Does anyone get denied TSA PreCheck?

Asked by: Guido Huel III  |  Last update: September 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (38 votes)

Unfortunately, it often does. This can happen due to an incomplete review of your records or simple administrative errors. It's also common for applicants to be denied based on minor offenses from decades ago—offenses that have no bearing on their present-day status as a “low-risk” traveler.

What would keep you from getting TSA PreCheck?

Criminal offenses

Recurrent vetting for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members also tends to involve checking members' criminal records. Being convicted of a crime could cause membership to be suspended or revoked, as could having any pending criminal charges or arrest warrants.

Can you get randomly selected for TSA PreCheck?

Randomly issued. Some passengers may randomly receive TSA PreCheck as a way to introduce them to the benefits of being a member. Consider this a marketing effort by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage people to sign up for TSA PreCheck. Military benefits.

How far back does TSA PreCheck background check?

Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.

Why would someone be denied Global Entry?

Reasons for Ineligibility

You may not be eligible for participation in the Global Entry program if you: Provide false or incomplete information on the application; Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (to include driving under the influence);

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Who gets denied TSA PreCheck?

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

What is the rejection rate for Global Entry?

Global Entry Statistics

According to recent US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency statistics, three to five percent of the roughly 30,000 monthly applicants are denied. This amounts to approximately 1,500 to 2,500 applicants.

Why would I fail a TSA background check?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What crimes disqualify you from Global Entry?

Here are some key examples of disqualifying criminal convictions:
  • Felony Convictions. ...
  • Drug-Related Offenses. ...
  • Crimes Involving Fraud or Deception. ...
  • Theft and Property Crimes. ...
  • Domestic Violence and Assault. ...
  • DUI and DWI Convictions. ...
  • Sex Offenses. ...
  • Immigration Violations.

Who qualifies for TSA PreCheck?

Eligible TSA PreCheck® travelers include: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck®. Members of Global Entry. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI.

Why would I not be approved for TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

Is ssss really random?

Sometimes, traveling to a "high-risk" country repeatedly could flag you in the system, even if you're just going to visit family. It's also very likely that the TSA doles out the SSSS designation randomly.

Is there a downside to TSA PreCheck?

Cons of TSA PreCheck

In some cases, the PreCheck line could even be longer than for regular security. Lengthy wait time for enrollment appointment: Depending on your location, your next available appointment at your local enrollment center could take a while.

How hard is it to pass a TSA background check?

However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

What is a disqualifying offense?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

How does TSA know if you have PreCheck?

Participating airlines display a TSA PreCheck® indicator directly on your boarding pass if you are eligible for TSA PreCheck based on your provided Known Traveler Number (KTN). Please ensure you add your KTN to your airline reservation while booking the reservation.

Has anyone been denied TSA PreCheck?

According to data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), between 3-5% of the approximately 30,000 applicants each month are rejected for reasons that are often unclear.

Which is better, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers. For more information on all of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs use the DHS interactive Trusted Traveler Tool.

What background checks are done for TSA PreCheck?

Criminal History Background Checks

This information includes arrest and conviction information for all criminal arrest submissions and a specific segment of non-criminal records (i.e. applicants processed for fingerprints for criminal justice employment, some military, etc.).

What gets flagged TSA?

Reasons You May Be Flagged

Here are some reasons that are believed to get a person flagged on TSA's Selectee List. Booking a one-way ticket. Paying for a ticket with cash. Making flight reservations on short notice.

How many people fail the TSA test?

The pass rate is only 30%. Even if you pass the test on your first attempt, you may be asked to retake it. This ensures you have the required visual and cognitive skills to succeed in a job role with the TSA. The X-ray test must be taken at a dedicated test center.

Why do people get denied Global Entry?

Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Providing inaccurate or incomplete information during the application process, even if unintentional, can lead to a Global Entry denial. CBP expects full transparency and accuracy in every part of the application.

How strict is the Global Entry background check?

When you apply for Global Entry, your background is scrutinized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through a thorough background check. Criminal records—whether for misdemeanors or felonies—can raise concerns about your eligibility, as Global Entry is reserved for individuals deemed low-risk.

Which country has the highest visa rejection rate?

Which countries have received the most visa rejections?
  • Comoros (42.0% of visa applications were rejected)
  • Iraq (38.6% of visa applications were rejected)
  • Burundi (37.3% of visa applications were rejected)
  • Sudan (37.2% of visa applications were rejected)
  • Bangladesh (36.9% of visa applications were rejected)