 TITLE: What Is the Difference Between TSA Precheck and Global Entry? CONTENT: TSA Precheck was launched in 2013 and allows travelers who are deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration to use expedited security lines at certain airports.\nPassengers with TSA Precheck can leave laptops and liquids (in approved containers) in their bags, and do not have to remove their shoes or belts when going through airport security. Travelers can now find TSA Precheck lanes at over 200 airports across the U.S., and a total of 73 airlines currently participate in the program.\nAccording to the TSA, 94% of travelers who use TSA Precheck lanes experience wait times of five minutes or less. That's a lot of time saved, especially when the TSA considers the normal average wait time to be 30 minutes, and even longer during peak travel times.\n**Eligibility**: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or legal permanent resident of the United States to be eligible for TSA Precheck. There are no age requirements, but children 12 and under can use Precheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who is a member.\n**Applying**: If you meet those requirements, you can fill out an [online application](;service=pre-enroll), which asks for personal information like your date and location of birth, current address, height, weight and eye color, among other questions. If you are conditionally approved, you will then need to schedule an in-person interview at one of the nearly 400 enrollment centers, many of which are located at airports. Time slots fill up fast, so be sure to book yours as soon as possible.\nThe interview itself should only take a few minutes. During the interview, a TSA agent will verify your information and require you to pay the $85 application fee, which you can do using credit card, debit card, money order, certified or cashiers check, or company check. After that, you will be notified in writing of your result, and if accepted, you will receive a Known Traveler Number.\n**Registering with airlines**: Even after you are approved for TSA Precheck, you will not automatically get to use the designated security lanes when flying. You must first register your Known Traveler Number with any airlines you fly by logging into your frequent-flier accounts and adding it to your traveler profile. If it works, you should see the TSA Precheck logo on your boarding pass when you check in. If you do not, you can ask an airline agent at the airport to add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation.\n**Expiration and renewal**: TSA Precheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew your membership online up to six months before it expires. You will have to pay the $85 application fee again and may be required to complete another in-person interview. END