Q&A for How to Use TSA PreCheck

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I am flying to Disney, and my tickets were booked by them. I didn't have a TSA PreCheck number at the time of the booking. Can I add it now?

Community Answer

You should be able to add your number on the website of whatever airline you're flying (provided that airline supports TSA precheck).

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Question

What do I do when my TSA Precheck does not appear on my boarding pass?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, not all airlines support TSA Precheck. You might be flying with one of those, so you'll have to go through the normal security line.

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Question

Do I pay now or after I'm approved?

Community Answer

You pay at the time of application. Not sure if the money would be refunded if you were rejected, you might want to look into that first.

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Question

Should I mention my TSA number during check-in?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Yes, you should mention your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) when checking in for your flight. You can add it during booking in the passenger details section, during online check-in, or at the airport check-in counter. If your boarding pass doesn't show TSA PreCheck, ask an airline representative to update your reservation.

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Question

How can I find my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

You can find your Known Traveler Number (KTN) using the TSA PreCheck® KTN Lookup tool. If you're a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your PASSID (on your membership card) serves as your KTN. It may also be in your TSA PreCheck approval letter.

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Question

Is there a permanent card to keep my Known Traveler Number (KTN) on?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Yes, if you're a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your KTN is printed on your Trusted Traveler Program card. However, TSA PreCheck® members do not receive a physical card.

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Question

How far in advance should I arrive at ORD before my flight with TSA PreCheck on my boarding pass?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international flight. TSA PreCheck allows for expedited security screening, meaning you can skip long lines and keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on.

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Question

Do I have to go through TSA again if I'm taking a bus from one airport to another before my flight?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

It depends on the airports and airline. Some airports offer airside-to-airside bus transfers, so you won’t need to go through TSA again if you stay within the secure area. However, if the bus drops you outside the secure zone, you’ll likely need to go through TSA again. Some airlines, like American Airlines, offer security-screened bus services that avoid re-screening.

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Question

Does Allegiant Air support TSA PreCheck?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Yes, Allegiant Air participates in the TSA PreCheck program, allowing eligible passengers to use expedited security screening at select airports. To receive TSA PreCheck benefits when flying with Allegiant, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation.

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Question

Do I go directly to the security line if my ticket shows I have TSA PreCheck?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Yes! If your boarding pass displays “TSA PreCheck,” you can go directly to the TSA PreCheck security lane at the airport.

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Question

Do I have to take my cell phone out of my bag during security screening?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

If you have TSA PreCheck, you do not need to remove your cell phone from your bag. TSA PreCheck travelers can keep phones, laptops, and other electronics in their carry-on bags, making the process faster and more convenient. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, TSA may require you to remove larger electronics like laptops and tablets for separate screening.

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Question

Does a zip-up hoodie qualify as a light jacket under TSA guidelines?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

It depends on the thickness and material. TSA generally requires you to remove jackets during screening, and hoodies may be subject to additional inspection if they are bulky or have metal zippers that could trigger detectors. If your hoodie is lightweight and fits snugly, you may be able to keep it on. However, if it's oversized, layered, or has metallic elements, TSA may ask you to remove it for screening. To avoid delays, it's best to zip it up fully and empty the pockets before going through security.

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Question

What could prevent me from being approved for TSA PreCheck?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Permanent disqualifications may result from serious criminal offenses like espionage, treason, terrorism, murder, and unlawful possession of explosives, as well as crimes involving transportation security incidents. Temporary disqualifications may follow felony convictions involving firearms, explosives, or violent offenses.

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Question

I haven't received my TSA number. What should I do?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

If you applied for TSA PreCheck but haven’t received your Known Traveler Number (KTN), check your application status online. Verify your enrollment confirmation, as you should have received an approval letter with your KTN. If you've lost your KTN, you can retrieve it using the TSA PreCheck Lookup Tool.

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Question

What does TSA PreCheck look like on my boarding pass?

Sarahcabbage

Community Answer

Your TSA PreCheck status will appear on your boarding pass as a special indicator, such as "TSA PRE," "TSAPRECHK," or "TSA PreCheck," depending on the airline. This designation is usually located near the top of the boarding pass or in the security section.

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Question

Can I keep my cell phone and keys in my pocket during TSA PreCheck security screening, or must they be placed on the conveyor for scanning?

Thomas Kumar Raethel

Community Answer

You must place electronics and keys in your carry-on or in a tray during security screening, even if you have TSA PreCheck.

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Question

Do you need to remove lithium batteries from your carry on if you have TSA PreCheck?

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Community Answer

No, you are allowed to have those batteries, but you must declare them at the checkpoint. There are special instructions for those batteries. There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium-ion batteries described above (101-160 watt-hours per battery).

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Question

How long is the PreCheck good once you have completed the process?

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Community Answer

A PreCheck membership is good for 5 years. After that, you will need to reapply.

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Question

Where do I claim a firearm? Can it be packed in a TSA-approved lockbox in my suitcase that will go to the baggage-claim area?

Community Answer

Declare it at check-in. Firearms are allowed in suitcases but not in carry-on bags.

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Question

Do I still put my purse, laptop and carry-on in a bin, or can I just lay them on the conveyor belt?

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Community Answer

You still have to put your purse and carry-on in a bin. Your laptop actually stays in your bags, unlike the standard security line.

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Question

How do I use my TSA pre-check when flying with a 10-year-old child?

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Community Answer

You can bring a child under 13 with you in the TSA pre-check line.

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Question

I am flying Southwest and my pre-check did not show on my boarding pass. I called the airline and they said they had no idea. What can I do to fix this and get it added?

SapphireGalaxy

Top Answerer

If the airline cannot fix it, it is unlikely anyone can fix it. You can try at the front desk at the airport but it is unlikely you will be able to use pre-check for this particular flight.

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Question

Can I go through TSA Precheck with winter boots on?

Community Answer

You can keep your boots on, but if you set off the metal detector (for any reason), they may ask you to take those off first.

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Question

If I have TSA, my boarding pass, my seat and am using only a carry-on bag, can I go directly to security or do I have to go to the check-in desk?

Community Answer

You can go directly to security, as there is no action you need to take at the front desk.

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