Travel Advisories & Safety Information

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.

Benefits

• Dedicated security lanes at 200+ U.S. airports
• Keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on
• Leave laptops and liquids in carry-on bags
• Typically wait less than 5 minutes in security lines
• Valid for 5 years
• Available for U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents

Cost & Application

Application Fee: $78 for 5 years ($15.60 per year)

Application Process:

• Submit online application (5 minutes)
• Schedule in-person appointment at enrollment center
• Bring valid ID and supporting documents
• Fingerprinting and background check
• Receive Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days

How to Use

Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservations and frequent flyer profiles. TSA PreCheck indicator will appear on your boarding pass.

Participating Airlines

80+ airlines including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and more.

What is Touchless ID?

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses advanced biometric technology (facial recognition) to verify your identity without requiring you to present physical identification or a boarding pass at security checkpoints.

How It Works

• Opt-in at participating airports using TSA PreCheck lanes
• Camera captures your photo
• Facial recognition technology verifies your identity in real-time
• No need to hand over ID or boarding pass to TSA officer
• Walk through security seamlessly

Requirements

• Must have TSA PreCheck membership
• Must be traveling on a participating airline
• Currently available only at select airports
• Opt-in is voluntary - you can decline and use standard process

Participating Airports

Currently available at:

• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
• Denver International (DEN)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International (SLC)
• San José Mineta International (SJC)
• Harry Reid International Las Vegas (LAS)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)

List expanding to more airports. Check TSA.gov for current locations.

Privacy & Security

• Photos are not stored or saved in a database
• Images deleted immediately after identity verification
• Opt-in only - participation is voluntary
• Can request standard ID check at any time

Benefits

• Even faster security screening
• Touchless, contactless process
• No fumbling for ID or boarding pass
• More efficient checkpoint flow

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

Benefits

• Includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost
• Expedited entry at 53 U.S. airports
• Skip long customs and immigration lines
• Use automated kiosks for passport control
• No paperwork or customs declaration forms
• Fingerprint and photo verification at kiosks
• Valid for 5 years
• Available for U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries

Cost & Application

Application Fee: $100 for 5 years ($20 per year)

Includes TSA PreCheck - Better value than TSA PreCheck alone!

Application Process:

• Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account
• Complete online application (about 20-30 minutes)
• Pay $100 non-refundable application fee
• Await conditional approval (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Schedule and attend in-person interview at enrollment center
• Bring passport, valid driver's license, and supporting documents
• Fingerprinting, iris scan, and interview
• Receive approval within days to weeks

How to Use

Arriving in U.S.:

• Proceed to Global Entry kiosks
• Scan passport or lawful permanent resident card
• Place fingertips on scanner
• Answer customs declaration questions on touchscreen
• Take photograph
• Receive transaction receipt
• Proceed to baggage claim and exit - no officer interview needed (unless selected)

For TSA PreCheck:

• Add your PASSID number (Global Entry number) to airline reservations
• Use same number as Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Enrollment Locations

130+ enrollment centers nationwide, including:

• Major international airports
• U.S. Customs offices
• Some overseas U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Additional Benefits

• SENTRI benefits (expedited U.S./Mexico border crossings)
• NEXUS benefits (expedited U.S./Canada border crossings)
• Access to dedicated lanes at land borders when entering U.S.

Eligibility

Available to:

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
• Citizens of select countries (Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Germany, Netherlands, and UK)
• Must pass rigorous background check
• No criminal convictions
• No customs, immigration, or agriculture violations

Processing Times

• Application Review: 4-6 weeks (can be longer during high volume)
• Interview Scheduling: Varies by location (some locations have long wait times)
• Final Approval: Days to weeks after interview

Tip: Apply well in advance of travel. Interview appointments at popular locations can be booked months ahead.