Clear Airport Security Faster: Tips For A Swift Passage

There are several ways to clear airport security faster. One option is to sign up for TSA PreCheck, which allows you to access a designated security line that is usually much shorter. TSA PreCheck also lets you keep liquids and laptops inside your bag, and you can keep your jacket, belt, and shoes on. The cost for TSA PreCheck is $85 for new enrollees, and membership lasts for 5 years. Another option is Global Entry, which is a Trusted Traveler Program that allows members to quickly clear immigration when returning to the US. Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years of membership. CLEAR is another option, which is a privately-owned company that provides fast-track security access at airports, stadiums, and other venues. CLEAR uses biometric screening to identify members, and once verified, a CLEAR Ambassador will bring you to the front of the security line. The cost for CLEAR is $189 a year. Finally, some credit cards offer expedited security access, so be sure to check your wallet and look at your credit cards.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck

Signing up for TSA PreCheck® is a great way to clear airport security faster. It is a trusted traveler program by the Transportation Security Administration that allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating US airports and on more than 80 airlines.

• Visit the official TSA website (tsa.gov/precheck) to select an enrollment provider that meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you. There are three providers to choose from: Telos, CLEAR, and IDEMIA. Each provider has different pricing, locations, and additional benefits, so be sure to review them carefully before selecting one that best suits your requirements.
• Complete the online application process, which only takes about 5 minutes. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and other relevant details.
• Schedule an appointment for the in-person process, or you can choose to walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. The in-person visit usually takes about 10 minutes. During this visit, your selected enrollment provider will collect your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo. They will also verify your identity documents and collect payment.
• The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $85, which covers the cost of background checks and is non-refundable. This fee must be paid in person at a TSA enrollment center, and first-time applicants cannot pay the application fee online.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This process usually takes 3-5 days, but some applications can take up to 60 days. You will be notified via email or phone when your KTN is ready.
• Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservations or participating airline profiles. Ensure that the name you used when applying for TSA PreCheck® matches the name used when booking travel.
• When traveling, look for the TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass. This indicates that you are eligible for expedited screening on that particular trip.

By enrolling in TSA PreCheck®, you can enjoy a smoother and more efficient security screening process. You won't need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets, making your airport security experience faster and more convenient.

Sign up for Global Entry

Signing up for Global Entry is a great way to clear airport security faster, especially if you're a frequent international traveller. Global Entry is a membership program offered by the Department of Homeland Security that allows approved travellers to skip long lines at customs and head to an automated kiosk. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for Global Entry:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Global Entry is open to most U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Citizens of certain other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Germany, are also eligible to apply. However, individuals who have broken immigration laws or have a criminal record are generally ineligible. Be sure to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for a full list of eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs Account

To begin the application process, you'll need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs account on the CBP website. This is a straightforward process that involves providing basic personal information.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Once you have a Trusted Traveler Programs account, log in and complete the online application for Global Entry. The application will ask for personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and passport details. There is also a non-refundable application fee of $120, which can be reimbursed if you have certain travel credit cards.

Step 4: Schedule an Interview

After submitting your application, you'll need to wait for CBP to review it. If your application is approved, you will be instructed to schedule an in-person interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. Interviews are required for all applicants and usually involve verifying your identity, taking your photo, and scanning your fingerprints. Be sure to bring your passport or other valid identification to the interview.

Step 5: Finalize Your Enrollment

If everything goes well at your interview, you should receive final approval for Global Entry. You'll be able to activate your membership by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs account. You'll also receive a Known Traveler Number, which you can use to access TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports.

By signing up for Global Entry, you can expedite your security screening process and save time during your travels. Remember that Global Entry is particularly useful for international travel, as it allows you to skip the often-long lines at customs. The membership lasts for five years, so it's a worthwhile investment if you plan to travel internationally during that time.

Sign up for CLEAR

CLEAR is a membership program that allows its members to quickly verify their identities at biometric security kiosks. The paid membership CLEAR Plus is required for use at airports, while membership is free for those who only use it to enter partner stadiums and arenas. CLEAR meets the TSA baseline for security and privacy controls and has been certified as a "qualified anti-terrorism technology" by the Department of Homeland Security.

You can find CLEAR kiosks at more than 55 airports and at stadiums and arenas across the U.S. In New York, for example, CLEAR is available at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Madison Square Garden, Westchester County Airport, Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field.

CLEAR Plus passengers can use the CLEAR lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process instead of waiting in line for a TSA representative to check their boarding pass and photo ID. After getting through the biometric screening, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts you directly to the next stage of the screening process so that you can complete physical and luggage scanning. You're then taken to the TSA PreCheck line if you already have TSA PreCheck. Otherwise, you will need to use the regular screening line.

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.

You're eligible to apply for CLEAR if you are at least 18 years old and have a U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport, or U.S. state-issued ID. The CLEAR application process is similar to the TSA PreCheck application process. You'll start by filling out an online application. Then, visit one of the more than 50 CLEAR airport locations to finish the process. You don't need an appointment before visiting a CLEAR location, but you do need to bring a photo ID that matches the name on your application and prepare to share your biometric information.

A CLEAR Plus membership is more expensive than TSA PreCheck, with individual membership costing $199 per year and family memberships costing $199 a year plus $119 per person for up to three adults (children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when traveling with a CLEAR Plus member).

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck can be purchased as a bundle at some airports. Together, CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck give you the fastest route to your gate—without waiting in line at airport security (CLEAR Plus) and without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets (TSA PreCheck). When bundling your enrollment, you enjoy special pricing on your first year of CLEAR Plus for a combined total of just $199. This includes 5 years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and 1 year of CLEAR Plus for as low as $121.05 (saving up to $77.95 on your first year of your CLEAR Plus Membership).

Reserve your spot in line

Reserving your spot in line is a great way to save time at the airport. This option is available at several airports, and in some cases, it's free!

At New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), you can pay $15-$20 for a B-Fast pass that grants you access to a shorter security line. The higher-priced option is available for immediate use.

If you're flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), you can reserve a spot in line for free via Clear's Reserve program. This option does not require a Clear membership.

London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) also offers a similar service, allowing you to book a time slot for security.

Before your next trip, do an online search to see if your airport offers the option to reserve a spot in the security line. This is a great way to save time and reduce stress during your travel experience.

Get airline elite status

If you're a frequent flyer, it's worth considering getting airline elite status to speed up your airport security experience.

Passengers with elite status from the following programs are eligible for this benefit:

• Alaska Airlines: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP 100K members
• American Airlines: AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members
• Delta Air Lines: Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion members
• JetBlue: TrueBlue Mosaic and Mosaic+ members
• Southwest Airlines: A-List and A-List Preferred members
• United Airlines: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members

Please note that access to expedited security is not available at every airport, so it's worth checking with your airline in advance.

Frequently asked questions