TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck logo
A boarding pass with the TSA Precheck endorsement

TSA PreCheck (branded as TSA Pre✓) is a trusted traveler program initiated in December 2013 and administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that allows selected members of select frequent flyer programs, members of Global Entry, Free and Secure Trade, NEXUS, and SENTRI, members of the US military, and cadets and midshipmen of the United States service academies[1][2] to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries.[3] As of October 2024, 104 airlines participate in the program,[4] which is available at more than 200 airports.[5]

After completing a background check, being fingerprinted,[6] and paying a $78 fee, travelers receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Unlike other trusted travel programs whose enrollment is managed by the U.S. government officials, the enrollment of TSA PreCheck is managed by three commercial companies called Clear[7], IDEMIA and Telos.[8] TSA does not issue an ID card like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI do.[9] Travelers are notified if they have PreCheck by having a indicator printed on their boarding pass that may say "TSAPRECHK", "TSA PRE", or "TSA Pre✓®" depending on the airline and type of boarding pass.[9]

The program has led to complaints of unfairness and longer wait lines.[10] TSA says that PreCheck is not guaranteed every flight, as passengers are subject to random exclusions.[9] Furthermore, passengers may be disqualified or suspended from PreCheck for violations of federal transportation security regulations.[9] TSA maintains a list of credit card issuers and loyalty programs that reimburse members' TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.[11]

The program made a major change in May 2023. Citing high travel demand, TSA announced that children aged between 13 and 17 would be able to accompany a parent or guardian through the PreCheck security lines as long as they are all under the same reservation, and the parent or guardian has PreCheck linked on their reservation. Children 12 and under were already allowed to do the same.[12]

References

  1. ^ "Military Travel". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. n.d. Retrieved July 22, 2019. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can benefit from TSA Pre✓® expedited screening (using dedicated security checkpoints and no need to remove shoes, laptops, etc.) at select airports when flying on participating airlines. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations.
  2. ^ "TSA PreCheck™ reaches milestone with 10 million members | Transportation Security Administration". www.tsa.gov. Retrieved 2021-09-19.
  3. ^ Sharkey, Joe (8 November 2011). "ON THE ROAD; For the Chosen Fliers, Security Check Is a Breeze". The New York Times. p. 9. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  4. ^ "TSA PreCheck® Participating Airlines". tsa.gov. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  5. ^ "Clear vs. TSA PreCheck: What's better for price and privacy?". washingtonpost.com. Washington Post. July 23, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  6. ^ "Stuck in line: TSA PreCheck expansion slowing down frequent travelers". NBC News. February 5, 2014. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014.
  7. ^ "CLEAR becomes TSA's third official TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider | Transportation Security Administration". www.tsa.gov. Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  8. ^ "TSA Just Made Enrolling in PreCheck a Bit Easier — Here's How". Travel and Leisure. August 16, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d "TSA Pre✓® FAQ". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. n.d. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  10. ^ Jeff Plungis (22 March 2013). "TSA Chief John Pistole Gets Into a Knife Fight". BusinessWeek. Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013.
  11. ^ "Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs featuring TSA Pre✓®". TSA.gov. Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  12. ^ "TSA Will Now Allow Teens to Access PreCheck with Parents or Guardians". www.travelmarketreport.com. 2023-05-23. Retrieved 2023-05-23.