The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® program, welcoming Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia to the roster. This expansion brings the total number of participating airlines to nearly 100. TSA PreCheck is a streamlined security screening program designed to expedite the airport experience for eligible travelers.
The program currently operates at over 200 airports across the United States and one international Preclearance airport at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. TSA PreCheck participants enjoy a more efficient security process, allowing them to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. They are also not required to remove laptops, liquids in 3-1-1 bags, or food items from their carry-on luggage.
TSA PreCheck boasts impressive wait times, with nearly 99% of passengers experiencing lines shorter than 10 minutes in dedicated lanes at airport checkpoints. Travelers enrolled in the program can utilize TSA PreCheck lanes when departing from participating airports or connecting on domestic flights after returning to the U.S. from an international trip.
Eligibility for TSA PreCheck extends to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents. The enrollment process is simple and can be completed through various providers, each offering different fees, location options, and additional benefits. To enroll, visit tsa.gov/precheck and choose a provider like CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. The online application takes approximately five minutes, followed by a 10-minute in-person enrollment session at the chosen provider. This session includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
Upon approval, travelers receive a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN). Adding this number to an airline reservation enables the use of TSA PreCheck lanes. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days.
TSA PreCheck also offers benefits for families. Teenagers aged 13-17 can join their TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening, provided they are traveling on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. Children aged 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in TSA PreCheck lanes without any restrictions.
When approaching a TSA checkpoint, passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck must ensure that their boarding pass displays the TSA PreCheck indicator (like TSA PRECHK or TSA Pre✓®) to confirm their eligibility for expedited screening. This program continues to provide a valuable service for travelers seeking a smoother and faster airport experience.
