Travel has remained high this summer as many people embark on their long-awaited vacations. In fact, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reported that the 10 busiest airport days in the agency’s history have all occurred since May 2024, with over 3 million people passing through TSA checkpoints on July 7. The upcoming holidays are also expected to bring a lot of travel, according to the TSA.

If you’re considering applying for TSA PreCheck to streamline airport security processes, here’s a guide on how it works, how to interview, and more, as well as some tips for using your membership for the first time.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) designed to speed up airport security screening. The program is administered by the TSA and allows passengers access to special security checkpoints at participating airports in the United States. TSA PreCheck membership starts at $77.95 and is valid for five years.

TSA PreCheck is available in more than 200 airports and on over 90 airlines in the United States. When you arrive at the security checkpoint after checking in, an agent will direct you to the PreCheck line after confirming your membership via your boarding pass.

This membership allows you to keep your light jacket, shoes and belt on. Liquids and electronic devices (like laptops) can also stay in your baggage. Then all you have to do is go through the security scanner and you can go to your gate.

How to get TSA Precheck for free

Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership, so if you have an eligible credit card—such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®—you can get up to $100 reimbursed for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

To receive the credit, simply pay the fee using your valid credit card. After the payment is processed, the issuer will refund the amount to you.

How to participate in TSA PreCheck

To be eligible for the TSA PreCheck program, you must meet the requirements. There is no age limit for applicants, but you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

If you meet the requirements, you can apply with an enrollment provider such as Clear, Idemia or Telos. You will then need to schedule an appointment with an enrollment center. Once you are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use every time you book a flight. It can take up to 60 days to receive your KTN, but most applicants receive their KTN within three to five days.

Here is a breakdown of the application and interview process:

Fill out the online application

The TSA PreCheck application can be found on the TSA website under “New TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options.” When completing your application, it is very important that your name appears exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. The information you will need includes:

• Full name
• birth date
• Gender
• Preferred Language
• A preferred contact method (email or phone)

When you complete your application, you will have the opportunity to schedule your appointment at one of the enrollment centers listed.

Conduct the personal interview at a registration center

TSA PreCheck allows walk-ins for interviews, but applicants with appointments are given priority. You must present approved identification documents at your appointment. If you do not have documents from List A, such as a still valid U.S. passport, you must present a valid photo ID with a document that meets citizenship requirements (such as a U.S. birth certificate).

You will also be fingerprinted and pay your membership fee. Membership fees are non-refundable and can be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, company check or certified bank check. If you wish to use credit from a credit card, you must pay with that card.

At the interview itself, you will be asked to confirm the information in your application. You may also be asked about your employment history and travel habits. If you have a criminal record, you should be prepared to provide more information about this. Appointments are expected to last around 10 minutes, but may take longer depending on how busy the center is.

Tips for using TSA PreCheck

Once you’ve purchased your TSA PreCheck membership, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:

Using TSA PreCheck for the first time

Before you use TSA PreCheck for the first time, check these actions off your to-do list:

• Be sure to use your KTN every time you book a flight to ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass.
• Add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile.
• Complete online check-in for your flight 24 hours before departure to ensure your PreCheck status is in place. If not, contact the airline.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to ensure your PreCheck status is confirmed (if you cannot do so online or by phone).
• Make sure you travel through an airport with TSA PreCheck services.

Using TSA PreCheck Membership for Families

TSA PreCheck membership does not automatically transfer to your family members, but there is an exception for children. Follow these tips to help your children use TSA PreCheck properly:

• Children under 12 years of age must always be accompanied by a registered parent. Children up to 12 years of age can accompany their registered parent without restrictions.
• Make sure your child’s boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck logo on it if he or she is over 12 years old. Children ages 13 to 17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass when accompanying their registered parent, but they do not need to be enrolled in TSA PreCheck themselves. They will receive this logo on their card when they are on the same flight reservation as a registered parent.

Updating personal information for TSA PreCheck

Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. If your personal information changes during that time, you must update it with your provider as soon as possible. You can do this in two ways:

• Call your registration provider. The most direct way to do this is to call Clear at 1-888-831-9070 or Idemia at 855-347-8371, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET. You can also call Telos at 833-777-1811, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. ET.
• Contact your provider online. Do not disclose any personal information via the provider’s contact form. This option may take a little longer as you will have to wait for a response.

The conclusion

If you’re traveling domestically, TSA PreCheck can be a real advantage. Joining this Trusted Traveler program allows you to get through security checkpoints in a snap. While there is a membership fee to join this program, several travel credit cards and co-branded airline credit cards offer account credits that cover this enrollment fee.

There are also other government Trusted Traveler programs that offer various benefits. If you want to get back into the U.S. faster after an international trip, check out Global Entry — and it also includes TSA PreCheck membership.