Last updated on January 19th, 2025
If you’ve ever dreaded long security lines at the airport, TSA PreCheck® is a game changer. It offers an expedited screening process, allowing you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. Plus, you don’t have to pull out your laptop or liquids from your bag. All this sounds great, right? Well, it gets even better when you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that makes your airport experience even smoother.
Why Should I Get TSA PreCheck?
First of all, let’s talk about the perks. With TSA PreCheck, you get to wait in much shorter lines, about 99% of passengers with TSA PreCheck wait less than 10 minutes. No more standing around, taking off shoes, or rummaging through bags to find your laptop. If you’re traveling with kids, they can also join you in the PreCheck line as long as they’re under 17 and have TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass.
How to Get a Known Traveler Number (KTN)
The process to get your Known Traveler Number is super easy. Here’s what to do:
- Apply Online: Go to the TSA PreCheck enrollment website and apply online. The application only took about 5 minutes to complete.
- Visit an Enrollment Center: Then visit an enrollment center nearest you for a quick 10-minute appointment where they take fingerprints and check documents.
- Receive Your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Once approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number, and then add it to your airline reservations every time you fly.
Why Is the Known Traveler Number So Important?
Once you have your Known Traveler Number, it’s the key to unlocking TSA PreCheck benefits. You’ll need to add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservations so that it appears on your boarding pass. Without it, you won’t be able to use the TSA PreCheck line, and that would defeat the whole purpose, right? So, keep your Known Traveler Number handy and always make sure it’s attached to your flight details before you head to the airport.
New TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options
Now, the TSA offers multiple ways to enroll through different providers, each with varying costs and locations:
- CLEAR: With 53 locations, CLEAR allows you to enroll for $77.95, with no appointment needed. I can even renew my membership online for $68.95 and get discounts on other CLEAR products.
- IDEMIA: IDEMIA offers access to 622 enrollment centers and local events. The cost is $78 for new enrollments and $70 for online renewals.
- Telos: Telos provides TSA PreCheck enrollment at 149 locations, charging $85 for new sign-ups and $70 for renewals.
How to Find or Renew Your Known Traveler Number
If you’ve already enrolled in TSA PreCheck but can’t remember your Known Traveler Number, don’t worry! You can easily find it through the TSA website here. Just make sure you have it handy when making airline reservations. Also, renewing your Known Traveler Number is a breeze, you can even do it online in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
In the end, TSA PreCheck can be a valuable option if you travel often and prefer a quicker, hassle-free airport experience. The process to get your Known Traveler Number is straightforward, and once it’s part of your routine, it can really enhance the convenience of flying. If you like the idea of shorter lines and fewer security steps, it might be worth considering for your next trip!
