T.S.A. blankCheck — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 18, 2025)
Word Tips delivers a sly "Not post?" hint and the anagram PER that make PRE obvious to frequent flyers. We turn that into plain language guidance so you remember it as the airport program that lets you keep your shoes on. All apostrophes appear as ' and quotation marks as " across the page.
8 Across
T.S.A. ___Check
Anyone who has breezed through a TSA PreCheck lane knows the shorthand PRE. Word Tips jokes with "Not post?" to remind you that pre means before. It also points to the letters PER, which you flip back into PRE after reading the clue. The pattern ties neatly into the grid because the P crosses ORE, and the E intersects REISSUE, removing any lingering doubt.
Crossing Safety Net
- 7-Across ORE keeps the abbreviation grounded in the grid, converting travel jargon into confident fills.
- 3-Down REISSUE keeps the abbreviation grounded in the grid, converting travel jargon into confident fills.
- 4-Down UPDRAFT keeps the abbreviation grounded in the grid, converting travel jargon into confident fills.
Solver Cheat Sheet
Meaning Hint
Word Tips reminds you that pre means before. Pair it with TSA and you immediately think PreCheck.
Anagram Prompt
PER is the same set of letters. Flip it back and the answer sticks like a boarding pass barcode.
Alternate Cue
Future crosswords love phrases like "Airport program with shorter security lines." That is PRE every time.
Solve Smart
Anytime you see "blankCheck" paired with TSA, auto fill PRE. Then double check the crosses for good measure.