Airports call for long queues; however, if you are a frequent flyer, TSA PreCheck is a government program that allows you to skip the security lines at US airports. TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports across the United States; at SFO, most international and domestic carriers participate in the program.
The San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest (7th) in the country. The City and County of San Francisco operates the airport, despite SFO being located in San Mateo County.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a government program that helps you get through the airport much more quickly.
Once accepted into the program, travelers must submit fingerprints, pay a non-refundable fee, and undergo a background check. They are then assigned a Known Traveler Number. TSA PreCheck does not come with an ID card.
The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is in charge of screening you and your carry-on luggage. PreCheck grants you access to a unique TSA security line at most US airports and on flights operated by most US airlines. As a result, the PreCheck line is usually speedier.
Does San Francisco Airport have TSA PreCheck?
Yes, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) does have TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck is available at all SFO security checkpoints. This makes it easier for an eligible traveler to get through security. TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your belts, light jackets, and shoes on, leave your laptop in its case, and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids and food in your carry-on bag.
In addition, SFO is one of only 15 nationwide airports offering an optional facial recognition feature known as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. It uses facial recognition technology to verify a traveler’s identity without showing a physical ID or boarding pass. With a PreCheck Touchless ID, a live image is matched against photos already on file with the federal government, such as a passport photo.
How to get TSA PreCheck
Getting PreCheck is relatively easy. The TSA PreCheck application process takes around 5 minutes to complete online. Then you must arrange an in-person interview at an enrollment center, many of which are located in airports. The interview, which will involve fingerprinting and a background check, will take around 10 minutes.
- Start by submitting an online application.
- Schedule an in-person appointment.
- Click on the “Apply Now” button.
- This will take you to the TSA’s Universal Enrollment website and the official TSA PreCheck application.
- Choose an enrollment center (from approx. 400 centers across the country) for your in-person appointment.
The page populates the closest centers to your address based on your ZIP code. Once you select a center, you can view the next open appointment time and schedule it. You may also walk into the enrollment facility, but note that those with appointments have priority.
At SFO, TSA enrollment centers are located in the International Terminal A and Terminals 2 and 3 at the pre-security CLEAR locations.
Approved applicants receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through email, typically three to five days following their interview. However, some TSA PreCheck applications can take up to sixty days to process, and approval is not guaranteed. In addition, you may be denied if you have any disqualifying criminal charges. Once approved, your TSA PreCheck membership will last for five years.
How early to get to SFO with TSA PreCheck?
Even though PreCheck passengers have to wait less than ten minutes at security, the official statement from SFO requires you to arrive two hours before domestic and three hours before international flights.
What is the TSA wait time at SFO?
The TSA PreCheck wait time at SFO is less than ten minutes. However, this is the wait time at SFO for the security checkpoint. The time for both check-in and bag drop can be close to 90 minutes during busier days and times.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
The initial non-refundable application fee is $76.50. The charge is valid for five years and covers the operational costs of the TSA PreCheck Application Program. Online renewals incur a $58.75 fee, and in-person renewals cost $66.75. However, there is no refund if you are disqualified from the program.
