Q&A for How to Use TSA PreCheck

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

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.

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.

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.

When booking your flight, you should enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the passenger details section. Most airlines have a field labeled “Known Traveler Number” or “TSA PreCheck” when entering passenger information. If you frequently fly with an airline, save your KTN in your profile so it’s automatically applied to future bookings. If you forgot to add it, you can update your reservation through the airline’s “Manage Booking” section or by calling customer service.

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.

Use the TSA PreCheck® KTN Lookup tool. If you're a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your PASSID (printed on your membership card) serves as your KTN.

Yes, TSA PreCheck travelers do not need to remove laptops, chargers, or cables from their carry-on bags. However, if your charger is large or bulky, TSA officers may request additional screening.

To make sure your TSA PreCheck number (Known Traveler Number, KTN) appears on your boarding pass, enter your KTN during booking, update your frequent flyer profile with your KTN, and check that your boarding pass displays "TSA PRE." If not, verify with the airline that your KTN is linked to your reservation.

If you're a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be printed on your Trusted Traveler Program card. However, TSA PreCheck® members do not receive a physical card; you can find your KTN using the TSA PreCheck® KTN Lookup tool.

Yes, you should be able to use your driver's license with only your middle initial for TSA PreCheck, as long as your first and last name match your reservation. TSA generally does not require an exact match for middle names, but inconsistencies can occasionally lead to additional screening. If you want to be extra cautious, you can update your TSA PreCheck profile to match the name format on your driver's license.

The next steps depend on your goal. You can check your profile updates, schedule an appointment at a RAPIDS ID Card Office for ID card renewal, or verify TSA PreCheck opt-in if applicable.

Yes, you can add your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation. You can do this by checking your airline’s website to manage your booking and add your KTN under passenger details, or by calling the airline directly to request they add your KTN to your reservation.

Yes, your TSA PreCheck status is linked to your Known Traveler Number (KTN), not the payment method. Be sure your KTN is added to your reservation, and your TSA PreCheck benefits will apply, even if the ticket was bought with your wife's card. Check your reservation, update your frequent flyer profile, and verify that your boarding pass displays “TSA PRE.”

Yes, a REAL ID-compliant state ID can be used for TSA PreCheck enrollment if you don't have a driver's license or passport. You will need at least one valid photo ID and proof of citizenship during the application process. If you don’t have a passport, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization.

You can retrieve 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 (printed on your membership card) serves as your KTN.

You can still add your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation. Log into your airline’s website, go to the "Manage Booking" or "My Trips" section, and enter your KTN in the appropriate field.

No, your TSA PreCheck application won’t necessarily be denied if your fingerprints are difficult to scan. TSA understands that some applicants have poor fingerprint quality due to age, skin conditions, or other factors. If your fingerprints cannot be successfully captured, TSA may approve your application based on other identity verification methods, such as your passport, state ID, or background check. Some applicants have reported that warming up their fingers or moistening them slightly before scanning can help improve fingerprint recognition. If TSA cannot process your fingerprints, they may still approve your application but could require additional screening when traveling.

If your TSA PreCheck didn't show up on your boarding pass, you can take these steps: Verify your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is active using the TSA PreCheck Lookup Tool. Make sure your airline participates in TSA PreCheck. Check that your KTN, name, and date of birth match your TSA PreCheck profile.

If your TSA PreCheck didn’t show up on your boarding pass after booking, here's how to fix it: Verify your TSA PreCheck membership to ensure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is active by using the TSA PreCheck Lookup Tool. Update your reservation by logging into your airline's website, find the "Manage Booking" or "My Trips" section, and enter your KTN. If you can't update it online, contact your airline's customer service to add your KTN to your reservation. Finally, reprint or refresh your boarding pass to check if TSA PreCheck appears.

You can still add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your current ticketed flights. Here's how: Manage your booking online—Most airlines allow you to update your reservation online. Log into your airline’s website and find the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section. Enter your KTN—Look for the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field and enter your TSA PreCheck number. Call the airline—If you can’t update it online, contact your airline’s customer service and ask them to add your KTN to your reservation.

You can retrieve 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 (printed on your membership card) serves as your KTN. Additionally, if you received an approval letter when enrolling in TSA PreCheck, your KTN should be listed there.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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