Traveling with family can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to airport security. TSA Precheck is a program that allows travelers to go through a faster, expedited security screening process. But can family travel with TSA Precheck? In this article, we’ll dive into what TSA Precheck is, how it works, and whether or not families can take advantage of this program.
Family travel can be both an exciting and stressful experience, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. If you and your family are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you may be wondering if your children can benefit from expedited screening as well. In this discussion, we will explore whether or not family members can travel together with TSA PreCheck and the benefits that the program offers.
What is TSA Precheck?
TSA Precheck is a program that allows travelers to go through a faster, expedited security screening process at participating airports in the United States. This means that eligible travelers can keep on their shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. TSA Precheck is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
To be eligible for TSA Precheck, travelers must apply and be approved for the program. The application process includes providing biographic information, fingerprints, and a fee of $85 for a five-year membership. Once approved, travelers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that they can use when booking flights. This will allow them to be designated as a TSA Precheck passenger and go through the expedited security screening process.
How does TSA Precheck work?
TSA Precheck is designed to make the security screening process faster and more efficient for eligible travelers. When a TSA Precheck passenger arrives at the airport, they can look for the TSA Precheck lane at security. They will then present their boarding pass and government-issued ID, and if they are approved for TSA Precheck, they can go through the expedited screening process.
The expedited screening process includes walking through a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner, keeping on shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leaving laptops and liquids in carry-on bags. TSA Precheck passengers also do not have to remove their liquids, laptops, or light jackets from their bags.
Families can travel with TSA Precheck, but each individual traveler must be approved for the program in order to use the expedited screening process. Children under the age of 12 can accompany a TSA Precheck parent or guardian through the expedited screening process, but children 12 and over must have their own TSA Precheck approval. TSA Precheck can be a great option for families who want to reduce stress and anxiety during the airport experience, and there are other programs and services available for family travelers as well, such as Global Entry and CLEAR. To make the airport experience smoother, families should make sure everyone has their own TSA Precheck approval, pack snacks and entertainment for the flight, dress kids in comfortable clothing, use a stroller or carrier for young children, and allow plenty of time for airport security.
Can families travel with TSA Precheck?
Yes, families can travel with TSA Precheck. However, each individual traveler must be approved for TSA Precheck in order to use the expedited screening process. This means that if a family of four is traveling, all four members must be approved for TSA Precheck in order to go through the expedited screening process.
It’s important to note that children under the age of 12 can accompany a TSA Precheck parent or guardian through the expedited screening process. However, children 12 and over must have their own TSA Precheck approval to use the expedited screening process.
Families can travel with TSA Precheck, but each individual traveler must be approved for the program. Children under 12 can accompany a TSA Precheck parent or guardian through the expedited screening process, but children 12 and over must have their own TSA Precheck approval. TSA Precheck can be a great option for families as it can help reduce stress and anxiety for parents and children, while allowing them to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening and leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. It’s important to check with your airline before your trip to make sure you are eligible for TSA Precheck, and there are other programs and services available for family travelers such as Global Entry, CLEAR, and Family Lanes at some airports.
Benefits of TSA Precheck for Families
TSA Precheck can be a great option for families who are traveling together. The expedited screening process can help reduce stress and anxiety for both parents and children, making the airport experience more enjoyable overall.
One of the biggest benefits of TSA Precheck for families is the ability to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during the screening process. This can be especially helpful for families with young children who may have trouble putting their shoes back on after going through security.
Additionally, being able to leave laptops and liquids in carry-on bags can help families save time and reduce the risk of losing important items during the screening process.
Which Airlines Participate in TSA Precheck?
TSA Precheck is available at more than 200 airports in the United States and is offered by more than 70 airlines. Some of the major airlines that participate in TSA Precheck include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
It’s important to note that not all flights on these airlines are eligible for TSA Precheck. In some cases, airlines may only offer TSA Precheck on certain routes or flights. It’s always best to check with your airline before your trip to make sure you are eligible for TSA Precheck.
Other Programs for Family Travelers
While TSA Precheck can be a great option for families who want to expedite the security screening process, there are other programs and services available for family travelers. Some of these include:
- Global Entry: This program allows travelers to go through expedited customs and immigration screening when returning to the United States from international travel. Global Entry also includes TSA Precheck eligibility.
- CLEAR: This program allows travelers to bypass the ID verification process at security checkpoints, making the process even faster. CLEAR also includes TSA Precheck eligibility.
- Family Lanes: Some airports have designated Family Lanes at security checkpoints, which can help make the screening process more efficient for families with young children.
Tips for Traveling with Kids and TSA Precheck
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with a little preparation, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help make the airport experience smoother for families with kids:
- Make sure everyone has their own TSA Precheck approval. Children 12 and over must have their own TSA Precheck approval to use the expedited screening process.
- Pack snacks and entertainment for the flight. Bringing along snacks and activities can help keep kids occupied and happy during the flight.
- Dress kids in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. This can help make the security screening process faster and more efficient.
- Use a stroller or carrier for young children. This can help make navigating the airport easier and keep young children close and secure.
- Allow plenty of time for airport security. Even with TSA Precheck, it’s important to allow enough time to get through security and make it to your gate on time.
FAQs: Can Family Travel with TSA Precheck?
What is TSA Precheck?
TSA Precheck is a TSA expedited screening program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to go through security checkpoints at airports more quickly and easily. The TSA Precheck program is available at over 200 participating airports across the United States.
How does TSA Precheck benefit travelers?
TSA Precheck benefits travelers in a variety of ways. First and foremost, it reduces the amount of time spent waiting in line at the security checkpoint. Precheck passengers are able to leave their shoes and light jackets on, keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags, and pass through a dedicated TSA Precheck lane.
Can family members travel together using TSA Precheck?
Yes, family members can absolutely travel together using TSA Precheck. Children 12 and under can accompany their TSA Precheck-approved parents or guardians through the TSA Precheck lane. However, it’s important to note that older children who do not have TSA Precheck approval will need to go through the regular security line.
How do I get TSA Precheck for my family?
To get TSA Precheck, each family member must submit their own application and fee through the TSA Precheck program. Children under 12 years old can accompany a TSA Precheck-approved parent or guardian through the TSA Precheck lane without needing to apply for TSA Precheck themselves.
How much does TSA Precheck cost?
To apply for TSA Precheck, there is a non-refundable application fee of $85 per person. The application is available online and is simple to fill out. Once approved, TSA Precheck status is valid for five years.
Are there any other TSA programs for families?
While TSA Precheck is the most popular expedited screening program offered by the TSA, there is one other program that families may be interested in. The TSA also offers the TSA Precheck for Military program, which provides expedited screening for active duty military members, including reserves and National Guard members. Family members of active duty military can accompany them through the TSA Precheck lane, even if they are not members themselves.