Tuesday, December 19, 2023
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made an exciting announcement today, unveiling the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® initiative. The program will now include Norse Atlantic Airways, Lynx Air, Starlux Airlines, and Fiji Airways, bringing the total number of domestic and international carriers participating in TSA PreCheck to 94.
TSA PreCheck is a streamlined screening program designed to provide a smooth and secure experience for travelers deemed low-risk at over 200 U.S. airports. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can breeze through security checks, keeping their shoes, belts, and lightweight jackets on, and avoiding the hassle of removing laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, and food items from their carry-on bags. Impressively, nearly 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers spend less than 10 minutes in dedicated lanes at airport security checkpoints across the country.
Eligible travelers, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents, have the opportunity to apply for TSA PreCheck. They can choose their enrollment provider based on factors like cost, location, and additional benefits, as enrollment fees may vary depending on the provider.
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process. Visit tsa.gov/precheck and select one of the enrollment providers, either Telos or IDEMIA. Complete a brief online application in just five minutes, and then schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment with your chosen provider to finalize the enrollment.
Once approved, travelers will receive a unique “Known Traveler Number” (KTN). When added to an airline reservation, this KTN grants eligibility for TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints nationwide when flying with any of the participating airlines. In most cases, new enrollees can expect to receive their KTN within three to five days.
Good news for families: teenagers aged 13-17 can now join their TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when they’re traveling together on the same reservation. Additionally, children aged 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in TSA PreCheck lanes without any restrictions.
For enrolled airline passengers, it’s essential to check for the TSA PreCheck indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA Pre✓®) on their boarding pass before approaching a TSA checkpoint to confirm their eligibility for TSA PreCheck screening.
For travelers seeking assistance, AskTSA is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. You can reach out via X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook by messaging @AskTSA, or simply send a text to “275-872” (“AskTSA”).
Monday, January 1, 2024
