership is valid for five years from the date you were approved. The expiration date was included in your approval notification. Many people set a phone reminder six months before expiration so they have time to renew without losing the benefit.

Where to find your Known Traveler Number

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is printed on the approval letter or email you received when your PreCheck membership was granted. If you can't find that document, you can retrieve your KTN from the TSA website by logging into your account with your email address and password. You'll need the same email address you used when you enrolled.

Some people add their KTN to their airline frequent-flyer account so it's automatically included on every boarding pass they print or receive. This makes sure the PreCheck benefit shows up on your boarding pass without you having to do anything extra. Check your airline's website for instructions on how to add your KTN to your profile.

If you've lost your KTN and can't retrieve it online, call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371. They can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Adding your KTN to your boarding pass

The easiest way to use PreCheck is to add your KTN to your airline frequent-flyer account or profile. When you book a flight, the KTN will automatically appear on your boarding pass. This works whether you print your boarding pass at home, at the airport kiosk, or get it on your phone.

To add your KTN, log into your airline account online or in the airline's app. Look for a section called "Traveler Information," "Known Traveler Number," or "Frequent Flyer Profile." Enter your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your approval letter. Save the changes. The next time you book a flight with that airline, your KTN will be included automatically.

If you forget to add your KTN to your account before you book, you can usually add it to your reservation after booking. Log back into your booking confirmation and look for an option to edit your traveler information. You can also ask a ticket agent at the airport to add it to your boarding pass before you go through security, though this takes extra time.

What to bring to the security checkpoint

Bring a valid government-issued ID and your boarding pass. Your ID can be a driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name on your boarding pass exactly. If your name has changed since you enrolled in PreCheck, update your membership information before you travel.

Have your boarding pass ready to show the TSA officer. A printed boarding pass, a boarding pass on your phone, or a boarding pass printed at an airport kiosk all work. The officer will scan it to confirm your PreCheck benefit is active.

You don't need to carry your PreCheck approval letter or your KTN card with you, though some people do for peace of mind. The TSA's system will show your benefit when they scan your boarding pass.

What happens if PreCheck doesn't show on your boarding pass

If your boarding pass doesn't show PreCheck, tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint before you start the screening process. They can manually look up your membership using your ID and date of birth. This happens sometimes when a KTN wasn't added to your airline account or when you booked through a third-party website that didn't include it.

The officer can verify your PreCheck status in the system and direct you to the PreCheck lane even if it's not printed on your boarding pass. This takes a few extra minutes, but you'll still get the PreCheck benefit. To avoid this in the future, add your KTN to your airline profile so it appears automatically on all your boarding passes.

If the officer tells you your PreCheck membership has expired, you won't be able to use the PreCheck lane on that trip. You'll go through standard security instead. After your trip, you can renew your membership on the TSA website.

Renewing your PreCheck membership

PreCheck memberships last five years. You can renew your membership up to six months before it expires. Go to the TSA's official website and select the renewal option. You'll pay the renewal fee and answer a few questions about your background. The renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment because the TSA already has your information on file.

Most renewals are approved within a few days to a week. You'll receive a new KTN and approval notification by email. Update your airline accounts with your new KTN so it appears on your future boarding passes.

If you wait until after your membership expires, you'll have to go through the full enrollment process again, which takes longer and costs the same as renewal. It's worth renewing before your expiration date to avoid losing the benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PreCheck on international flights?

PreCheck only works for domestic flights within the United States. On international flights departing from the U.S., you go through standard security screening. If you travel internationally often, you might want to look into Global Entry, which includes PreCheck benefits and also speeds up customs screening when you return to the U.S.

What if my name doesn't match exactly between my ID and boarding pass?

The TSA requires an exact match. If your name has changed since you enrolled in PreCheck, update your membership information on the TSA website before you travel. You can also update your name with your airline so your boarding pass matches your current ID.

Do I lose PreCheck if I get a new driver's license?

No. Your PreCheck membership is tied to your personal information, not your ID number. You can use PreCheck with any valid government-issued ID as long as your membership is active and your name matches the ID you're carrying.

Can family members share one PreCheck membership?

No. Each person needs their own PreCheck membership and their own KTN. Children and spouses must enroll separately. Each membership has its own five-year validity period.

What if I'm traveling with a child who doesn't have PreCheck?

Children under 12 can go through the PreCheck lane with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck, even if the child doesn't have their own membership. The child still needs a valid ID or birth certificate. Children 12 and older need their own PreCheck membership to use the PreCheck lane.