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Understanding TSA rules for minors

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    Quick insights

    • TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
    • TSA screening rules generally apply to all travelers, including minors.
    • Minors 12 or younger can use TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport when traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck status.

    The TSA is a federal government agency tasked with protecting and overseeing the safety and security of travelers. The TSA's primary responsibilities include screening passengers and their luggage, setting travel guidelines and enforcing security regulations. It also oversees security programs such as TSA PreCheck.

    In this article, we’ll discuss how TSA rules and security screenings apply to minors.

    TSA rules for minors

    The TSA sets and enforces security and safety protocols for all modes of transportation but is commonly associated with security screenings at airports. Its screening procedures are designed to check for dangerous items and prevent threats from entering the airport.

    All passengers entering the airport are subject to screening that can include scanning luggage, passengers and their carry-on items.

    TSA screening rules generally apply to all travelers, including minors. However, some TSA rules can vary depending on the age of the child. A few examples include:

    • Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening.
    • Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector.
    • Children will not be separated from their parents while going through airport screening.

    Check with your airline and consult TSA guidelines for more guidance on traveling with children.

    TSA ID requirements for minors

    The TSA requires a form of identification for most travelers. However, minors typically do not need an ID for domestic travel within the U.S. if they are traveling with an adult. For international travel, all passengers—including minors—need a valid passport.

    While TSA might not require ID for minors, airlines may have their own requirements. You may want to check with your airline before traveling to confirm their specific requirements for minors.

    If your child does need to bring a form of identification, the following are typically accepted by the TSA and most airlines:

    • Passport
    • School ID
    • Birth certificate
    • Government-issued ID

    TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program that allows pre-approved, low risk travelers a streamlined security screening at U.S. airports. Those with TSA PreCheck may not need to remove shoes, laptops, belts or light jackets when going through airport screening.

    To get TSA PreCheck, you have to apply to the program and then complete a background check, fingerprinting and an in-person interview with a TSA agent. An application for TSA PreCheck is not a guarantee of approval. TSA has the right to deny TSA PreCheck status to any applicant.

    TSA PreCheck for minors

    Any minor who is traveling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck status can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. However, children between 13 and 17 could be randomly excluded from PreCheck and will have to pass a standard TSA security screening.

    If minors are not traveling on the same reservation as a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck, they will need their own TSA PreCheck status in order to access PreCheck security lanes.

    Adding TSA PreCheck number to a child's ticket

    If a child has their own TSA PreCheck status, you can include their Known Traveler Number (KTN) on their airline reservation. A KTN is assigned to anyone enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

    When you add their KTN, the TSA PreCheck logo should be included on their boarding pass. If you or your child receive a KTN after you’ve made a reservation, you may want to update the airline reservation with that information before your trip.

    In summary

    TSA PreCheck may help you and your family avoid longer wait times at airport screening checkpoints, but it’s not a guarantee. TSA PreCheck lanes don’t guarantee faster security screenings, but travelers may prefer them because they can usually keep their shoes, belts and jackets on while going through screening.

    Children aged 12 and under can keep shoes and coats even if they go through standard TSA screening. In addition, children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, the passenger between the ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian. 

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