What Exactly is TSA PreCheck & How Does it Work?

I may be in the minority here, but I love airports! I love watching people coming and going and imagining where their travels are taking them. One part that I can do without though is the security checkpoint. Getting in that line is a drag! Have you ever ever been patiently waiting and see people breeze through a separate line with a sign saying TSA PreCheck? If so, I’m sure your next thought was “How do I get in that line?” Let me explain!

*2021 Updates

During the Covid-19 pandemic, TSA is currently keeping some enrollment centers open, but many are temporally closed or have modified hours. When making an appointment for an interview, there is a significantly longer waiting time and less options for picking a location close by. Visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator to check current openings and hours.

TSA may cancel your appointment at any time, and you will be notified if this happens. If it does, you will have the opportunity to rebook at another location. Applications are still being accepted and interviews being held, but with the possible delays don’t hesitate to get the process started right away. More details about how TSA is adapting its health standards to comply with Covid-19 restrictions can be found here.

What is it?

TSA PreCheck is basically a pass allowing you to go through a separate security line that doesn’t require you to take off your shoes, jacket or belt and lets you leave your liquids and laptop in your bag. That means the line typically moves faster than the others and is significantly less stressful!

How Does it Work?

To be part of PreCheck, you need to first apply online here. It costs $85.00 to apply and once approved your membership lasts 5 years.

Next, you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. At these appointments you will go though a background check and get fingerprinted. It takes about 10 minutes.

If approved, you will be assigned a number called a Known Traveler Number. This will come via US Mail, but you can also find it online sooner if necessary. When booking a flight, there is usually a place to enter this number. If not, you can call the airline to add it to your ticket later on. Airlines will then add an indicator to your boarding pass showing that you are PreCheck eligible. You do not need to carry any additional paperwork.

Is it Worth it?

If you travel more than once or twice a year it can be a great advantage! The PreCheck line is usually faster so it’s great if you are in a time crunch. With more and more people signing up though it is not ALWAYS faster than the regular lines, so don’t get to the airport late because you expect to breeze though. Use the same timetable as you normally would.

On the plus side, even if the lines are the same, not having to rummage through your carry on or take off your shoes is always nice. Especially if you’re wearing sandals! I’ve had to walk through security barefoot more than once and just thinking about it makes me shudder.