Roberta Aguirre
Nobody likes waiting in long lines at the airport. Luckily, there are several programs that allow travellers to skip security and customs lines, including TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and Clear. TSA Precheck is for domestic travel only and costs $85 for five years, while Global Entry is for international travel and costs $100 for five years. Clear is a subscription-based service that costs $15 per month and uses biometrics to recognise your identity, sending you straight to the bins at security. Other ways to skip the lines at the airport include upgrading your seat, choosing a morning flight, and checking in online.
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What You'll Learn
TSA Precheck membership
TSA Precheck is a program that allows members to skip security lines at airports. It is important to note that no individual is guaranteed expedited screening, and unpredictable security measures are used by the TSA. However, most TSA Precheck members get through security within 5 minutes. The membership costs \$85 and covers you for five years.
The application process for TSA Precheck is simple and can be done online in as little as 5 minutes. You can also walk into any enrollment location to apply. The TSA has selected several partners to help enroll travelers in TSA Precheck, and applicants can choose any enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits.
TSA Precheck members can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and electronics and 3-1-1 liquids can remain in their bags. Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA Precheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
TSA Precheck is only for domestic travel within the US and is available at over 200 airports. It is worth noting that Global Entry, a US Customs and Border Patrol program, includes all the benefits of TSA Precheck and adds expedited border crossings into the US and a few other countries. Global Entry costs \$100 for five years and has a more rigorous application process.
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Global Entry membership
Global Entry is a membership program offered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security. It allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members can enter the country by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.
The program includes all the benefits of TSA Precheck, but adds expedited border crossings into the United States and a few other participating countries. This means that members can skip the long security lines for U.S. Customs when re-entering the country and can also use the TSA Precheck security lines when departing from domestic airports.
The application process for Global Entry is more rigorous than for TSA Precheck. The initial application will help US CBP determine whether you qualify as a low-risk traveller. If you are cleared, you will need to schedule an in-person interview and background check at an enrolment centre. The interview includes verification of identification documents, and your fingerprints and picture will be taken. The membership fee is $100 or $120 for five years, and the process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Global Entry is available to US citizens and lawful permanent residents. Membership is also open to citizens of selected other countries, including Netherlands citizens enrolled in FLUX and South Korea's Smart Entry Service members.
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Clear membership
Clear is a program that uses biometrics to recognise your identity and send you straight to the bins at security. It is available at over 35 airports in the US, including DTW, ATL, and LAX, as well as select stadiums and venues. Clear costs $179 per year or $15 a month, and children under the age of 18 are free.
With a Clear membership, you can enter an exclusive security line before the TSA Precheck and non-TSA Precheck lines at more than 20 major US airports. At the end of the Clear security line, you enter the TSA security checkpoint before those standing in the regular TSA security line. Clear members also get additional benefits that expedite the security process when checking into a Delta Sky Club or sporting events and concerts.
Clear does not include the membership features of TSA Precheck, so Clear members must still remove their shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear. However, Clear can be used in tandem with TSA Precheck, and many TSA Precheck members value having Clear as it further expedites the process.
You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification.
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Travel during off-peak times
The easiest way to skip the long wait times at airport security is to travel when nobody else does. Airports are usually busiest at the beginning and end of each week as business travellers pack the airports. During the summer and long school breaks, Thursdays and Fridays can be busy with travelling families.
If you are able to, consider extending your trip and travelling during off-peak times to avoid these busy travel days. For example, you could travel mid-week or on the weekends, and opt for a morning flight instead of an afternoon flight. This will help you bypass delays and avoid the crowds.
You can also monitor security wait times with your smartphone using an app like TripIt, which will help you plan how soon you need to leave for the airport.
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Use a fast-track option
Using a fast-track option is an excellent way to skip long security lines at the airport. While the specific process may vary depending on the airport, here's a general guide to help you navigate the fast-track options:
Find Out the Options at Your Airport:
Firstly, you need to determine if your departing airport offers fast-track options. Search for your airport online to explore the available alternatives. Some common examples include the Clear program, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and airport-specific programs.
Clear Program:
The Clear program is a private membership service that uses a biometric identity platform. It relies on fingerprint and iris scanning to speed up the identification process at security checkpoints. Clear is available at select airports, stadiums, and other venues across the United States. To use Clear, you must enrol in the program and provide your biometric data. Once enrolled, you can bypass the standard security lines and use the designated Clear lanes. Clear typically costs $199 per year, but certain airline loyalty programs offer discounts, and some credit cards provide full or partial statement credits to cover the cost.
TSA PreCheck:
TSA PreCheck is a government-run trusted traveller program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can leave your shoes, laptops, belts, and jackets on during screening. The application process involves submitting an online application and attending an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. The cost is typically $78 for five years, and many credit cards reimburse the application fee.
Global Entry:
Global Entry is a program that includes TSA PreCheck membership, allowing expedited security checks at domestic airports. It is particularly beneficial for international travellers. Similar to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry may be reimbursed by specific credit cards.
Airport-Specific Programs:
Some airports offer their own fast-track programs. For example, the DFW Fast Pass system at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport allows passengers in Terminal D to make reservations for expedited security screening. Similarly, London's Heathrow Airport offers a fast-track security option for pre-booking, which costs £12.50.
Airline-Specific Options:
Certain airlines provide expedited security access for their premium passengers or members of their loyalty programs. For instance, Southwest Airlines offers the Fly By Lane for Business Select Fare passengers or those with elite status. United Airlines' Premier Access is another example, providing access to exclusive security lanes and priority services.
Book in Advance:
If you decide to use a fast-track option, be sure to book in advance. Most programs allow you to reserve a time slot or make an appointment for security screening. This ensures that you can take full advantage of the expedited process and avoid last-minute surprises.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several programs that allow air travellers to skip security lines, including TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and Clear. TSA Precheck is for domestic travel only and costs $85 for five years. Global Entry is for international travel and costs $100 for five years. Clear uses biometrics to recognise your identity and costs $15/month, billed annually.
To sign up for TSA Precheck, you must be a US citizen or a foreign citizen registered as a Lawful Permanent Resident. You can complete an online application and then schedule a 10-minute, in-person appointment at an enrollment centre. The application process includes a background check and fingerprinting.
Yes, there are a few other tricks to skip the security lines at the airport. One is to simply travel when nobody else does. Airports are usually busiest at the beginning and end of each week, as well as on Thursdays and Fridays during the summer and long school breaks. You can also monitor security wait times with an app like TripIt, which can help you plan how soon you need to leave for the airport.
