Breezing Past Tsa: Quick Tips For A Smooth Airport Experience

Long TSA lines at the airport can be frustrating, especially during the busy holiday season. Thankfully, there are several ways to bypass these lines and speed up your security screening. From subscription services to one-time passes, here are some options to consider:

- TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports. The service costs $78 for a five-year membership and allows passengers to keep their shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets on during screening.

- Global Entry: Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited customs clearance when returning to the US from abroad. The program costs $100 for five years and requires an in-person interview.

- Clear: Clear is a private company that uses biometrics, such as fingerprints or iris scans, to identify travelers and allow them to skip the ID check lines. Clear has a separate lane from TSA PreCheck and costs $199 per year.

- Airline Priority Programs: Many airlines offer priority security access to their elite members or passengers flying in premium cabins. Be sure to check with your airline to see if you are eligible for this perk.

- Upgraded Airfare: Some airlines offer upgraded tickets that include access to exclusive security lanes. For example, United's Premier Access and Southwest's Fly By Lane provide expedited security access for a fee.

- Reservation Programs: Select US airports offer free reservation programs that allow travelers to skip the TSA lines. For example, LAX's Fast Lane program and JFK's Terminal 4 reservation system let travelers make advance reservations or walk-in appointments for security screening.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck

Signing up for TSA PreCheck is a great way to bypass long TSA security lines at the airport. Here are some detailed instructions on how to sign up:

Step 1: Visit the TSA Website

Go to tsa.gov/precheck to get started. This is the official website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and it will provide you with all the information you need to enroll in TSA PreCheck.

Step 2: Select an Enrollment Provider

On the TSA website, you will be able to choose an enrollment provider that meets your needs and has a convenient enrollment location near you. There are several providers to choose from, including Telos, CLEAR, and IDEMIA, each with its own pricing and benefits.

Step 3: Pre-Enroll Online

You can start the enrollment process by submitting your application online. This typically takes about five minutes to complete. After submitting your application, you can either make an appointment for the in-person process or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment.

Step 4: Complete the In-Person Process

The in-person process is necessary to collect your biometric data, verify your identity, and collect payment. This step will take about 10 minutes. During this process, you will provide your fingerprints, have your photo taken, and submit the required identity/citizenship documentation.

Step 5: Receive Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number is essential, as you will need to add it to your airline reservations to enjoy the benefits of TSA PreCheck. Most applicants receive their KTN within 3-5 days, but some applications can take up to 60 days. You will be notified by email or phone when your KTN is ready, and you can then retrieve it online.

Step 6: Add KTN to Airline Reservations

Make sure to add your KTN to each participating airline profile or provide it when booking your travel. The name you use when booking your travel must match the name used during your TSA PreCheck enrollment for the benefits to apply.

Additional Information:

• TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a five-year membership and $70 to renew.
• With TSA PreCheck, you can speed up your security screening process. You don't need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
• TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and with more than 80 airlines.
• Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
• There are over 400 TSA PreCheck application centers across the United States, making it convenient for travelers to enroll.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a smoother and more efficient airport security experience with TSA PreCheck.

Get Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to clear expedited entry when arriving in the United States.

Global Entry members can proceed to the Global Entry lanes at selected airports, where processing technology will be used to verify their membership. Once a photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that they have successfully completed the process.

To get Global Entry, you must first submit an online application, then attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre, typically found at international U.S. airports. The application costs $100 and is valid for five years.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which provides a separate security screening lane for approved passengers. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can keep their shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets on, and are not required to remove liquids from their carry-on baggage.

Enrol in Clear

Enrolling in Clear is a great option if you want to skip the long TSA security lines at the airport. Clear is a subscription service that uses biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan) to identify you and allow you to skip the line and go straight to bag screening. It is currently available at around 50 airports across the US and is also used in some stadiums and venues.

• Visit the Clear website to start your enrolment process.
• Finish the enrolment process at any Clear airport location when you next travel. No appointment is needed, but remember to bring your government-issued ID.
• Clear is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and above with a valid government-issued photo ID.
• A Clear Plus membership costs $199 per year. However, members of certain airline loyalty programs may be eligible for discounts, and some credit cards offer full or partial statement credits to cover the cost.
• If you are also interested in enrolling in TSA PreCheck, you can bundle your enrollment with Clear Plus. This will give you the fastest route to your gate without waiting in line at airport security. The bundle costs a total of $199 for the first year, including 5 years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and 1 year of Clear Plus for as low as $121.05, saving you up to $77.95 on your first year of Clear Plus.

By enrolling in Clear, you can speed up your airport security process and avoid the hassle of long lines, making your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Buy upgraded airfare with priority lane access

Upgrading your airfare is a great way to skip the long TSA lines at the airport. Some airlines offer upgraded tickets that give you access to exclusive security lanes. This means you can avoid the crowds and get to your gate faster. Here are some tips to help you take advantage of this option:

First, check with your airline to see if they offer expedited security access. Not all airlines or airports provide this service, but it is worth inquiring about. For example, United Airlines offers Premier Access, which provides access to dedicated security lanes, check-in lines, and priority boarding. This can be purchased for as little as $15 per ticket. Similarly, Southwest Airlines offers the Fly By Lane, which gives you direct access to the front of the ticket counter and security checkpoints at select airports. This is available with the purchase of a Business Select Fare or by holding elite status with the airline.

Another option is to look into priority services offered by your airline. For instance, Air Canada offers Priority Services to enhance your overall airport experience. This includes personal check-in services and expedited access to security screening via exclusive lanes. To be eligible for these services, you may need to be travelling in a higher class of service, such as Business or Premium Economy, or have elite status with the airline.

In addition to purchasing upgraded airfare, you can also consider signing up for a security clearance program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These programs offer expedited security lanes at participating airports, allowing you to speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership, while Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck.

Keep in mind that these options may vary depending on your airline and airport. It's always a good idea to check with your airline or airport website to see what specific options are available to you. By upgrading your airfare or taking advantage of priority services, you can significantly reduce your wait times at the airport and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Make a reservation for TSA screening

Making a reservation for TSA screening is a great way to save time at the airport. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check if your airport offers reservation systems

Several major US international airports have implemented reservation systems for TSA security screening. These include:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Step 2: Sign up for the reservation system

Each airport has a slightly different process for signing up for their reservation system. However, you will generally need to provide the following information:

• Airline
• Destination and flight number
• Name
• Party size
• Contact information

You can usually sign up for a reservation slot starting 72 hours before your flight. Some airports, like Dallas-Fort Worth, allow reservations up to seven days in advance.

Step 3: Arrive at the designated checkpoint

Once you've made your reservation, proceed to the designated checkpoint at the airport. This information should be provided to you when you sign up for the reservation. At the checkpoint, you will be escorted to the front of the TSA security screening line.

Step 4: Prepare for standard TSA screening

Even with a reservation, you will still need to go through the standard TSA screening process. This includes removing items like electronics, liquids, and foods from your carry-on baggage. Remember to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and any other TSA guidelines to ensure a smooth screening process.

Additional tips:

• If you are a member of TSA PreCheck or other expedited screening programs, you cannot use those benefits in the dedicated reservation lanes.
• Reservation systems are usually free, making them a cost-effective alternative to programs like PreCheck and Clear.
• Arrive at the airport with ample time, especially during busy travel periods, to account for any potential delays.

Frequently asked questions