Every parent knows the subtle swell of relief that comes when an airport journey goes smoothly. Security lines can test even the calmest families, but a new seasonal offer is making that process easier. The Transportation Security Administration’s trusted traveler program, TSA PreCheck, is rolling out a limited-time discount designed to help families move through airports with less stress.
The promotion, announced by TSA and supported by authorized enrollment providers CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos, offers $15 off a second enrollment when two first-time applicants sign up together. The deal applies through December 31 and must be completed in person at the same enrollment center, on the same day, and at the same appointment time.
For families, the value extends beyond the discount itself. TSA PreCheck remains one of the most reliable ways to shorten wait times, reduce screening hassle, and avoid removing shoes or laptops. Children 17 and under may join parents in the PreCheck lane when traveling on the same reservation, making it one of the few travel programs that scales naturally for households. “We want families to feel confident and prepared when they enter the airport,” the agency shared in its announcement, underscoring the program’s appeal during peak holiday travel.
The mechanics of the family privilege are straightforward for younger travelers. Children 12 and under may automatically accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck, even if the child’s boarding pass doesn’t display the indicator. For teens aged 13 to 17, the boarding pass must show the TSA PreCheck icon—something that happens when they are booked on the same reservation as a PreCheck-enrolled adult. If teen travelers regularly fly alone or appear on separate reservations, the agency recommends enrolling them individually.
The temporary $15 discount aims to make that decision easier. First-time customers can enroll in pairs and apply the savings immediately, with some IDEMIA-run centers issuing a rebate after payment. TSA notes that the primary applicant must complete and pay for their enrollment before the discount can be applied to the second customer. Larger families can also benefit: a group of four, for example, saves $30 under the same promotion.
This year’s offer arrives at a moment when family travel is increasing, particularly for school breaks and holiday reunions. According to TSA, more than 99 percent of members waited under 10 minutes in dedicated PreCheck security lanes this year—a statistic that resonates with parents balancing backpacks, strollers, or spirited toddlers. The agency emphasizes that travelers should not attempt to enter a Known Traveler Number for a child who does not have one, since leaving that field blank is what allows the system to link them to an enrolled adult when eligible.
The program does not extend to adults using gate passes to escort children, nor does it waive ID requirements for unaccompanied minors. Those travelers must follow airline-specific guidelines, a reminder that PreCheck is most effective when families travel together.
For families planning winter vacations or sending teens back to school after the holidays, this offer may be a timely opportunity to streamline travel. With enrollment deadlines set for December 31, those considering the program can find more information and appointment locations through the official TSA PreCheck enrollment site.
