Can My Child Use TSA PreCheck With Me?
The short answer
Yes, in many cases. TSA says children 17 and under are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening if they meet certain criteria. Children 12 and under can join you in the PreCheck lane, while those aged 13 to 17 need the PreCheck indicator on their own boarding pass.
Children aged 12 and under
TSA states that children 12 and under may join you in the TSA PreCheck lane. The PreCheck indicator does not have to appear on the child's boarding pass.
Teens aged 13 to 17
Teens can join you in the PreCheck lane only when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. To get the indicator, the adult and the teen must be on the same airline reservation, and the adult's boarding pass must show the indicator.
If the teen has no Known Traveler Number (KTN), TSA says to leave the KTN field blank. A teen on a separate reservation cannot get PreCheck unless they have their own KTN.
Adults need their own number
Anyone aged 18 or older must have their own KTN, which is entered when booking the airline reservation. Children 17 and under can join an adult in the PreCheck lane at no charge, according to TSA.
Children travelling alone
TSA says a child who routinely travels alone should enrol in TSA PreCheck or another DHS Trusted Traveler Program. Unaccompanied minors without an adult escort must show an acceptable ID to get expedited screening in PreCheck lanes, and TSA advises contacting the airline about ID rules for travellers under 18.
If you escort a child using a gate pass, you will receive standard screening. TSA says PreCheck benefits do not apply to gate passes regardless of membership status.
Rules and fees change, so check the official page linked below before you travel.
Sources: TSA: Can my family also use the TSA PreCheck lane?, TSA: PreCheck. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does my 10 year old need a PreCheck indicator on the boarding pass?
No. TSA says the indicator does not have to be on the boarding pass of a child 12 and under who travels with you.
What about my 15 year old?
Your teen needs the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. This requires being on the same reservation as you, with the indicator on your boarding pass.
Do children pay for PreCheck?
TSA says children 17 and under can join an adult in the PreCheck lane at no charge.
Can a child on a separate booking use the PreCheck lane?
Not unless the child has their own Known Traveler Number, according to TSA.
Do UK or EU families get PreCheck?
The pages read describe the programme as TSA's and do not set out separate rules by nationality. Check the TSA site for enrolment eligibility.