The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the expansion of its TSA PreCheck program with the addition of Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines and Saudia. Nearly 100 airlines now participate in the program.
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program enabling low-risk travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. state and territory airports, and one foreign preclearance airport at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. TSA PreCheck passengers may keep on their shoes, belts and light jackets and are not required to remove laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items from their carry-on bags. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in dedicated lanes at airport checkpoints nationwide, TSA says.
TSA PreCheck is available for eligible passengers when departing from a participating airport or when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the U.S. from a foreign airport. Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. lawful permanent residents may apply for TSA PreCheck and can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, location and additional benefits. Costs for enrollment vary by provider.
Once approved, travelers receive a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN) that, when added to an airline reservation, makes them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes. Most new enrollees receive a KTN within three to five days.
Teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.
Enrolled airline passengers must have the TSA PreCheck indicator (such as TSA PRECHK or TSA Pre✓®) on their boarding pass before approaching a TSA checkpoint to confirm they are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening.