What TSA PreCheck does and who it's for

TSA PreCheck is a paid program that lets you move through airport security faster by skipping some of the usual screening steps. When you have PreCheck, you go through a separate, shorter line at security checkpoints. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on; leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on; and walk through a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner.

The program costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which process center you use. You pay once, and the membership covers all U.S. airports and most major airlines. It's not a may provide of faster lines — if the airport is extremely busy, PreCheck lines can still move slowly — but on average you'll spend less time waiting.

PreCheck is separate from other trusted traveler programs. If you fly internationally, you might also want Global Entry (which includes PreCheck and costs $100 for five years) or NEXUS (for Canada and the U.S., $120 for five years). This guide focuses on PreCheck alone.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an process center to verify your identity and take your fingerprints.
  • You receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when booking flights; the TSA uses this to flag your boarding pass with a PreCheck indicator.
  • With PreCheck, you keep shoes and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner.
  • PreCheck works at most U.S. airports and with most major airlines, but you must add your KTN to each flight booking for the benefit to explore.
  • The background check takes about two weeks, and your membership is valid for five years from the approval date.

How to enroll: the process and appointment process

You start by creating an account on the official TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck). You'll fill out a form with your personal information, passport details, and background questions. The form takes about 10 minutes. You do not pay yet.

After you submit the form, you schedule an in-person appointment at an process center near you. The TSA website shows available centers by zip code. Most cities have at least one; some have several. You pick a date and time that works for you. This is when you pay the fee — $78 to $85 depending on the center.

At your appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity with a passport or driver's license, take your fingerprints digitally, and review your form. The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a receipt with a temporary number you can use when ready if you need to fly before your approval comes through.

The TSA then runs a background check, which typically takes two weeks. You'll receive an email when your membership is approved. Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code — will be in that email. Write it down or save it somewhere you can find it easily.

Using your KTN when you book flights

Every time you book a flight, you must enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field during checkout. Most airline websites have this field on the payment or passenger information page. If you don't see it, search the airline's help section for "known traveler number" or "TSA PreCheck".

If you book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, look for a field labeled "Frequent Flyer" or "Loyalty Program" information. Some sites bury the KTN field under "additional options" or "more details". If you can't find it, you can add your KTN to your airline's frequent flyer account instead — most airlines will then auto-fill it on every booking you make under that account.

When you check in (online or at the airport), your boarding pass will show a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a small "TSA PreCheck" logo or the letters "PP" in the barcode area. This tells the TSA officer at security that you're enrolled. If your boarding pass doesn't show the indicator, you didn't enter your KTN correctly, and you'll go through standard security screening.

What happens at security with PreCheck

When you reach the security checkpoint, look for the PreCheck line — it's usually marked with a sign. Hand your boarding pass and ID to the officer. Because you have PreCheck, you can leave your shoes, socks, belt, and light jacket on. You can also leave your laptop, tablet, and liquids bag inside your carry-on.

Place your carry-on bag and any other items (phone, keys, watch) in a bin and send them through the X-ray machine. You'll walk through a metal detector. Most people with PreCheck clear this step without any additional screening. If the metal detector goes off, you may be asked to step aside for a pat-down or additional scan.

The whole process — from handing over your ID to picking up your bag on the other side — usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, compared to 15 to 30 minutes in standard security lines. On busy travel days, the difference is even more noticeable.

What PreCheck does not cover

PreCheck only applies to domestic U.S. flights. If you're flying internationally, you go through standard security even with PreCheck. However, if you have Global Entry, you get PreCheck benefits on the way to your international flight, plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S.

PreCheck does not explore to flights departing from certain airports. A small number of regional airports don't have TSA PreCheck screening lanes. Before you travel, check the TSA website to confirm your airport offers PreCheck.

PreCheck also does not may provide you'll avoid secondary screening. If the TSA officer has a reason to conduct additional screening — for example, if your bag triggers an alarm — you'll be pulled aside regardless of your PreCheck status. This happens rarely, but it's possible.

Renewing your membership before it expires

Your PreCheck membership lasts five years from the approval date. About three months before it expires, the TSA will send you an email reminder. You can renew online without scheduling another appointment — the renewal costs the same as the initial enrollment ($78 to $85) and takes about five minutes.

If you renew online, your KTN stays the same, and your new membership begins when ready. Your five-year clock resets from the renewal date. If you wait until after your membership expires, you'll have to go through the full enrollment process again, including an in-person appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget to add my KTN when I book?

You can add it after you book. Log into your airline account, find your reservation, and edit the passenger information to add your KTN. You can do this up until you check in. If you've already checked in and your boarding pass doesn't show the PreCheck indicator, you'll go through standard security, but you won't lose your membership.

Does PreCheck work internationally?

PreCheck only applies to domestic U.S. flights. If you fly to another country, you go through standard security screening. Global Entry, which costs more, includes PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S., so it's better if you travel internationally often.

Can I use my KTN on someone else's ticket?

No. Your KTN is tied to your name and identity. Only you can use it. If a family member wants PreCheck, they need their own membership and their own KTN.

What if my background check is denied?

The TSA will send you a letter explaining why. You can request a hearing to dispute the decision. Reasons for denial include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, and immigration violations. If you're denied, your fee is not refunded.

Do I need PreCheck if I have Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes PreCheck as part of the membership, so you get all the same security benefits on domestic flights. You use the same KTN for both programs.