How Long Does Tsa Precheck Take - Everything You Need To Know

If you often spend your time flying, applying to a Trusted Traveller Program can be helpful. This will allow you to travel more comfortably without all the hassles at airport security checks.

For those who have heard of TSA PreCheck and are interested in the program, the following post will answer all your common questions. Find out how long does TSA PreCheck take and whether you should apply for it with our comprehensive article.

How Long Does TSA Precheck Take

Get on the plane faster with TSA precheck now. Photo by Davide Angelini - stock.adobe.com

You can quickly apply for TSA PreCheck by submitting your online application in 5 minutes. They’ll ask for your personal information, contact info, passport or ID, and other details. Fill in the form correctly, and don’t miss any article. You’ll then pay an enrollment fee to complete the process.

The interview will take a little of your time. Usually, participants will go through a 10-minute process, where they’ll be asked about their personal information and travel history. Also, fingerprints will be taken for security purposes. The entire process can last up to 30 minutes.

After this, you’ll be asked to return and wait for the results. Most of the time, participants can have their approval notification and the included Known Traveller Number (KTN) in just a few days (the TSA themselves say it’s about 3-5 days).

However, there are cases when applications take up to 60 days or more to complete. This usually happens to people with a bad record or history of violations.

Many reasons can cause delay. For instance, there are cases when two people with the same name get mixed up (one with a clear record and the other with a very bad one), and thus the processing time is longer than usual.

As stated above, if it has been more than 60 days and you are not receiving any notifications or updates, consult the TSA themselves. You can contact the TSA about precheck through these channels:

• Go to their customer service page
• Call (866) 289-9673
• Leave a message via @AskTSA on Facebook/Twitter.

Important update: Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will roll out the REAL ID requirement. Even if you have a TSA precheck, you still need a Real ID–compliant document to fly within the US.

TSA Precheck Explained: What Is It?

Unlock TSA PreCheck for these benefits. Photo credit: TSA.GOV

TSA PreCheck

Like other trusted-traveller programs, TSA PreCheck helps people travel more casually. Instead of queuing up and going through time-consuming security checks, approved travellers can speed up their security screening procedures.

You won’t have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or liquids when screening with TSA PreCheck. Therefore, saving your precious time when boarding the plane while also reducing the work of the security officers.

Your TSA PreCheck enrollment will cost you $78 and will last five years. The program is currently available at more than 200 airports with 85­­­­+ participating airlines. Feel free to check if your airports and airlines are in. And maybe, you might want to consider the program to save time travelling.

TSA Precheck For Children

The TSA allows children aged 12 to accompany their parents with active TSA PreCheck memberships. On the other hand, children from 13 to 17 can only join their guardians if the TSA PreCheck lanes are active on the child’s boarding pass. Otherwise, they’ll have to undergo the same process as other passengers.

Membership Discount And Renewing

The TSA offers no discounts or deals regarding their PreCheck membership applications. However, many credit card companies offer perks for customers. So, you should check them out. If you travel a lot, then these deals can be beneficial.

After five years, you can renew your membership with a small payment of $70. And because of the potentially pro-longed process, it’s recommended that you apply for a renewal at least two months prior.

If you wish to do it sooner, the TSA allows members to renew their TSA PreCheck status up to six months before the expiration date.

How To Apply For TSA Precheck

Applying for TSA precheck is simpler than you think.

Requirements

To apply for the program, you must be a US citizen with US national or a lawful permanent resident. Disqualifying criminal convictions and outstanding warrants will also affect your applications. And during the process, the TSA will check for your previous flight history to make sure that you have no violations of TSA regulations.

Apply online

To participate, you’ll need to sign up for the program. Once submitted, your forms will be recorded and reviewed by the TSA. And shortly after, they’ll notify you with an interview at any local enrollment centre.

You can find yours by following this link and searching for your ZIP code. TSA currently has 500+ enrollment centres across the US, so travellers will have no trouble finding a centre that is the closest to them.

Offline interview

Here, they’ll ask you to pay a participant free and require basic personal information. The evaluation will include background checks and offline interviews. 

Travel with ease

In May 2023, the TSA reported that 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers enjoyed waiting less than 5 minutes when boarding their flights.

Flyers who have passed the process will be given a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which can be added to their bookings and reservations. From now on, when booking tickets, you can add the KTN to your reservation. The airline and airport will then automatically provide the expedited service when boarding. Thus, saving a lot of your time when travelling.

Should You Apply For TSA Precheck?

Save your time by applying for TSA PreCheck - photo by Erk Odiin on Unsplash.

Who Is Tsa Precheck For?

