It’s been a long winter for much of the country. If you’re like me, you’ve been dreaming about warmer weather since January; perhaps it’s still cold where you live, too (hello, Chicago). Whether you’re traveling for spring break or already looking ahead to this summer, I’m right there with you.

If you’re planning a sunny escape soon, TSA PreCheck is the number one travel tool I recommend for U.S.-based travelers.

Why? TSA PreCheck allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to expedite their journey through airport security at more than 200 U.S. airports when traveling on 90-plus domestic and foreign airlines, taking a considerable amount of stress out of the hustle and bustle of airports.

The PreCheck line generally moves quicker than regular TSA security lines, as TSA PreCheck users do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. PreCheck users are also usually screened with walk-through X-ray machines rather than the full-body scanners most people are subjected to. On average, 99% of users wait less than 10 minutes to pass through TSA security.

Once enrolled in the program, TSA PreCheck users receive a Known Traveler Number, which designates them as Trusted Traveler members through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program.

TSA PreCheck users must enter their KTN when booking airline reservations to ensure the green TSA PreCheck check symbol appears on their boarding pass.

Even so, there might be times when the TSA PreCheck designation does not appear on your boarding pass. Here’s what you can do if this happens to you, so you don’t get trapped in the regular TSA line.

When your frequent flyer account doesn’t list your Known Traveler Number

As mentioned, your KTN is your ticket to the TSA PreCheck lane — but only if airlines know you have it.

After receiving your KTN or when flying a new airline, immediately add it to your frequent flyer profile so it automatically populates into the correct field when booking flights. This is especially important if you’re flying with a carrier you don’t frequently fly.

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If you forget to do this, you can add it when booking or checking in for your flight, online and at the airport. Give yourself enough time to add it to your account and reprint your boarding pass.

When the name on your ID doesn’t match your boarding pass

Any typographical discrepancies between the name on your boarding pass and the name on your TSA PreCheck account may cause security to note the discrepancy and flag your boarding pass for closer scrutiny. Errors could include simple typos such as a misplaced period or a missing middle name — so double-check that your name on your Trusted Traveler account and boarding pass match exactly.

When your TSA PreCheck access has expired

A TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, at which point you must renew it to continue using it.

You can renew your membership up to six months before expiration; most people can renew online, though some might have to return to an enrollment center to complete the process.

The cost of TSA PreCheck varies by application provider — it costs $78 to apply through Idemia, $85 through Telos and $77.95 through Clear. Keep in mind that various credit cards offer statement credit reimbursements for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, since Global Entry also includes a membership to TSA PreCheck.

For example, if you’re looking for cards that convey free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you might consider:

Here’s a complete list of credit cards that offer this discount.

This credit is typically available every four to five years, but check your card’s terms for the exact frequency.

When you get the dreaded SSSS

SSSS, or Secondary Security Screening Selection, is an arbitrary airport security measure that selects certain travelers for additional inspection. The exact reason for this designation remains largely unknown.

If you are selected for this “privilege,” you will only be able to check in for your flight at the airline counter — and almost certainly will not be able to go through the TSA PreCheck line, since you’ll receive a thorough inspection from TSA agents.

If this circumstance befalls you, there’s nothing you can do other than get to the airport earlier than you would otherwise.

This has only happened to me once when I was abroad. They took my suitcase to a designated area where they unpacked it on a separate table. This added a few extra minutes of time, but we were then escorted right to the gate, instead of having to wait in the gate area to board.

TSA PreCheck is not a guaranteed service perk

Believe it or not, TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed to users every time they travel, even when flying on a participating airline at a participating airport.

“TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport,” per the TSA. “All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.”

Bottom line

There are several ways to correct a missing TSA PreCheck designation on short notice.

If you notice the error before arriving at the airport, call your airline and provide your KTN. You can also try adding your KTN information to your frequent flyer profile. Once you do so, confirm it has been added by reloading your boarding pass via the airline website or mobile app.

If you don’t find out about the missing TSA PreCheck designation until you’re at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask them to add your KTN to your itinerary.

If you’re already in a time crunch, the difference in time saved going through the TSA PreCheck line could make or break your chances of getting onto your plane.

Though you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of getting out of line for the ticket counter on a case-by-case basis, I always advise doing everything possible to acquire TSA PreCheck access.

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