# TSA PreCheck: What It Is, What It Does, Benefits, and How to Qualify

![TSA PreCheck: A U.S. government program that allows travelers deemed low-risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at more than 200 U.S. airports.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/2j3ITwmi1jUru3mZ29R_onDPEdU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tsa-pre_final-0f43c95c7d9349beba072c18f099f539.png)

*— Michela Buttignol / Investopedia*

> **Definition**
>
> TSA PreCheck is an airport security screening program in the United States that allows approved travelers to pass through dedicated security lines without having to remove laptops, liquids, and shoes.

## What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travelers deemed low risk to pass through an expedited security screening process at more than 200 U.S. airports.

TSA PreCheck benefits for air [travelers](https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0112/the-best-times-to-take-a-vacation.aspx) include faster access to airline boarding gates and an absence of the usual requirements to scan your laptop and jacket. You can even keep your shoes on through security.

About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes to pass through security. There are 20 million active members in the PreCheck program, according to the latest report. The application process includes applying through the [TSA website](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck) and attending a brief in-person meeting.

### Key Takeaways

*   TSA PreCheck benefits include an expedited security screening process at most U.S. airports, skipping the usual screening of personal items like laptops and shoes.
*   TSA PreCheck is managed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is charged with airport safety.
*   Travelers obtain TSA PreCheck status by applying through the TSA website and attending a brief meeting with a TSA “enrollment provider.”
*   Applicants are fingerprinted and must show identification and citizenship or residency documents.
*   TSA PreCheck status costs $78 and is good for five years.

## How TSA PreCheck Works

TSA PreCheck [travelers often have](https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0212/5-ways-to-invest-in-travel-and-tourism.aspx) dedicated lines at the security checkpoint. They don’t have to remove belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening. Their carry-on items are not separately screened, either. They can leave a laptop in its case, and the carry-on bag can include a quart-sized bag with travel-size containers of liquids and gels.

The TSA PreCheck program began in December 2013 to speed prescreened travelers through security checkpoints, which get backed up during busy times.

The usual process includes a requirement that [passengers](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/113015/do-plane-tickets-get-cheaper-closer-date-departure.asp) remove their shoes, heavy jackets, and some electronics and pile them into trays for separate screening. Further delays can be caused by passengers being pulled aside for additional scrutiny if the screening reveals banned items.

These measures aren’t pointless. A would-be terrorist smuggled explosives in his sneakers on a Paris-to-Miami flight in 2001. Dangerous or illegal items can be hidden inside laptops that have had their components removed. Bulky jackets can hide weapons.

The TSA PreCheck program identifies passengers who are at very low risk of trying any of these strategies and speeds them through the security checkpoints.

> **Important**
>
> The cost of becoming a traveler with TSA PreCheck status is $78. The fee is nonrefundable and good for five years.

## Benefits of TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck program benefits anyone who travels frequently for business or leisure reasons. Anyone forced to fly at peak times like holiday weekends will also appreciate the break.

[TSA PreCheck benefits](https://www.investopedia.com/tsa-precheck-vs-global-entry-8627556) include:

*   An effective prescreening process that allows you to prove once and for all that you’re a law-abiding citizen and you’re not up to no good
*   A quicker trip through the security checkpoint at the airport
*   The chance to skip the minor annoyance of piling your laptop, shoes, and coat in a bin for separate screening
*   A dedicated line for people with TSA PreCheck status

In short, you’ll spend less time standing in line and more time lounging in the airport cafe.  

## Applying for TSA PreCheck

More than 200 airports and 90+ airlines accommodate TSA PreCheck travelers. You can begin the application process online via the TSA’s website.

However, you have to complete the application process in person at a TSA-authorized enrollment location. You will be fingerprinted and asked for a valid proof of identity and U.S. citizenship documents. Travelers who are foreign citizens must be able to provide certain residency documents to qualify.

The online application takes less than five minutes, on average, and the in-person appointment takes about 10 minutes.

Once approved for TSA PreCheck status, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Use that number anytime you book a flight, and you will automatically have your TSA PreCheck status applied to your boarding pass.

Then you can start using those fast lanes reserved for TSA PreCheck passengers.

## PreCheck Coverage with Credit Cards

Some [credit card](https://www.investopedia.com/travel-4689716) issuers provide access to TSA PreCheck as a membership benefit. Some offer periodic statement credits for TSA PreCheck, while others allow their members to pay for the program with loyalty points. According to the TSA, these [cards](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/090916/are-travel-rewards-credit-cards-worth-it.asp) include, but are not limited to:

*   Bank of America Premium Rewards
*   Capital One: Spark Miles, Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business
*   Chase Sapphire Reserve
*   Citi: Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, Citi Prestige
*   Commerce Bank World Elite Mastercard
*   Delta SkyMiles: Platinum American Express, Reserve American Express
*   HSBC: Elite World Elite Mastercard, Premier World Mastercard
*   Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
*   Mastercard: Black Card, Gold Card
*   Truist: Business Travel Rewards, Enjoy Beyond, Enjoy Travel
*   UBS Visa Infinite
*   US Bank: Altitude Connect Visa Signature, Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite, FlexPerks Gold American Express

## Other Traveler Programs

TSA PreCheck only applies to air travel. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates other federal programs such as [Global Entry](https://www.investopedia.com/tsa-precheck-vs-global-entry-8627556#toc-what-is-global-entry), [NEXUS](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/nexus.asp), and SENTRI that verify the identities of trusted travelers and speed them through security.

