Are you wondering who’s eligible for TSA PreCheck? If you’re not enrolled in the program, there are four categories of people who aren’t eligible to be TSA PreCheck members, including non-U.S. citizens, certain types of U.S. citizens (such as children). Who Isn’t Eligible for TSA PreCheck?: people with specific criminal records, and people who have been denied access to airport secure areas before.
Keep reading to learn more about who isn’t eligible for TSA PreCheck and how to enroll if you qualify!
10 Things You’re Not Allowed to Bring on a Plane
1) If you’re under 12 years old
TSA PreCheck eligibility and your age are directly linked. Anyone 12 years old or younger is automatically excluded from participation in TSA PreCheck, even if you’re an American citizen and have proof of U.S. citizenship.
This is done to protect children from potentially harmful screening methods, such as pat-downs. Also, keep in mind that once you turn 12 years old, you’re no longer eligible for TSA PreCheck—regardless of your citizenship status or other eligibility requirements like whether or not you have a criminal record.
If you were previously eligible but haven’t updated your information since turning 12 years old, check with your local TSA office to see if they can update their records to reflect your new age.
2) If you’re traveling between Alaska and the Lower 48 states
TSA PreCheck is not available in Alaska. TSA PreCheck is a program of Identity Screening Technology (IST) that expedites security screening at participating airports. Currently, there are over 150 airlines and 16 airports participating in TSA PreCheck.
If you’re planning on traveling between Alaska and another state (for example, Seattle), then it’s possible that you may have to go through standard security lines or even miss your flight if you haven’t joined TSA Precheck before booking your trip.
But hey, we can all learn something from an adventure!
3) If you’re driving across Canada or Mexico
You’re not eligible. According to TSA, crossing through these countries don’t count as international travel, meaning you can only use TSA PreCheck if you depart from or arrive in a foreign country. The good news is that many airlines offer preferred memberships with access to TSA PreCheck; all you have to do is book directly through that airline, rather than third-party sites like Expedia or Orbitz.
If you fly enough, it might be worth it for you—though if most of your travel is in North America, there are easier ways to beat lines and save time at airport security.
4) If you have another trusted traveler program such as Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, etc.
While you can apply to TSA PreCheck using Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS as proof of your background check, not everyone is eligible. Even if you have another trusted traveler program such as Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS, it doesn’t mean you will automatically be eligible for TSA PreCheck.
Those who are not eligible include those who have traveled to or lived in countries where deemed higher risk by DHS (and others which are determined on a case-by-case basis).
If you don’t qualify for TSA PreCheck via one of these trusted traveler programs and your application is denied by TSA or it expires due to nonuse, there is no way to reapply other than applying as a new applicant.
5) If you are subject to a criminal background check or law enforcement watch list
You will be denied TSA Pre✓® status regardless of your past travel history or whether you have spent considerable time waiting in security lines. However, if you are on a criminal background check list, you can appeal by submitting your fingerprints through Identity Verification Services.
You will receive an interim letter stating that TSA has received your fingerprints and is processing them to determine eligibility for expedited screening. Once processed, TSA will review your case to determine if further action is required.
If so, you’ll be asked to provide additional documentation such as court documents or letters from law enforcement officers before finalizing its decision on eligibility. For more information visit tsa.gov/tsaprecheck/about-us/eligibility-denial-information.
6) If you’re participating in another government trusted traveler program like FAST, GOES, CRBA, etc.
While TSA Pre✓® is run by The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it isn’t exclusive to them. Other trusted traveler programs can be combined with TSA Pre✓® to streamline your airport experience.
However, if you have an active status in any other trusted traveler program, you won’t be eligible for TSA Pre✓® because it will reduce your benefits under that program as well. While you can generally apply for and receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) or Secure Flight Number (SFN) through TSA Pre✓®, once you obtain that KTN/SFN, you must travel under the rules of whatever trusted traveler program is on file with TSA.
7) Other reasons why you might be ineligible
Aside from being a citizen, there are several reasons why you might not be eligible. If you’ve had any kind of formal criminal conviction in your past – even if it was something minor like a shoplifting charge when you were 16 – then you’re out of luck.
The same goes if you have an active warrant out on you or have been deported from a country other than Canada or Mexico within the last five years. More often than not, TSA screeners can exercise some discretion here to determine whether your situation is valid, but again it doesn’t hurt to check with your friendly local TSA agent first just to be sure.