What's the process to get TSA precheck? How long does it take?
I travel pretty frequently and feel like it'd be worth it for me to get TSA precheck to save myself time at the airport and also save myself the hassle of taking off my shoes and getting laptops and liquids out of my luggage. But I'm curious about what the process of getting TSA precheck is like. Can anyone give me some info on the process?
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You need to schedule an appointment and pay an application fee—it is currently $78, but you can check online at the official website to confirm that this price is still accurate. You’ll provide documents like a passport or birth certificate, and they’ll take your fingerprints. Once approved, you get TSA PreCheck for 1 to 2 years, depending on the package you choose.
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It's definitely worth it to get TSA PreCheck if you're considering it! The process is:
1. Go to the TSA website and fill out an application.
2. After you fill out an application, they'll contact you. You'll have to go in and actually have an in-person appointment with someone.
3. They'll ask you some security questions, take your fingerprints, and do a background check. And after a period of time, you will hopefully get approved.
I also think if you're going to apply for TSA Pre-Check, which is maybe between $75 and $100, you might as well apply for Global Entry, which is one step higher. With Global Entry, for any returning flights internationally coming back into the U.S., you get to skip through security. If you get Global Entry, it covers your TSA Pre-Check, so you’ll have it all in one. It is a little bit more expensive, but not significantly. It's about $150 or something.
Most travel credit cards these days all cover the costs for both. The next time you are signing up for a travel credit card, use that credit, apply for Global Entry, and get both for free. It's good for 5 years, so you don't have to constantly think about it or renew it.
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1. Go to the TSA website and fill out an application.
2. After you fill out an application, they'll contact you. You'll have to go in and actually have an in-person appointment with someone.
3. They'll ask you some security questions, take your fingerprints, and do a background check. And after a period of time, you will hopefully get approved.
I also think if you're going to apply for TSA Pre-Check, which is maybe between $75 and $100, you might as well apply for Global Entry, which is one step higher. With Global Entry, for any returning flights internationally coming back into the U.S., you get to skip through security. If you get Global Entry, it covers your TSA Pre-Check, so you’ll have it all in one. It is a little bit more expensive, but not significantly. It's about $150 or something.
Most travel credit cards these days all cover the costs for both. The next time you are signing up for a travel credit card, use that credit, apply for Global Entry, and get both for free. It's good for 5 years, so you don't have to constantly think about it or renew it.
1. Apply for TSA precheck through their website or via Global Entry.
2. Add your TSA precheck number to your flight reservation.
3. When you get your boarding pass, check if the TSA precheck is noted on your boarding pass. Not all airlines participate in the TSA program.
4. If TSA precheck is on your boarding pass and the TSA precheck security line is available, show your boarding pass to use the TSA precheck security line.
5. When going through the security line, there is no need to remove your shoes, coat, or laptop.
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2. Add your TSA precheck number to your flight reservation.
3. When you get your boarding pass, check if the TSA precheck is noted on your boarding pass. Not all airlines participate in the TSA program.
4. If TSA precheck is on your boarding pass and the TSA precheck security line is available, show your boarding pass to use the TSA precheck security line.
5. When going through the security line, there is no need to remove your shoes, coat, or laptop.
To get TSA PreCheck:
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- Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck which takes about 5 minutes.
- Complete enrollment at a TSA PreCheck location, such as an airport, Staples, or Office Depot. Provide proof of identification, get fingerprinted, get photographed, and pay the fee of $85. This only takes about 10 minutes.
- Once your application is approved, which typically takes 3-5 days, you'll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
The enrollment process is pretty straightforward, I did it last summer. They just ask a few questions about where you're going and fingerprint you and check your documentation, and then once you pass they'll email you the KTN (Known Traveller Number) sent to your email. It costs like $85 iirc which is annoying, but then you're done! Make sure your KTN is included on your boarding pass ahead of time so you have no issues once you're at the airport. You can also add your KTN to a ticket you've already bought if you've already bought your ticket, you might just need to call the airline.
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Check if there's a TSA PreCheck enrollement center in your area, and start pre-enrolling online before you make an in-person appointment. Make sure to bring your ID and any other documents with you to your appointment so you can finish enrolling without any hassle. Once you're fingerprinted and pass your background check, then you'll receive your known traveler number to use at the airport.
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Apply online, schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and a background check, then wait for approval (usually 3-5 days, but up to 60). Once approved, use your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck benefits. It costs $78 for five years - worth it for frequent travelers!
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What's the difference between TSA precheck and global entry? Which one should I get?
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Thanks everyone for the info on how to get TSA precheck! It's super helpful and I feel like I have a better idea of what the process is like. I'm also curious about how to use TSA precheck after you get it. How does it work?
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Make sure you give the airline your Known Traveler Number when you buy your ticket or check-in - there's usually a spot for it in the forms. Use the same name you signed up with. Then make sure your boarding pass has the TSA checkmark on it when you've checked in. If it does, you can just go through the TSA precheck line and it's usually much faster!
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Reader Tips from Everything You Need to Know About TSA Precheck
If you have an active TSA KTN and it does not show up on your boarding pass, contact your airline to confirm you entered it at booking. If you can confirm that you entered it at booking and the airline cannot adjust your boarding pass, contact TSA directly. They may be able to assist you.
Some airports will have you go through the same machines as normal passengers, but the agents will give you a card to display so you don't have to remove your shoes.
Reader Tips from How to Find Your KTN (Plus How to Enroll in or Renew PreCheck)
You can usually add your KTN to a flight reservation within 72 hours of your flight. Contact the airline directly, and they can add your KTN to your reservation.
Make sure your name you use on your flight reservation matches the name on your TSA Pre-Check to ensure that you can move through the line smoothly.
Reader Tips from How to Get a Known Traveler Number
Some airlines and airports don't use Pre-Check or KTNs, so make sure you can use a KTN at the airport you use most frequently.
It usually takes less than a week after your interview to get your KTN, but it may take a little bit longer.
