TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares both relate to airport security in the United States, but they are not versions of the same service. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening programme for eligible vetted travellers. TSA Cares is a support service for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances.
The easiest way to remember the difference is this: TSA PreCheck is about expedited screening, while TSA Cares is about assistance during screening.
An autistic or disabled traveller may benefit from TSA Cares even if they do not have TSA PreCheck. Some eligible travellers may also use both.
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TSA PreCheck vs TSA Cares at a Glance
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | TSA Cares |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Expedited airport security screening | Information and assistance during security screening |
| Who it is for | Eligible vetted travellers | Travellers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances |
| Disability required? | No | Designed for passengers who may need support because of disability, medical conditions or other special circumstances |
| Application or request | Eligible travellers enrol in advance | Contact TSA Cares before travel to ask questions or request assistance |
| Recommended timing | Apply well before you need the membership | Contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel where possible |
| Dedicated screening lane | Yes, when available and TSA PreCheck appears on the boarding pass | No automatic fast-track lane |
| Passenger Support Specialist | Not the purpose of the programme | May be requested to assist during screening |
| Cost | Enrolment fees apply and vary by authorised provider | No separate TSA Cares assistance fee |
| UK tourists | Cannot normally enrol directly unless they meet qualifying US citizenship or residency criteria; some may receive benefits through an eligible Trusted Traveler Program | Can contact TSA Cares when travelling through TSA security screening |
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a risk-based expedited screening programme operated by the US Transportation Security Administration.
Eligible passengers can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at participating US airports when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.
During TSA PreCheck screening, passengers generally do not need to remove shoes, belts or light jackets. Compliant liquids and laptops can also normally remain inside carry-on baggage.
The programme can make security simpler, but TSA can still require additional screening such as SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection). Membership does not guarantee expedited screening on every flight.
What Is TSA Cares?
TSA Cares is a passenger support service for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances who have questions or need assistance with TSA security screening.
It can be relevant for autistic travellers, people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, travellers with medical devices and people whose hidden disability affects how they manage the security process.
TSA recommends contacting TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel when requesting assistance. A Passenger Support Specialist may be able to help during screening.
Refer to our guide to TSA Cares for more details about the programme.
TSA PreCheck vs TSA Cares: The Main Difference
The biggest difference between TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares is the reason each service exists.
TSA PreCheck reduces some of the routine steps involved in screening for eligible vetted passengers. It is not specifically a disability programme.
TSA Cares provides disability- and medical-related information and support. It does not provide membership of an expedited screening programme.
Does TSA Cares Give You TSA PreCheck?
No, there is a difference between TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares… Contacting TSA Cares does not enrol you in TSA PreCheck and does not automatically put TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.
If you need disability assistance but are not eligible for TSA PreCheck, you can still contact TSA Cares.
Does TSA PreCheck Include TSA Cares Assistance?
No. TSA PreCheck membership does not replace TSA Cares.
If you have TSA PreCheck but also need disability-related assistance, information about medical screening or support from a Passenger Support Specialist, contact TSA Cares separately.
Can You Use TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares Together?
Yes. The services address different needs, so an eligible traveller can potentially use TSA PreCheck while also requesting TSA Cares support.
For example, an autistic traveller who is eligible for TSA PreCheck may value having fewer belongings to remove during screening but still need additional communication support or help managing the checkpoint. TSA Cares can be contacted about those support needs.
Which Is Better for Autistic Travellers?
For autism-related assistance, TSA Cares is the more relevant service because it is specifically designed to help travellers who need additional support during security screening.
TSA PreCheck may still be useful for an eligible autistic traveller. Fewer routine steps, such as removing shoes or taking a laptop out of a bag, may make the process easier for someone who finds unpacking belongings, unexpected changes or complicated sequences difficult.
However, TSA PreCheck does not itself provide autism support or guarantee that screening will happen in a particular way.
Which Is Better for Disabled Travellers?
If your main concern is how a disability, mobility aid, medical device or medical condition will affect security screening, TSA Cares is the appropriate service to contact.
TSA Cares can explain relevant procedures and, where appropriate, help coordinate support at the checkpoint.
TSA PreCheck does not replace these accommodations. A wheelchair user with TSA PreCheck, for example, may still need disability-related screening procedures and airline or airport wheelchair assistance.
