TSA PreCheck Expands: Adds Four Major International Airlines, Enhancing Travel Convenience

TSA PreCheck is broadening its reach once more. On Monday, the program added four new airlines to its roster of participating carriers.

The new additions include Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia, all significant airlines operating long-haul routes from the US to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.

US travelers with a TSA PreCheck membership and booked on any of these four airlines can now access the faster security lane on their outbound journey. PreCheck is available at over 200 US airports, including those in US territories and one foreign airport in Nassau, Bahamas. Given the record-breaking number of passengers this year, these additions are expected to help ease security lines in busy international terminals.

TSA PreCheck has been expanding its list of participating carriers, particularly in recent months. In March, TSA added eight new airlines to the program: Air Premia, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Transat, Bahamasair, BermudAir, Iberia, La Compagnie, and New Pacific Airlines. The program now boasts over 100 airline participants.

The advantages of a PreCheck membership can be significant, especially for those who often arrive at the airport last minute. Members enjoy a more streamlined security screening process: they don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can keep laptops and liquids in their bags, reducing the hassle at the scanner conveyor belt.

To enroll, travelers need to complete a quick online application, followed by an in-person appointment at one of the hundreds of enrollment centers across the country. During the 10-minute appointment, travelers will have their photo and fingerprints taken, undergo a quick background check, and pay the $78 fee for the five-year membership. Some travel rewards credit cards cover this fee. TSA states that most approved travelers receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days of completing their enrollment appointment. Once you receive your KTN, it should be added to any airline frequent flier profiles or kept handy to input on all flight reservations to ensure access to the PreCheck lane.

A membership is a particularly good investment for family travelers, as children under 18 can accompany parents and guardians through the expedited lane for free. TSA reports that 99% of PreCheck members wait just 10 minutes or less at security checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck’s recent expansions reflect its commitment to providing more travelers with a faster, more convenient security screening process. The addition of Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia marks another step in this ongoing effort.

Air New Zealand offers flights from the US to various destinations in Oceania, making it a crucial addition for travelers heading to that region. Aer Lingus provides routes to Europe, enhancing options for transatlantic travelers. Ethiopian Airlines connects US travelers to Africa, a growing market for both leisure and business travel. Saudia offers flights to the Middle East, catering to a diverse range of passengers.

These new additions come at a time when the travel industry is experiencing a surge in passenger numbers. Airports have been bustling with activity, and the inclusion of these major carriers in the PreCheck program is expected to alleviate some of the congestion at security checkpoints. The convenience of skipping long lines and avoiding the usual hassle of removing shoes, belts, and jackets will be a significant benefit for travelers, especially during peak travel times.

TSA’s ongoing efforts to expand the PreCheck program are evident in the recent inclusion of eight new airlines in March. Air Premia, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Transat, Bahamasair, BermudAir, Iberia, La Compagnie, and New Pacific Airlines joined the program, bringing the total number of participating airlines to over 100. This growth underscores the value and demand for expedited security screening.

The process of enrolling in TSA PreCheck is straightforward. After completing the online application, travelers schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The 10-minute appointment involves taking a photo, providing fingerprints, undergoing a background check, and paying the $78 fee for a five-year membership. Many travel rewards credit cards offer reimbursement for this fee, making it an even more attractive option for frequent travelers.

Once approved, travelers receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. This number should be added to all airline frequent flier profiles and flight reservations to ensure access to the PreCheck lane. The benefits of PreCheck extend to family travelers as well, with children under 18 allowed to accompany parents and guardians through the expedited lane at no additional cost.

The PreCheck program’s appeal lies in its ability to save time and reduce stress at the airport. With 99% of members waiting 10 minutes or less at security checkpoints, it’s no wonder that the program continues to grow in popularity. The recent additions of Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia are likely to attract even more travelers to enroll.

In a year marked by unprecedented travel volumes, the expansion of TSA PreCheck is a welcome development. The program’s ability to streamline security screening for millions of travelers is invaluable, and the addition of four major international carriers only enhances its appeal. As more airlines join the program, the benefits of PreCheck will become accessible to an even broader audience, making travel more efficient and enjoyable for all.

TSA PreCheck’s expansion is part of a broader trend towards improving the travel experience. By partnering with a growing number of airlines, the program aims to make expedited security screening a standard feature for travelers worldwide. The inclusion of Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia is a significant step in this direction, providing more options for travelers seeking a hassle-free airport experience.

As TSA continues to add new airlines to the PreCheck program, travelers can look forward to even greater convenience and efficiency. The streamlined security process, combined with the ability to keep shoes, belts, and jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags, makes PreCheck an attractive option for anyone looking to make their airport experience smoother and more enjoyable. With more than 100 airlines now participating, TSA PreCheck is well on its way to becoming an essential part of air travel.