Frequently Asked Questions

TSA LineSitter is a marketplace that connects travelers with vetted line sitters at major US airports. A line sitter holds your spot in the TSA security line so you do not have to wait. When your sitter reaches the front, you receive a notification, meet them at the checkpoint, verify via QR code, and step into their spot.

Yes, line sitting is completely legal. There is no law against someone holding a place in a public line. TSA security checks are performed on the individual passenger, not on whoever waited in line. You will still go through the normal security screening process — your sitter simply saves you the wait time. Similar line-sitting services have operated legally in major US cities for years.

When your sitter is near the front of the TSA line, you will receive an email notification with their exact location. Head to the checkpoint and look for your sitter using their profile photo. Both of you scan a unique QR code on the app to verify each other's identity and confirm the handoff. You then step into their spot in line and proceed through security as normal. The entire handoff takes less than 30 seconds.

If your sitter does not check in at the airport within the expected timeframe, you will be notified immediately. You can either be matched with another available sitter or receive a full refund. Sitters who fail to show up without notice receive penalties and risk being removed from the platform. Your payment is always protected — funds are held in escrow until the handoff is confirmed.

Sitters set their own hourly rates between $25 and $100 per hour. You only pay for the actual time your sitter waits. A 17.5% platform fee is added to cover payment processing, email notifications, and verification systems. For example, if a sitter charges $40/hr and waits for 2 hours, you would pay $80 + $14 platform fee = $94 total.

Sitters receive payment through Stripe Express immediately after a successful QR code handoff. They keep 100% of the rate they set — the platform fee is charged separately to the traveler. Sitters can cash out instantly to their bank account or debit card.

TSA LineSitter currently serves 30 major US airports, including high-demand locations like Houston IAH, Atlanta ATL, JFK, O'Hare ORD, LAX, and Miami MIA. We are continuously expanding to more airports. Visit our Airports page to see the full list and check availability at your airport.

Yes, you can cancel your booking. If you cancel more than 2 hours before the scheduled start time, you receive a full refund. Cancellations within 2 hours of the start time may be subject to a cancellation fee to compensate the sitter for their time. If your sitter cancels on you, you always receive a full refund.

Each booking generates a unique QR code. When you meet your sitter at the TSA checkpoint, you scan each other's QR codes using the TSA LineSitter app. This confirms the sitter's identity, records the handoff, and triggers the payment release. Your sitter's profile photo is also visible in the app so you can visually confirm you have the right person.

Absolutely. All payments are processed through Stripe, a PCI Level 1 certified payment processor used by millions of businesses worldwide. Your payment information is never stored on our servers. Funds are held in escrow until the handoff is confirmed via QR code, so you are protected against no-shows or disputes.