We highly recommend your application for frequent domestic travellers, as it provides many benefits for just a small upfront amount. Skip the long waiting lines and quickly get through airport security checks to get on your plane almost every time. On the other hand, people who rarely fly to/from a US airport will find the membership less valuable.

Benefits

Time-Saving: Not having to remove your items for security screening is always a nice perk.

Convenience: With TSA PreCheck memberships, you can avoid the long and frustrating lines during airport security checks. Simply get to the airport and quickly get on your plane.

Small fee: The total application cost of $78 is insignificant compared to your number of boarding attempts in the following years. You only need to pay a small amount to enjoy all the benefits of expedited security procedures.

Drawbacks

Limited Availability: Remember that TSA PreCheck isn’t available at all US airports, even though it's widely accepted. So, you might want to check out the supported airports and airlines before opting in. Not to mention that the service is only available when travelling from the US. A Global Entry membership will make more sense if you are an international traveller who frequently visits the States.

Not always guaranteed: Travellers can find the PreCheck lines to be long during peak travel seasons. And sometimes, airports don’t have proprietary lanes for these members. So, you’ll spend much time waiting in regular boarding lines. Thus, defeating the purpose of shaving off a few minutes during security checks.

Subject to further search: You won’t be exempt from random security checks, which can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience.

Other Trusted Traveller Programs

You can consider these Trusted Traveller Programs. Image from ttp.cbp.dhs.gov

In the process of applying for a Trusted Traveller Program, you’ll come across many different options. So, it’s important to understand their differences to make better decisions.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry

The two are similar in terms of offering expedited security customs. However, you’ll need TSA when flying from the US to others, while Global Entry will help you enter the country from global destinations.

Also, the Global Entry will support all means of transportation, including by air, land, and sea. Along with US nationals and permanent residents, the service will be available for residents of certain selected countries.

And most importantly, a Global Entry membership will have TSA PreCheck included. So, you can enjoy both of their benefits. Of course, its price will be higher in comparison to the latter. And you’ll need to travel internationally at least four times a year to apply for it.

TSA PreCheck vs NEXUS

Limited to entries from Canada to the US, the NEXUS membership lets you enjoy expedited security procedures. You can access the service when travelling by air, land, or sea. It has a lower pricing compared to both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

TSA PreCheck vs SENTRI

Instead of expedited airport security screening, SENTRI focuses more on expedited border crossing customs. This makes SENTRI a better option for immigrants who wish to enter the US hassle-free.

For further information, consider Homeland Security’s article on different Trusted Traveller Programs.

FAQ

Can I Use Tsa Precheck When Travelling Internationally?

As mentioned, TSA PreCheck is available whenever you depart from a US airport. You can use the service on both domestic and international flights. So, if you’re flying to any country from the United States, TSA PreCheck will have you covered.

How Will I Know That I Can Access Tsa Precheck Screening Lanes?

Look for the correct lane with the right signs.

Participating airlines and airports will have the TSA PreCheck icon on their boarding passes. So, as travellers, you should pay attention to the TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck signs. If you have a valid boarding pass, you can enter the TSA PreCheck lane and quickly get on your plane.

What Is The Tsa Precheck Security Screening Process Like?

The screening process for TSA PreCheck passengers is quite simple. Here, you’re allowed to keep your shoes, belts, and light jacket on, along with your laptops or any liquids, as carry-on baggage.

The security officers will perform a few simple checks, but not much, so you can quickly board your plane. Not to mention that the TSA PreCheck screening lane is usually shorter, allowing you to save a lot of wait time.

Can I Still Be Selected For Random Security Checks?

Yes. Being a TSA PreCheck member or not, this procedure is mandatory for all airports and airlines to ensure the safety of passengers. So, when it happens, make sure to be cooperative and follow the instructions.

Most of the time, they’ll require you to go through the standard security checks. If you have no suspicious items with you, then it wouldn’t take long before you can board the plane.

What Happens If My Tsa Precheck Application Is Denied?

Not all applications can be successful. And the reasons for your denial will vary. The first thing that you should do when receiving the result is to consider the reasons. Then you can decide whether to appeal the decision or to reapply for a new TSA PreCheck membership.

Apply And Enjoy The Benefits

With millions of travellers who are enjoying the benefits of an expedited screening process; you might want to follow in their footsteps. It would be a great investment for your time and convenience, especially if you’re a frequent flyer.

By answering how long does TSA precheck take and providing intuitive guides, we hope more people can have access to this service. Enjoy travelling with more comfort every time you get to the airport. Thanks for reading, and feel free to react in the comment section or share our informative article with your friends.

Nguyen Kim Vuong