For more advice on travelling with medical equipment, see our guide.
Which Service Helps With Medical Equipment and Medication?
TSA Cares is the relevant service if you have questions about how a medical condition, medical device, mobility aid or medication affects TSA screening.
TSA PreCheck changes parts of the standard expedited screening process, but it does not remove TSA rules for medical items or prevent officers from carrying out additional screening where necessary.
If you are travelling with medication, you should refer to our guide on what to include on a doctors letter for travelling with medication.
TSA PreCheck va TSA Cares: Which Passes Security Faster?
TSA PreCheck is the programme designed for expedited security screening.
TSA Cares is not a fast-track service and does not let you skip security. Its purpose is to provide support and information.
Even TSA PreCheck does not guarantee a particular waiting time. Queue lengths vary and TSA may require additional screening.
Can British Travellers Use TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares?
The rules are different for each service.
A British tourist cannot normally enrol directly in the TSA PreCheck Application Program unless they also meet the programme’s qualifying US citizenship or lawful permanent residence requirements.
Some eligible UK citizens can receive TSA PreCheck benefits through an eligible US Trusted Traveler Program such as Global Entry, subject to its separate requirements.
TSA Cares is different. A British traveller passing through TSA security in the United States can contact TSA Cares about disability, medical or other eligible support needs.
TSA PreCheck vs TSA Cares for Children
Children may be able to accompany an eligible parent or guardian through TSA PreCheck under TSA’s current family rules. Those rules depend on age and boarding-pass status and can change, so check the current TSA guidance before travel.
A parent or carer can contact TSA Cares about the screening needs of an autistic or disabled child. When requesting assistance, explain the practical support the child needs rather than relying only on a diagnosis.
TSA Cares vs Airline Special Assistance
There is another important distinction. TSA Cares relates to the TSA security checkpoint. It does not replace assistance provided by your airline or airport.
If you need help checking in, moving through a large terminal, using a wheelchair to reach the gate or boarding the aircraft, arrange the relevant airline or airport special assistance separately.
You could therefore use airline special assistance, TSA Cares and TSA PreCheck during the same journey if you are eligible and require all three.
Which One Do I Need?
- You want expedited security screening: TSA PreCheck is the relevant programme if you are eligible.
- You need autism or disability-related support at security: contact TSA Cares.
- You have questions about screening a wheelchair, medical device or medical condition: TSA Cares can provide relevant information.
- You have TSA PreCheck but still need disability assistance: you can also contact TSA Cares.
- You need a wheelchair through the terminal or help boarding: arrange airline or airport special assistance separately.
TSA PreCheck vs TSA Cares FAQs
Is TSA Cares the same as TSA PreCheck?
No. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening programme for eligible vetted travellers. TSA Cares provides information and support for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances during security screening.
Can you use TSA Cares with TSA PreCheck?
Yes. If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck but also need disability- or medical-related support during screening, you can contact TSA Cares separately.
Does TSA Cares give you priority security?
No. TSA Cares is an assistance service, not an expedited security or queue-skipping programme.
Which TSA service should an autistic traveller use?
TSA Cares is the relevant service for autism-related assistance during security screening. An eligible autistic traveller may also use TSA PreCheck for expedited screening, but PreCheck is not an autism support service.
Is TSA Cares free?
There is no separate TSA Cares assistance fee. TSA PreCheck, by comparison, has enrolment fees for eligible applicants.
Do I need airline special assistance if I use TSA Cares?
You may. TSA Cares relates to security screening. If you need help moving through the terminal, using a wheelchair or boarding the aircraft, arrange the relevant airline or airport assistance separately.
TSA procedures and eligibility rules can change. Check the current official TSA information for TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares before travelling.
Continue Planning Your Trip to the United States
- Start with our North America with autistic children guide to explore practical family travel advice
- Find out what to expect when visiting the United States with kids
- Learn more about what PreClearance for the US is and where you can do it
- Use our guide to the US ESTA for those eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme for entering the US
- Find out what a Signatory Visa Waiver Carrier is for travelling to the US using an ESTA
- Travelling with a hidden disability? Learn more about using the Sunflower Lanyard when you travel
For a full list of guides that can help you plan a trip to the United States with autistic children check out our United States archives.
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With Our Guides
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