Does TSA PreCheck not apply to international flights?

Okay, so does TSA PreCheck work for international flights? That’s a question I’ve definitely asked myself before, especially when I’m staring down a huge line at the airport.

Basically, yeah, TSA PreCheck can totally be your friend on some international flights. I mean, it does apply to most of them, at least if you’re leaving from a U.S. airport that’s playing ball. Think about it: you get to breeze through security quicker, even when you’re heading overseas. Score!

But here’s the thing, and it’s a pretty big “but”: it’s not a guarantee. Like, you can’t just assume you’ll get the PreCheck lane every single time. It really depends on the airport. And, yeah, the airline you’re flying with also matters.

I remember this one time, I was flying to Cancun. I had my PreCheck all set, thinking I was going to be sipping margaritas in no time. But guess what? No PreCheck lane for my flight! I was so bummed. Lesson learned: always double-check your boarding pass, and, you know, maybe lower your expectations a little.

So, what should you do? Before you get all excited about skipping the lines, take a peek at your flight details. See if it mentions PreCheck. If not, well, prepare yourself for the possibility of the regular security line. It’s not the end of the world, right? Just… maybe pack an extra dose of patience. Because who knows what could happen on international flights, right?