TSA PreCheck: cost, how to apply and what you keep in your bag

The short answer

TSA PreCheck is a US trusted traveler program that gives you a faster security screening on departures from US airports. TSA says you get five years of benefits for $85 or less, and that about 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes. In the PreCheck lane you leave electronics and your 3-1-1 liquids bag in your carry-on, and you keep your belt, light jacket and shoes on.

TSA also says that no one is guaranteed expedited screening: it uses unpredictable security measures at every airport.

What you keep in your bag in the PreCheck lane

• Electronics (laptop, tablet) stay in your carry-on.
• Liquids in the 3-1-1 bag stay in your carry-on. The 3.4 ounce (100 ml) container limit still applies; PreCheck only changes whether you take the bag out.
• Shoes, belt and light jacket stay on.

If there is no dedicated PreCheck lane, show your PreCheck boarding pass in the standard lane: TSA says you may still be able to keep liquids and laptops in your bag and shoes and light jackets on, and to check with the officer on duty.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

TSA has three authorized enrollment providers. Prices on TSA's PreCheck page on 5 November 2026:

The requirements are the same with every provider; they differ in locations, price and promotions. TSA says there is no price matching. The application fee covers the background check and cannot be waived for a disability or medical condition. Several credit cards reimburse the fee: TSA lists them on its fee rebates page. CLEAR says you can get PreCheck free when you join CLEAR+, which has its own cost.

How to apply

1. Pre-enroll online with one of the three providers. TSA says it takes about five minutes.
2. Visit an enrollment center (appointment or walk-in). They check your documents, take fingerprints and a photo and collect payment; TSA says the visit takes about 10 minutes.
3. Wait for approval. Most applicants get their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3 to 5 days; some take up to 60 days.
4. Add your KTN to every airline booking. Your boarding pass must show the PreCheck indicator (such as TSAPRECHK or TSA PRE) to use the lane.

Only CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos are authorized. TSA warns that any website that lets you register for PreCheck and does not end in .gov is not an official PreCheck site.

Who can apply and what documents to bring

The program is open to US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI allow some foreign citizens to apply. You need an original or certified copy of identity and citizenship documents, and the name on them must match your application exactly.

• One List A document is enough, for example an unexpired US passport (book or card), a Permanent Resident Card, an Enhanced Tribal Card, a FAST card or an enhanced driver's license.
• Without a List A document you need a valid photo ID, such as a REAL ID compliant driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a US birth certificate. An expired US passport within 12 months of expiry counts only as proof of citizenship, with another document.

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)

• For PreCheck members the KTN is 9 or 10 characters and typically begins with TT (IDEMIA), TE (Telos) or AC (CLEAR).
• There is no PreCheck card, and showing a Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI card does not open the lane. The number must be in your reservation and the indicator on your boarding pass.
• Your name and date of birth on the booking must match your application, including your middle name if you gave one.
• You keep the same KTN when you renew, even with a different provider. Lost it? Use TSA's KTN lookup tool.

Travelling with children

Children 17 and under do not need their own PreCheck membership when the adult has it, and do not apply unless they often travel alone.

• 12 and under can join you in the PreCheck lane; the indicator does not have to be on their boarding pass.
• 13 to 17 can join only when the PreCheck indicator is on their own boarding pass. They must be on the same airline reservation as the adult, and the adult's boarding pass must show the indicator. Leave the KTN field blank for a child with no KTN.
• A parent escorting a child with a gate pass is sent to standard screening, whatever the membership.

Renewing

Membership lasts five years. You can renew online up to six months before it expires, and the new period starts when the old one ends. TSA recommends renewing at least 60 days early, because a flight booked before expiry gets no PreCheck indicator if your KTN has expired by the travel date. A name change can take up to 45 days.

PreCheck on international trips and Global Entry

PreCheck works when you depart a US airport for a foreign country and on connecting domestic flights when you return to the US. It does not speed up customs. TSA suggests Global Entry if you travel internationally four or more times a year; it costs $120 for five years, includes PreCheck and is applied for separately, not as an upgrade. See US carry-on vs European airlines for what changes once you land in Europe.

Which airlines take PreCheck?

You must fly an airline that participates. TSA's list on 5 November 2026 has 99 airlines, including all of the US airlines on this site: American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country, Breeze and Avelo. Many foreign airlines are on the list too, including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic and Finnair. Check the full list before you book if you fly a smaller airline.

If the PreCheck indicator is missing

1. Check your membership has not expired in the KTN lookup tool.
2. Check with the airline that your KTN, name and date of birth match and that the airline participates.
3. Still nothing? Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872), message @AskTSA, or call the TSA Contact Center on (866) 289-9673. TSA asks you to get in touch within 72 hours of the problem.

Serious security violations, such as bringing a firearm or other prohibited item to an airport, can lead to suspension from PreCheck for up to five years or permanently. For help with screening if you have a disability or medical condition, TSA Cares is on (855) 787-2227, 72 hours before you travel.

Sources: TSA PreCheck page, PreCheck FAQ, required documents page and participating airlines list at tsa.gov, read 5 November 2026. Prices and offers change; check the provider before you pay.

Frequently asked questions