Airport lines, am I right? No one enjoys the never-ending, snake-like queues of cranky travelers lining up for security checks, a much-needed coffee or a bathroom near a gate where a plane just landed.

Although there’s nothing you can do about hot brew fanatics or those calls of nature, there’s one thing you can do to avoid the security line moving at the speed of a snail: Enroll in TSA PreCheck.

Do you need to interview for TSA PreCheck? Yes. After filling out an application, your membership is contingent on passing the TSA PreCheck interview, which is actually more like an appointment. While the process may seem intimidating, we’re here to give you the information you need to improve the odds of a smooth experience.

Get a reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with our favorite cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best cards for travelers that want TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

BROWSE CARDS

What to expect at the TSA PreCheck interview

The TSA PreCheck website will help you find the closest enrollment center. Once you get there, the TSA PreCheck interview isn’t so much an interview but rather an appointment. Here's how it will go.

You must provide correct documentation

Make sure to bring a photo ID. A driver’s license, a passport or a military ID card, among other forms, are accepted.

Additionally, you’ll need a citizenship document, such as a passport, a birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization. If your name has changed, a marriage certificate might be required.

You’ll be fingerprinted and (potentially) asked a few questions

Once you meet face to face with a person, you’ll get your fingerprints taken for a background check. They might or might not ask you some questions mentioned in the application, such as whether you’ve used other names before, how often you travel and why you want to enroll in the program. If you have a criminal history, it’s possible you’ll be asked to provide details.

Example TSA PreCheck interview questions include:

Are you a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident?

Are you wanted or under indictment for any disqualifying crimes?

Have you been released from incarceration in any jurisdiction, military or civilian, for committing a disqualifying felony during the five years before the date of this application?

All in all, the process is pretty painless and is closely attuned to the application form that you’ve already filled out.

You have to pay the TSA membership fee

The TSA PreCheck interview is also when you pay for your application. Credit cards, debit cards, money orders, company checks or cashier’s checks are accepted. A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse the enrollment fee, so if you have one of these cards, make sure to use it when paying. Among cards offering reimbursement:

NerdWallet rating  Apply Now Read Review	NerdWallet rating  Apply Now Read Review	NerdWallet rating  Apply Now Read Review
United℠ Explorer Card Annual fee:$0 intro for the first year, then $95. Benefit:Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.	Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card Annual fee:$95. Benefit:Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.	Chase Sapphire Reserve® Annual fee:$550. Benefit:Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

How to get credit card reimbursement

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck fees

Aeroplan® Credit Card.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.

IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

United Club℠ Infinite Card.

United℠ Explorer Card.

United Quest℠ Card.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

You can dress casually

Generally, an interview calls for you to wear professional attire. That said, a TSA PreCheck interview is pretty informal, so you can likely get away with dressing casually. Still, we recommend you leave the pajamas at home.

You might spend more time in line than being interviewed

All in all, the actual TSA PreCheck interview typically takes 10 minutes or less. However, you may end up spending more time at your appointment if the lines are long at the enrollment center.

If you’re approved, you should receive your Known Traveler Number within three to five days after the TSA PreCheck interview.