TSA Precheck for tweens/teens?
DDs are 14 (will turn 15 this summer) and 12. No flights planned in the near future but also don't want to be scrambling. DH and I both have TSA precheck. When we traveled June 2021 we didn't realize until we were driving to the airport that technically, the TSA precheck benefit for kids cuts off at age 12 (DD1 was 13 at the time) but the TSA precheck was on both of their board passes, so it worked out. At the time, I kinda panicked and starting reading up on the TSA site and I swear it said that 13 and up must have their own TSA precheck status. After that trip I looked into what documentation I'd need to get DD1 precheck status and got overwhelmed thinking about having to get her either a non-driver's ID or a passport in order for her to have qualified photo ID. So I put it off. Well, I have a few upcoming days off from work that the kids have off from school so I figured I might as well dive back into this and suck it up and get both DDs some form of government ID. Today I was on the TSA site and the FAQs say that kids aged 13-17 can use parental TSA status so long as it's indicated on their boarding pass and that they may be randomly excluded and need to go through the regular line. I swear this has to be an update/change because I wouldn't have panicked on the way to the airport last year.
So, do I bother with the cost of purchasing government ID AND TSA precheck or just take my chances that they'll continue to get precheck status when they travel with us?
I don't *think* we will fly this year but who knows. I think we will definitely take a trip requiring a flight next spring. DD2 will be 13 by then, but DD1 will be just months shy of turning 16 and getting a learner permit. Seems a waste to pay money for a government ID a few months before paying to get a permit. I don't anticipate any international travel and so passport doesn't seem necessary. We live in NY close to the Canadian border and get the enhanced driver's license that allows border crossing.
Mom to two amazing DDs ('07 & '09) and a fur baby.
Gluten free since Nov '11 after non-celiac gluten sensitive diagnosis. Have had great improvement or total elimination of: migraines, bloating/distention, heartburn, cystic acne, canker sores, bleeding gums, eczema on elbows, dry skin and scalp, muscle cramps, PMS, hair loss, heart palpitations, fatigue. I'm amazed.