Ruth Haines
Long TSA lines at the airport can be a nuisance, but there are several ways to skip them. TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports. Global Entry is another program that includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus the ability to skip the general customs line when returning to the US. Clear is a private biometric screening company that operates at over 55 airports and allows members to skip the ID verification line. Some airlines, such as Southwest, also offer expedited security access for certain elite status members or business-class fares. Additionally, select airports provide free virtual queuing programs or fast-pass reservations that allow travelers to skip the TSA security line. These options can save travelers time and hassle during their journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78 for 5 years; no need to remove shoes, laptops, belts or jackets; available at more than 200 US airports |
| Global Entry | Includes TSA PreCheck benefits; skip customs line when returning to the US; longer and more expensive application process |
| Clear | Pay for membership to skip the line; escort to the front of the screening line; available at more than 55 airports |
| Clear Reserve | Free fast pass system; reserve a TSA security line time slot in advance; jump to the front of the line |
| Southwest Fly By Lane | Direct access to the front of the ticket counter and security checkpoints; purchase Business Select Fare or hold A-List or A-List Preferred Southwest elite status |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck
To get TSA PreCheck, you need to enrol in the programme. You can start by submitting an online application and then scheduling an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. The cost of enrolment varies by provider, but it typically costs $78 and is valid for five years. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number, which you will need to enter when booking a flight to get the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass. This allows you to use the expedited TSA PreCheck lane at the airport.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck does not guarantee expedited screening for all members. TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and all travellers will be screened. However, TSA PreCheck can still significantly improve your airport experience by saving you time and providing a smoother security process.
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Global Entry
To get Global Entry, you must first submit an online application, upon which you will likely receive conditional approval. The next step is scheduling an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, which is typically found at international U.S. airports. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
Once approved, Global Entry members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports. They proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to verify their membership. Members simply scan their passports or U.S. permanent resident cards at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan their fingerprints, and move onward onto U.S. soil.
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Clear
However, it's important to note that Clear doesn't grant access to any special airport security lanes. Instead, it moves you to the front of the screening line. If you have TSA PreCheck, Clear can be helpful in cutting the general security line. But if you don't have TSA PreCheck, Clear may not be as beneficial, as you will still need to go through the regular security process.
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Fly By Lane
If you're looking to skip the TSA lines at the airport, one option offered by Southwest Airlines is called the Fly By Lane. This service grants you direct access to the front of the ticket counter and security checkpoints at select airports.
To access the Fly By Lane, you can either purchase a Business Select Fare, which is Southwest's version of first class, or hold either A-List or A-List Preferred Southwest elite status. It's worth checking with your airline to see if they offer similar expedited security access options.
Another way to skip the TSA line is by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, a government-run trusted traveler program. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets. The application process involves submitting an online application and attending an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number, which you'll enter when booking a flight to get the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass. TSA PreCheck typically costs $78 and is valid for five years.
Global Entry is another option that includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus the ability to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad. The application process for Global Entry is longer and more expensive, typically starting at a $100 non-refundable fee.
Additionally, Clear is a private biometric screen company operating at over 55 airports. With a Clear membership, you can scan your fingerprints or eyes at Clear kiosks instead of having a TSA agent check your ID. Clear then escorts you to the front of the physical security screening line. Clear membership typically costs $189 per year, but certain American Express credit cards offer statement credits to cover this cost.
Finally, select airports offer free fast pass reservations to skip the TSA line, such as the PHX Reserve program at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the SEA Spot Saver program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These programs allow travelers to reserve a time slot online or at the airport to skip the TSA security line.
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Reserve powered by Clear
To use Reserve powered by Clear, travellers can visit the Clear Reserve website or their departing airport's website or app to check if the program is available at their location. If it is, they can make a reservation by providing their flight details, contact information, the number of passengers in their group, and their preferred reservation time.
Once a reservation is made, travellers will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Upon arrival at the airport, they can show this QR code at the designated TSA checkpoint lane during their designated time slot to bypass the line. Each reservation is held for a 20-minute window, allowing for some flexibility.
It is important to note that Reserve powered by Clear is different from Clear Plus, which is a paid membership program offered by the same company. Clear Plus provides expedited security access at 59 airports nationwide without the need for reservations. Reserve powered by Clear, on the other hand, is a complimentary service that requires booking your spot in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to skip the TSA line at the airport. One way is to enrol in TSA PreCheck, a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can go through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets. TSA PreCheck typically costs $78 and is valid for five years.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you need to submit an online application and then schedule an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you will be given a Known Traveler Number, which you will need to enter whenever you book a flight.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to TSA PreCheck. One is Global Entry, which includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, as well as expedited customs clearance when returning to the US from abroad. Global Entry is more expensive and has a longer application process than TSA PreCheck. Another alternative is Clear, a private biometric screening company that operates at over 55 airports. With Clear, you can scan your fingerprints or eyes at kiosks instead of having a TSA agent check your ID. Clear typically costs $189 per year, but certain credit cards may cover the cost.
Yes, select airports offer free "fast pass" reservations that allow travellers to skip the TSA line. For example, the SEA Spot Saver program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport allows travellers to reserve a time slot online or at the airport to skip the TSA security line. Additionally, Clear offers a free virtual queuing program called Clear Reserve at select airports, which allows travellers to reserve a time slot to go through a dedicated lane.
