Q: Will the TSA PreCheck lane replace the Express Lane?

No, the TSA PreCheck lane and Express L ane aren’t the same and operate separately. A-List and A-List Preferred Members as well as Customers flying on a Business Select® or Anytime fare can use the Express Lane security lanes in participating airports regardless of TSA PreCheck eligibility.

Question 1

What is TSA PreCheck?

Accepted Answer

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports for individuals who participate.

Question 2

What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to remove or take off the following items at security:

Shoes
3-1-1 compliant bag from carryon
Laptop from bag
Light outerwear/jacket
Belt

Accompanying children 12 years and younger are allowed through TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with eligible Passengers who have TSA PreCheck (parent or guardian). Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass.

Question 3

Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck?

Accepted Answer

Find out who can apply for TSA PreCheck and more by visiting the TSA’s FAQ page.

Question 4

Can I add my Known Traveler Number to any reservation booked on Southwest.com®?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Known Traveler Number (KTN) can be entered for any reservation booked through Southwest.com, swabiz.com, or Southwest Vacations®.

Question 5

How will I know if I’m eligible to use the TSA PreCheck lane?

Accepted Answer

Travelers who are eligible will be able to find the notification indicator “TSA PRE” on their boarding pass. If you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck, the indicator will appear on boarding passes throughout your itinerary, regardless of whether pre-screening lanes are available at your departure airport(s).

Question 6

Will all airports have a TSA PreCheck lane?

Accepted Answer

No, not all airports have a TSA PreCheck lane, and those that do might not have TSA PreCheck at every checkpoint. For more information on checkpoint locations and hours of operation, visit tsa.gov.

Question 7

If I qualify for TSA PreCheck, how will I know which lane to enter?

Accepted Answer

After verifying your departure airport has an open TSA PreCheck lane at your security checkpoint, look for signs with the TSA PreCheck logo at the entrance to the checkpoint lanes.

Question 8

If I’m traveling with family and/or a companion and I get TSA PreCheck and they don’t, can they use the lane?

Accepted Answer

In order for the Customer to use the TSA PreCheck lane, the Customer must have “TSA PRE” on their boarding pass. However, children 12 years and younger are allowed through TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with eligible Passengers who have TSA PreCheck (parent or guardian). Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass.

Question 9

Will the TSA PreCheck lane replace the Express Lane?

Accepted Answer

No, the TSA PreCheck lane and Express Lane aren’t the same and operate separately. A-List and A-List Preferred Members as well as Customers flying on a Business Select® or Anytime fare can use the Express Lane security lanes in participating airports regardless of TSA PreCheck eligibility.

Question 10

Am I required to use the TSA PreCheck lane if it’s printed on my boarding pass?

Accepted Answer

No, you are not required to use the TSA PreCheck lane.

Question 11

If I qualify for TSA PreCheck, will I receive expedited screening each time I travel?

Accepted Answer

The TSA incorporates random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport. Therefore, while Passengers with the TSA PreCheck indicator have been precleared to access the TSA PreCheck lane, no Passenger is ever guaranteed expedited screening.

Question 12

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the program or the TSA?

Accepted Answer

For any questions about TSA PreCheck or the TSA, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/contact.