It’s already been a long winter for much of the country. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been dreaming about warmer weather; perhaps it’s below freezing where you live, too (hello, Chicago and New York).
If you’re planning a sunny escape or any other travel soon, TSA PreCheck is the No. 1 travel tool I recommend for U.S.-based travelers.
Why? TSA PreCheck allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to expedite their journey through airport security at more than 200 U.S. airports when traveling on 90-plus domestic and foreign airlines, taking a considerable amount of stress out of the hustle and bustle of airports.
The TSA PreCheck line generally moves quicker than regular Transportation Security Administration lines, as TSA PreCheck users do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. TSA PreCheck users are also usually screened with walk-through X-ray machines instead of the full-body scanners most travelers are subjected to. On average, 99% of users wait less than 10 minutes to pass through security lines.
Once enrolled in the program, TSA PreCheck users receive a Known Traveler Number, which designates them as Trusted Traveler members through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program.
TSA PreCheck users must enter their KTN when booking airline reservations to ensure the green TSA PreCheck check symbol appears on their boarding pass.
Even so, there might be times when the TSA PreCheck designation does not appear on your boarding pass. Here’s what you can do if this happens to you so you don’t get trapped in the regular TSA line.
When your frequent flyer account doesn’t list your Known Traveler Number
Your KTN is your ticket to the TSA PreCheck lane — but only if airlines know you have it.
After you receive your KTN, or when flying a new airline, immediately add it to your frequent flyer profile so it automatically populates into the correct field when booking flights. This is especially important if you’re flying with a carrier you don’t frequently fly.
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If you forget to do this, you can add it when booking or checking in for your flight, online and at the airport. If you’re doing the latter, give yourself enough time to add it to your account and reprint your boarding pass, as there is often a delay while the information is being uploaded.
When the name on your ID doesn’t match your boarding pass
Any typographical discrepancies between the name on your boarding pass and the name on your TSA PreCheck account may cause security to note the difference and flag your boarding pass for closer scrutiny. Errors can include simple typos — such as a misplaced period or a missing middle name — so double-check that your name on your Trusted Traveler account and boarding pass match exactly.
When your TSA PreCheck access has expired
A TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, at which point you must renew it to continue using it.
You can renew your membership up to six months before expiration; most people can renew online, though some might have to return to an enrollment center to complete the process.
The cost of TSA PreCheck varies by application provider — it costs $76.75 to apply through Idemia, $85 through Telos and $79.95 through Clear. Keep in mind that various credit cards offer statement credit reimbursements for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, since Global Entry also includes a membership to TSA PreCheck.
For example, if you’re looking for cards that convey complimentary TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you might consider:
A complete list of credit cards offering this discount is available here.
This credit is typically available every four to five years, but check your card’s terms for the exact frequency.
When you get the dreaded SSSS
Getting “SSSS” on your boarding pass is a flag for Secondary Security Screening Selection, which adds extra screening before you fly. Even if you have TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you’re not exempt from these dread-inducing letters appearing on your boarding pass.
The exact reason for this designation remains largely unknown. If you are selected, you will only be able to check in for your flight at the airline counter — and almost certainly will not be able to go through the TSA PreCheck line, since you’ll receive a thorough inspection from TSA agents.
If this circumstance befalls you, there’s nothing you can do other than get to the airport earlier than you would otherwise.
This has only happened to us once when traveling abroad. TSA agents took our suitcase to a designated area where they unpacked it on a separate table. This added a few extra minutes of time, but we were then escorted right to the gate instead of having to wait in the gate area to board.
TSA PreCheck is not a guaranteed service perk
Believe it or not, TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed to users every time they travel, even when flying on a participating airline at a participating airport.
“TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport,” according to the TSA. “All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.”
How to correct a missing TSA PreCheck designation on short notice
There are several ways to correct a missing TSA PreCheck designation on short notice.
If you notice the error before arriving at the airport, call your airline and provide your KTN. You can also try adding your KTN information to your frequent flyer profile. Once you do so, confirm it has been added by reloading your boarding pass via the airline website or mobile app.
If you don’t find out about the missing TSA PreCheck designation until you’re at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask an agent to add your KTN to your itinerary.
Bottom line
If you’re already in a time crunch, the difference in time saved going through the TSA PreCheck line could make or break your chances of getting onto your plane (and out of the cold weather). I always advise doing everything possible to acquire TSA PreCheck access and troubleshooting to make sure it automatically appears correctly on your boarding pass.
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