TSA urges 10 million travelers to renew PreCheck before Labor Day

More than 10 million Americans will fly over Labor Day weekend, and if your TSA PreCheck is about to expire, you need to renew it now to avoid the regular security line.

TSA PreCheck lets travelers keep on their shoes, belts and light jackets, speeding them through airport security. The program costs $85 for five years, but it won’t work if your renewal isn’t approved before your current status lapses. The Transportation Security Administration says approvals can take up to 60 days, so late renewals risk missing flights. The surge in summer travel and the upcoming holiday weekend has pushed wait times higher, making early action critical.

About 70 percent of U.S. airports now have dedicated PreCheck lanes, and more than 80 airlines participate, covering 95 percent of domestic departures. The program has grown steadily since its 2011 launch, with over 16 million active members. Last year, TSA screened 260 million travelers, and PreCheck users spent an average of five minutes in security compared to 15 minutes for standard lanes. Renewing is separate from new applications and requires a new background check, fingerprints and a fee.

If your PreCheck expires within the next six months, log in to the TSA website, use your Known Traveler Number (KTN), and start the renewal process. You’ll pay online and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center or use an approved mobile fingerprinting service. Processing times vary by location, so check your airport’s website for wait estimates. Missing the Labor Day travel rush isn’t worth the risk—renew now, or plan for longer lines in September.