Breeze Through Airport Security: Strategies To Bypass Long Lines

Airport security lines can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, especially during busy holiday seasons. Luckily, there are several programs and passes that allow travellers to speed up this process. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are three of the most well-known programs that allow travellers to bypass the long airport security lines. Each program offers its own set of benefits, and understanding these differences can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

TSA PreCheck

The benefits of TSA PreCheck include:

• Faster security screening: About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
• Simplified security process: No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.
• Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck.
• Wide availability: More than 200 airports and 90 airlines provide TSA PreCheck.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, follow these steps:

• Select an enrolment provider with locations near you.
• Submit your TSA PreCheck application online.
• Visit an enrolment location to complete the process, including fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
• Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and add it to your airline reservations.

The cost of TSA PreCheck varies depending on the enrolment provider, with options for online or in-person renewal. Some travel credit cards also reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry

To join Global Entry, you must complete an online form about your travel history, have an in-person interview with a customs official, be fingerprinted, and pay a $100 application fee (good for five years). It is the most seamless way to move through customs: you simply stop at an automated passport control kiosk, identify yourself with your passport and finger biometrics, and tap the screen to answer a few questions.

The Global Entry program, where members scan their fingerprints and passports at kiosks instead of waiting in immigration lines, is growing. Enrollment is available at 11 international airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and Denver International Airport.

CLEAR

The $199 annual fee for the CLEAR Plus individual membership allows you to pass through expedited airport security. CLEAR also offers a free sports and events pass through its app that helps shorten the time it takes to enter sports and entertainment venues.

Mobile Passport Control

The MPC app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. After downloading, eligible travellers create a profile with their passport or LPR card information. Upon arrival at eligible preclearance locations, users must select their mode of entry in the application as "Preclearance" before selecting their departing preclearance port of entry. If not using preclearance, travellers will select "U.S. airport" as their mode of entry and then select their arrival airport or seaport and terminal. Travellers will then take a self-photo and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions. Once the traveller submits their transaction through the app, they will bring their physical passport to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States.

MPC provides a more efficient, secure in-person inspection process for both the CBP officer and the traveller, and shortens overall entry wait times. The administrative tasks are performed by the traveller prior to the passport control inspection, reducing passport control inspection time.

MPC can be used in 6 simple steps:

• Create a traveller profile using biographic information from your passport. You can create a profile for all eligible members in a family group. Your profiles will be securely stored on your device completely free to be used for future travel.
• Select your method of travel, select your port of entry and terminal (if applicable), answer CBP inspection-related questions, certify the truthfulness and accuracy of your answers, and, upon arriving at your selected port of entry, tap the “Submit Now” button.
• Capture a clear and unobstructed photo of each traveller (including yourself) that you added to your submission.
• Once your submission is processed, CBP will send a virtual receipt back to your device.
• Proceed to the MPC-designated lane upon arrival and be prepared to present your passport and other relevant travel documents. Please note: MPC does not replace your passport; your passport will need to be presented to the CBP officer.
• The CBP officer will complete the inspection. If further information is required, the CBP officer will let you know.

Avoid peak travel times

The easiest way to skip long wait times at airport security is to avoid travelling when everybody else does. Airports tend to be busiest on major holidays like the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas week. Airports are also usually busier at the beginning and end of each week when business travellers pack the terminals. During the summer and long school breaks, Thursdays and Fridays can be busy with travelling families too.

If you can, it's best to avoid travelling on these peak days. Opt for a quieter time of year, such as the middle of the week or term-time, when airports are less crowded.

You can also use apps to monitor security wait times. For example, TripIt monitors airport security wait times in real-time, so you can plan how soon you need to leave for the airport. The app also allows you to track your flight status in real-time and share your travel plans with friends and family.

Another option is to sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. TSA Precheck is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration that lets travellers departing from airports in the United States access a separate, shorter line through airport security. With TSA Precheck, you can usually expect wait times of five minutes or less. The service is available at over 200 airports and costs $85 for five years.

Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA Precheck, plus expedited border crossings into the United States and a few other countries. The application process for Global Entry is more rigorous than TSA Precheck, and the program costs $100 for five years.

Frequently asked questions