The Best Way To Get Expedited Screening If The TSA PreCheck Lane Is Not Open

There's nothing better than arriving at the airport and breezing through the security line that's reserved exclusively for members of TSA PreCheck. Over 858 million people passed through airport security in 2023 (per TSA), and it seems like the worst kinds of travelers at a TSA checkpoint seem to appear when you're in a hurry to catch your flight. However, more than 20 million people have enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program to enjoy the time-saving benefits. Moving through security while still wearing your shoes, belt, and a light jacket is a relief for any traveler. Being able to keep your 3-1-1 liquids and your laptop in your carry-on bag is another convenience. On average, a PreCheck member will pass through security in less than 10 minutes, but what if you arrive at the security gate and a PreCheck lane isn't open? 

The good news is that all is not lost, even if the lane is closed. By displaying the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass to a TSA officer, the agent may be able to arrange for you to have expedited screening, even if the PreCheck lane is closed. The fact that you're still eligible to enjoy a more convenient screening process, even when a designated lane is unavailable, is one of the reasons that the TSA PreCheck status is so valuable to its members. "More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency," says TSA administrator David Pekoske, according to TSA.

It's easier than ever to sign up for TSA PreCheck, especially when following a simple hack like this one. However, your status as a TSA PreCheck member is not a guarantee that you'll be able to enjoy expedited screening in a standard security lane. TSA agents have the discretion to determine whether you keep your shoes and light jacket on, or whether you'll be able to keep your liquids and laptop stored in your bag. It's possible that you may not be able to enjoy each of these time-saving benefits every time you pass through security. However, your status as a TSA PreCheck member will still provide you with the opportunity to manage the security process as efficiently as possible.

With TSA PreCheck available at over 200 airports and 90 airlines, there are plenty of occasions for your travel plans to intersect with an open TSA PreCheck lane. However, the best way to determine when PreCheck lanes are open or closed is to use a tool provided on the TSA PreCheck Checkpoint Schedule website. All you have to do is enter the name or code of your airport, the day of the week you'll be flying, and the estimated time that you'll arrive at the security checkpoint. The tool will generate a list of TSA PreCheck lanes that will be open during the time that you're traveling through the airport.