With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to consider signing up for TSA PreCheck program, if you are not already enrolled.  This program streamlines the airport security process for preapproved, low-risk travelers. TSA PreCheck participants enjoy numerous benefits, such as not having to remove their shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids from their bags. The program is accessible at more than 200 U.S. airports, and over 90 domestic and international airlines participate.

Once you are enrolled, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), designating you as a Trusted Traveler under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program.  To ensure that you experience the convenience of TSA PreCheck program during your travels, remember to enter your KTN when booking your airline reservations, which should result in the coveted green check symbol appearing on your boarding pass.

However, even if you are a registered TSA PreCheck program user and have associated your KTN with your airline reservation, there may be instances when the TSA PreCheck designation does not appear on your boarding pass.  To help you navigate this situation, we’ve outlined three common reasons for this occurrence and provided steps to ensure you don’t find yourself stuck in the regular TSA line.

1.Frequent Flyer Account Lacks Your Known Traveler Number

After receiving your KTN, you must add it to your airline’s frequent flyer profile, especially if you are flying with a carrier you don’t frequently use.  This ensures that your KTN will automatically populate into the appropriate field in your account, guaranteeing a hassle-free TSA PreCheck program experience.

2. Name Discrepancies Between ID and Boarding Pass

Any typographical discrepancies in the name on your boarding pass compared to the name registered with your TSA PreCheck account may raise a red flag during security checks.  Be diligent in verifying that your name on your Trusted Traveler account and boarding pass matches exactly.

3. Expired TSA PreCheck Program Access

TSA PreCheck program membership is valid for five years and requires renewal for continued use.  Renewal can be done up to six months before expiration, with most people being able to renew online. The application fees vary, with some credit cards offering statement credits for TSA PreCheck program and Global Entry application fees.

If you encounter the dreaded “SSSS” on your boarding pass, indicating a Secondary Security Screening Selection, you will have to check in at the airline counter and undergo a thorough inspection, making you ineligible for the TSA PreCheck line.  Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do in this situation except arriving at the airport earlier than usual and exercise patience.

It’s essential to understand that TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed on every occasion.  TSA employs both visible and concealed security measures, and not every traveler will receive expedited screening every time.  However, you can take immediate steps to rectify a missing TSA PreCheck designation:

• If you spot the issue before reaching the airport, contact your airline and provide them with your KTN.
• Ensure that your KTN information is added to your frequent flyer profile, and confirm it by reloading your boarding pass through the airline website or app.
• Consider reaching out to TSA through social media, such as Twitter (X), for real-time assistance.
• If you discover the issue at the airport, visit the airline check-in counter and request them to add your KTN to your itinerary.

Though the decision to visit the ticket counter on short notice should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the time saved by using the TSA PreCheck program line could significantly impact your ability to catch your flight.  Therefore, it’s generally advisable to make every effort to secure TSA PreCheck access whenever possible.