TSA PreCheck FAQs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an intelligence-driven, risk-based screening initiative called TSA PreCheck through which eligible passengers are selected for expedited security screening. Many of our frequent flyers who are U.S. citizens are eligible to participate. Additionally, U.S. citizens who are members of Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS, are eligible to participate. TSA PreCheck is only available at participating airports when traveling with select airlines, including Delta.
The majority of our customers who are eligible for TSA PreCheck have been contacted with an invitation to opt in to this program. To opt in, participants must update or add their Secure Flight Passenger Data to their SkyMiles profile via delta.com. Members of CBP's Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS) must add their CBP-assigned PASS ID number - located in their account online or on the top left-hand corner of their membership card - in the "Known Traveler Number" field in the Secure Flight section of their profile on delta.com.
Click here to see how to enter data into your profile and opt in the program.
Please note that TSA will determine eligibility for modified screening on a per-flight-segment basis and does not guarantee that participants will receive expedited screening. TSA PreCheck only applies to passengers who are U.S. citizens with a domestic itinerary.
A list of answers to frequently asked questions about TSA PreCheck is provided below. Visit the TSA's website for additional details and the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening initiative that is expanding to airports across the U.S. The TSA uses an intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security. The TSA PreCheck initiative enhances aviation security and expedites the travel experience by pre-screening individuals who volunteer to participate.
What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?
If the TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, information is embedded in the barcode of the passenger's boarding pass. The TSA reads the barcode at designated checkpoints, and the passenger may be directed to an expedited screening lane, which may not require you to remove the following items:
- Shoes
- 3-1-1 compliant bag from carry-on
- Laptop from bag
- Light outerwear/jacket
- Belt
In addition, passengers 12 years old and younger who are accompanied by eligible travelers may also access the TSA PreCheck lanes.
Who is eligible for expedited screening through TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck includes U.S. citizens who are members of existing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS, as well as eligible airline frequent travelers.
At Delta, we have contacted most of our frequent travelers who qualify for TSA PreCheck to invite them to opt in to the program. Once customers opt in, the TSA is responsible for selecting participants. Information in the participant's Delta travel profile must match the TSA's information exactly (e.g., your full middle name must match).
Although participants in the CBP's Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI) and frequent travelers who have opted into the program are eligible for expedited screening, no one is guaranteed expedited screening. Eligibility is determined on a per-flight-segment basis.
How can someone sign up to participate?
There are two ways to participate in TSA PreCheck. One is to sign up for membership in a CBP Trusted Traveler program (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS). The other is to opt in through a participating airline. Delta permits some of our frequent flyers to opt in through our system.
The TSA (not Delta) has determined eligibility standards for frequent flyers, and Delta has contacted most of our eligible frequent travelers with an invitation to opt in. Once a passenger opts in, the airline identifies the individual as a participant when submitting the passenger reservation information to the TSA.
Current members of CBP's Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS) are already eligible for TSA PreCheck if they are flying on a participating airline at a participating airport. These passengers need to place their PASS ID in the "Known Traveler Number" field when booking their reservation. Trusted Traveler program members should also remember to enter their full name, date of birth and PASS ID exactly as it appears on their membership card.
Interested passengers who are not eligible through their airline and are not already a member of a CBP Trusted Traveler program may still be able to opt in to TSA PreCheck by applying for one of the CBP eligible programs. Visit www.globalentry.gov to learn more.
What should I do if I registered to participate and provided my information, but am not being chosen for expedited screening?
To be considered for expedited screening, passengers must be opted in to TSA PreCheck through a CBP Trusted Traveler program or through a participating airline. Ensure that your profile information matches exactly what is on your passport and/or CBP program enrollment, including your middle name. Please note the TSA, not Delta, selects individuals for expedited screening. Additionally, no individual can be guaranteed expedited screening.
What should I do if I was previously being selected for TSA PreCheck but no longer receive expedited screening?
If you participate in one of the CBP's Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI), please ensure your profile for that program matches the information in your Delta profile exactly. Please note, the TSA's selection process can vary and criteria can change. The TSA, not Delta, selects individuals for expedited screening. Additionally, no individual can be guaranteed expedited screening, because the TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport.
When booking an airline ticket, how do I indicate that I'm a member of a trusted traveler program?
If a passenger opts in to TSA PreCheck through an invitation from Delta, we will identify that individual as a participant in the program when we submit his or her reservation information to TSA's Secure Flight system.
U.S. citizens currently enrolled in CBP's Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS Trusted Traveler programs are automatically eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck. Trusted Traveler participants will need to enter their CBP-assigned PASS ID number – located in their account online or on the top left-hand corner of their membership card – in the "Known Traveler Number" field when booking travel reservations. Additionally, CBP Trusted Traveler participants can add their PASS ID number to their airline member profile to have the number automatically sent to TSA when booking reservations.
If I qualify for TSA PreCheck, will I receive expedited screening each time I travel?
No individual can be guaranteed expedited screening. TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport.
Can passengers access TSA PreCheck for international travel?
No. At this time, TSA PreCheck is only available for U.S. citizens traveling domestically on participating airlines. If any leg of an itinerary is international, the passenger will not qualify for TSA PreCheck for that itinerary and will go through traditional screening.
At which airports does Delta participate in TSA PreCheck?
Please visit the TSA's website to view a map of participating airports or download the location chart. The TSA is working to expand TSA PreCheck to more locations.
Will participants know in advance that they have been cleared for expedited screening?
No. If the TSA determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA PreCheck, information will be embedded in the barcode of the passenger's boarding pass. The TSA will read the barcode at designated checkpoints, and the passenger may be directed to an expedited screening lane.
Are travel companions eligible for TSA PreCheck as well?
Passengers who do not meet the necessary requirements are not eligible to participate at this time. However, passengers 12 years old and younger who are accompanied by eligible travelers are allowed through TSA PreCheck lanes as part of our modified screening procedures for this age group.
What will the TSA do as part of the "pre-screening" of participants?
For security reasons, the TSA cannot provide specifics about screening procedures. Volunteered participant information is used to make an intelligence-driven risk assessment that could allow some travelers to qualify for expedited screening.
If a passenger in the selected participation pool "opts out," will he or she be subjected to more screening?
No. Passengers who are eligible but choose not to participate will undergo standard TSA screening procedures.
Will eligible participants receive documentation indicating they are cleared for expedited screening?
No. TSA PreCheck participants will be pre-screened each time they fly. The TSA always incorporates random and unpredictable screening measures throughout the airport, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