*   The NEXUS program covers prescreened travelers who are traveling between Canada and the United States by plane, car, or boat. It costs $120.
*   The SENTRI program eases restrictions on travel from the U.S. to Mexico by air or land. It costs $120.
*   Global Entry lets trusted travelers traveling internationally by plane, ship, or auto quickly move through customs and border protection. It costs $120.

For U.S. citizens, membership in these programs may include a TSA PreCheck membership.

DHS also offers FAST (Free and Secure Trade) for commercial truck drivers, to streamline border crossing between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. It costs $50 and does not include a TSA PreCheck membership.

There are also private programs that can speed up your trip. One of them is Clear, a security technology program that uses [biometric](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/biometrics.asp) data to help identify passengers. Clear is already used in 59 airports, as well as other locations such as stadiums and arenas.

## TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear

TSA PreCheck allows prescreened U.S. citizens and permanent residents to skip the lines at U.S. airport security. It [costs](https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1212/3-banking-moves-you-should-make-before-traveling.aspx) $78 for a five-year membership.

However, TSA PreCheck is only available for flights leaving the U.S. Global Entry is a similar program for international travel, allowing trusted passengers to quickly move through customs and border checkpoints. It costs $120 for five years.

Clear is a private program available through some airlines. Clear uses biometric data—such as fingerprints and iris scans—to verify passenger identities, allowing them to move quickly through airport security. It’s in use at some stadiums and arenas, too. Clear costs $199 and only lasts for one year.

## What Are the Requirements for TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, violations of transportation security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses.

Applicants must fill out an online application and schedule an in-person interview at a regional TSA-approved office for screening. A nonrefundable processing fee is required.

## What Are the TSA PreCheck Benefits?

TSA PreCheck benefits for travelers include fast passage through security at airports and fewer annoyances. PreCheck travelers do not have to pile their laptops, shoes, or overcoats in bins for separate screening. The usual restrictions on liquids and gels apply, but these can stay in the traveler’s carry-on.

## How Can I Apply for TSA PreCheck?

First, submit a short online application [via the TSA PreCheck website](https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=11115V&service=pre-enroll), then schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Enrollment centers are located by [ZIP code or address search](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/tsa-precheck-application-program).

## Can My Children Join Me on the PreCheck Line?

Yes, children ages 12 and younger can join a parent or legal guardian with TSA PreCheck in the dedicated lanes if they’re traveling together, even if they do not have their own Known Traveler Number.

## Is TSA PreCheck a Security Vulnerability?

Critics have argued that the vetting process is flawed and that those with bad intent can falsify statements made during in-person interviews. Still, there have been no known security incidents related to PreCheck since its inception in 2013.

## The Bottom Line

Since 2013, the TSA PreCheck program has allowed prescreened enrollees to speed through airport security via dedicated lanes with less stringent screening criteria. The program is available to all U.S. citizens and legal residents who do not have a criminal history.

To enroll, there is an online application and an in-person interview. The application costs $78, and enrollment lasts five years, after which time it can be renewed for additional five-year periods.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck®](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck).”
>     
> 2.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA 2024 by the Numbers](https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/tsa_2024_yir_by_the_numbers.pdf).”
>     
> 3.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck® Application Program](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/tsa-precheck-application-program).”
>     
> 4.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck® Reaches Milestone with 20 Million Members](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/08/08/tsa-precheckr-reaches-milestone-20-million-members).”
>     
> 5.  Federal Bureau of Investigation. “[Richard Reid’s Shoes](https://www.fbi.gov/history/artifacts/richard-reids-shoes).”
>     
> 6.  U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “[Trusted Traveler Programs](https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/).”
>     
> 7.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/map).”
>     
> 8.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[Credit Card and Loyalty Programs Featuring TSA PreCheck®](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/credit-cards-offer).”
>     
> 9.  CLEAR. “[CLEAR Support: What Does CLEAR Use to Verify My Identity?](https://www.clearme.com/support)”
>     
> 10.  CLEAR. “[CLEAR Plus](https://www.clearme.com/clear-plus).”
>      
> 11.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck® FAQ](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq).” Select “Can I be disqualified/suspended from TSA PreCheck®?”
>      
> 12.  U.S. Transportation Security Administration. “[TSA PreCheck® FAQ](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq).” Select “Do children need to apply for TSA PreCheck®?”