Do Police Skip Lines? Airport Security And Special Treatment

Waiting in line at the airport can be a tedious and time-consuming process, and many travellers are eager to find ways to skip the queue. While some choose to pay for expedited services, others may be curious about whether members of law enforcement are exempt from these long waits.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are responsible for conducting security screenings at airports and can search passengers and their baggage. However, it is important to note that most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers and do not have the authority to make arrests. Their role is limited to screening passengers, baggage, and cargo.

Although TSA officers can conduct further searches even if the initial screening does not reveal any suspicious items, they must follow certain guidelines. For example, they cannot select individuals for a personal search or secondary inspection based on religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Additionally, passengers have the right to request that any pat-down or removal of religious head coverings be conducted by a person of the same gender in a private area.

While TSA officers play a crucial role in airport security, they do not necessarily skip the lines during the security process. Their role is to facilitate screenings for all passengers, including those who may be exempt from removing certain items or undergoing additional checks due to their law enforcement status.

TSA PreCheck: A government-run program that allows members to skip the ID check line and keep shoes, laptops, belts and jackets on

TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to skip the long ID check lines at over 200 airports in the US. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets. The program is available for travel when departing from a US airport to a foreign country and for domestic flights.

The application process is simple and can be started online. After submitting an online application, applicants will then schedule an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. The in-person appointment includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. The application fee is around $78 for five years, and renewal can be done online in as little as 5 minutes.

Once approved, members will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which they will need to enter when booking a flight to receive TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass.

TSA PreCheck is a great option for frequent travellers looking to save time at the airport. It is also beneficial for those travelling with a partner, as long as both individuals are enrolled. However, it is important to note that TSA PreCheck is not available at all airports, and if travelling with someone who doesn't have TSA PreCheck, you will need to wait for them at the standard security line.

Global Entry: A program that includes TSA PreCheck benefits and allows members to skip the customs line when returning to the U.S

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers when returning to the U.S. from abroad. It is a risk-based approach to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travellers.

Global Entry members can skip the customs line and head straight to automatic kiosks to complete their customs declaration. They can scan their passport or permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, and scan their fingerprints to move onward to U.S. soil. This can save a lot of time, especially when the customs line is long at busy airports or during high-volume travel periods.

To get Global Entry, travellers must submit an online application and undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrolment. The application fee is $100 for five years, and many credit cards will offer to cover this cost. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits, which allow expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports.

Clear: A private biometric screening company that allows members to skip the ID check line

Clear is a private biometric screening company that allows members to skip the lengthy ID check lines at airports. With Clear, travellers can use their biometrics, such as fingerprints or an iris scan, to quickly identify themselves and proceed to the security screening. Clear has more than 20 million members and is available at over 40 locations across the US, including major airports like Denver International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.

Clear offers a dedicated lane for its members, allowing them to skip the standard ID check lines. The membership costs $179 to $199 per year and can be discounted through certain airline loyalty programs and credit cards.

While Clear helps travellers skip the ID check line, it does not provide access to a special security screening line like TSA PreCheck. However, Clear can be especially useful for those without TSA PreCheck, as it allows them to cut the general security line. For travellers with both Clear and TSA PreCheck, they can enjoy the benefits of both, expediting their airport security experience.

In addition to airports, Clear is also available at select stadiums and venues, offering expedited entry for concertgoers and sports fans. Overall, Clear provides a convenient way for travellers to bypass the ID check lines and enhance their travel experience.

Upgraded airfare: Some airlines offer upgraded tickets that grant access to exclusive security lanes

Upgrading your airfare is another way to skip the long lines at the airport. Some airlines offer upgraded tickets that come with access to exclusive security lanes, allowing you to speed through security without the usual wait. Here are some examples of airlines that offer this perk:

• United Airlines' Premier Access: This upgrade speeds you through airport security with exclusive security lanes and also grants you access to dedicated check-in lines and priority boarding. Prices for Premier Access start at $15 per ticket.
• Southwest's Fly By Lane: This option grants you direct access to the front of the ticket counter and expedited service through security lanes in select cities. You can get it by purchasing a Business Select Fare or by holding either A-List or A-List Preferred Southwest elite status.
• American Airlines' PriorityAAccess: This privilege includes dedicated security screening lanes (where available) and is offered to AAdvantage elite status members, first and business class travellers, AAirpass customers, and passengers travelling on full-fare economy class tickets.
• JetBlue's Even More Speed: This option lets passengers enter expedited lanes to get through airport security and is automatically available to TrueBlue Mosaic and JetBlue Mint customers. Others can purchase Even More Speed in the "extras" section when booking flights or checking in for $15.

These are just a few examples of airlines that offer upgraded tickets with exclusive security lane access. It's always a good idea to check with your specific airline to see what options are available, as they may vary from carrier to carrier.

Mobile check-in: Most airlines allow passengers to check-in via their mobile app or website, bypassing the check-in desk

Mobile check-in

Most airlines allow passengers to check in via their mobile app or website, bypassing the check-in desk. This means you can check in from the comfort of your home or on the go, without having to wait in line at the airport.

The process is simple: download the airline's mobile app or visit their website, input your reservation or booking code, and follow the prompts to check in. Some apps even allow you to change or upgrade your seat, pre-pay for checked baggage, and access your digital boarding pass.

For example, the Alaska Airlines mobile app offers a seamless travel experience, allowing you to "skip the line and head straight for your gate with online check-in and digital boarding passes." Similarly, the Boarding Pass app provides quick access to check-in websites for over 100 airlines and sends you check-in reminders 24 hours before departure, ensuring you never miss your check-in window.

Using these mobile check-in options can save you time and streamline your airport experience, making your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions