TSA PreCheck® guest policies: What to know

If you have TSA PreCheck^® and travel with guests, you'll want to know whether this changes how you travel through security. TSA has detailed policies for traveling with TSA PreCheck guests, including family members who don't have their own account. These guidelines and rules may vary according to each airport, airline or location, so it can be helpful to understand how guest policy regulations might apply to you.

If I have TSA PreCheck, can I bring a guest?

Can you bring a guest through TSA PreCheck? Usually, no, but there are exceptions. These include allowances for the following types of guests who don't have their own TSA PreCheck membership: spouses, children, those with a disability, and active military personnel. There are also rules for pets. Let's explore each scenario:

1. Can I bring my spouse through the TSA PreCheck lane?

Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account. In some instances, however, security may allow them through when it's clear that their boarding passes match yours as the primary account holder. This typically depends on the airport's regulations and the security detail on duty that day. 

2. Using TSA PreCheck with your children

Traveling with a child as your TSA PreCheck guest? The rules about using your TSA PreCheck for your child usually depend on your child's age. According to TSA standard regulations, children ages 12 and under can pass through the PreCheck lane if traveling with members who have a TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

If your child is between 13 and 17 years old, they may need their own TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. If they don't have this indicator, your teenager might have to go through a separate security screening. 

3. Using the TSA PreCheck lane with a pet

Can you take a pet through the expedited lane as your TSA PreCheck guest? The short answer is yes. But clearance for your pet requires following the airport, airline and TSA's guidelines.

Some things to keep in mind when flying with a pet may include:

• A proper size carrier is normally required, with a maximum height and width. Additional carry-on allowance can vary according to airline.
• In person check-in for your pets may be necessary.
• Removal of your pet from their carrier for security screening is often required.
• Pet relief areas are usually designated inside each airport.
• Airline fees may be required at each airport entry.

You may want to check online at the airline, airport and TSA websites ahead of time to make certain you have the necessary documentation and equipment (such as a standard pet carrier) before heading to the airport. 

Planning for these details can help make a difference for you and your pet. Such preparations also may help ease your passage through the TSA PreCheck lane with your beloved pet in tow. 

4. Using the TSA PreCheck lane with a disability

Officially, TSA PreCheck guests with a disability are required to have PreCheck membership. However, travelers with disabilities are often given the option of using the TSA PreCheck lane along with account holders. It may be worth asking if you can use this lane when approaching security, ready to share your proof of disability if necessary.

As an alternative, the TSA also provides the service TSA Cares, which provides passenger support specialists and expedited lanes for travelers with disabilities. You can call or sign up online a few days prior to your trip to set up this assistance by contacting TSA Cares through the TSA website.

5. Using the TSA PreCheck lane with an active-duty military guest

Active-duty military personnel can use TSA PreCheck as a guest without signing up for membership. This expedited screening benefit only requires them to input their 10-digit DoD ID number from the back of their military-issued common access card into the Known Traveler Number space when making flight reservations. Active-duty military personnel are not required to be in uniform to qualify for this benefit when traveling.

In summary

When you travel with TSA PreCheck, guests may sometimes come along through the expedited lane with you. Whether it's your child, the Army engineer or your beloved Maltese, bringing those you love along on a trip can make it that much more special. Thanks to TSA PreCheck, you may also have an expedited passage through security with your loved ones in tow at participating airports.