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  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. TSA PreCheck®
  4. TSA PreCheck for Families

TSA PreCheck for Families

Whether you’re headed on a family vacation or reuniting with loved ones, TSA PreCheck® makes traveling as a family easier and less stressful. With a streamlined experience for everyone and allowing children 17 and under to join parents in the TSA PreCheck lanes for free, TSA PreCheck is the easiest way for the entire family to enjoy a smoother airport experience.

Kids travel with you for free!

How to use TSA PreCheck when traveling as a family

Generally, children do not need to apply for TSA PreCheck unless they routinely travel alone. When traveling as a family, and the adults have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass, children 17 and under are eligible for TSA PreCheck without having their own Known Traveler Number (KTN) by following the guidelines below. Here’s how by age group:

Children 12 and under:

Kids precheck are free

 Automatically allowed in the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent/guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

  • The child’s boarding pass does not need to show the TSA PreCheck indicator.

Children 13 to 17:

  • May use the TSA PreCheck lane only when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.
  • To get the TSA PreCheck indicator on your child’s boarding pass make sure:
    • the adult and child are on the same airline reservation,
    • the adult’s boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck indicator.
  • If the child does not have their own KTN, you should not enter one for the child on the reservation, leave the KTN field blank.
  • If the child is on a separate airline reservation and doesn’t have their own KTN, they will not be eligible for TSA PreCheck screening.

Children traveling alone:

  • If your child travels alone routinely, they should enroll in TSA PreCheck or another DHS Trusted Traveler Program.
  • TSA PreCheck does not apply to gate passes used by adults escorting children to the gate, regardless of membership status.
  • Unaccompanied minors in TSA PreCheck lanes without an adult escort, must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact your airline for their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.