TSA PreCheck

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 to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries. As of July 2023, this program was available at more than 200 airports.

After completing a background check, being fingerprinted, and paying a $78 fee, travelers will get a Known Traveler Number. Unlike other trusted travel programs whose enrollment is managed by the U.S. government officials, the enrollment of TSA PreCheck is managed by two commercial companies called IDEMIA and Telos. TSA does not issue an ID card like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI do. 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.

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

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.

Participating airlines
As of February 2024, a total of 93 airlines participate in the program.