What to do if a boarding pass isn’t marked TSA PreCheck
It's been a long winter for much of the country. If you're like me, you've been dreaming about warmer weather since January; perhaps it's still cold where you live, too (hello, Chicago). Whether you're traveling for spring break or already looking ahead to this summer, I'm right there with you.
If you're planning a sunny escape soon, TSA PreCheck is the number one 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 PreCheck line generally moves quicker than regular TSA security lines, as TSA PreCheck users do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. PreCheck users are also usually screened with walk-through X-ray machines rather than the full-body scanners most people are subjected to. On average, 99% of users wait less than 10 minutes to pass through TSA security.
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
As mentioned, your KTN is your ticket to the TSA PreCheck lane — but only if airlines know you have it.
After receiving 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.
If you forget to do this, you can add it when booking or checking in for your flight, online and at the airport. Give yourself enough time to add it to your account and reprint your boarding pass.
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 discrepancy and flag your boarding pass for closer scrutiny. Errors could 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 $78 to apply through Idemia, $85 through Telos and $77.95 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 free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you might consider:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees)
- United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Here's a complete list of credit cards that offer this discount.
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
SSSS, or Secondary Security Screening Selection, is an arbitrary airport security measure that selects certain travelers for additional inspection. The exact reason for this designation remains largely unknown.
If you are selected for this "privilege," 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 me once when I was abroad. They took my 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," per the TSA. "All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening."
Bottom line
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 them to add your KTN to your itinerary.
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.
Though you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of getting out of line for the ticket counter on a case-by-case basis, I always advise doing everything possible to acquire TSA PreCheck access.
Related reading:
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card is a good choice for those who spend time at Marriott properties. While it’s not a great choice for everyday spending, this card does earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. You can also redeem Marriott points at more than 8,000 Marriott locations globally. (Partner offer)Pros
- Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
- 1 free night award (up to 85,000 points) every year after your card renewal month; certain hotels have resort fees
- Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required)
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
Cons
- Pricey $650 annual fee
- Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- A Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees