Owais Crawford
Long lines at airport security are a common occurrence, especially during peak travel times. While some lines are unavoidable, there are several ways to skip or shorten them. One option is to upgrade your fare or join a security clearance program, such as TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck members can keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. Alternatively, CLEAR® Plus is a paid membership that uses biometric technology for quicker screening, allowing members to verify their identity and move to the front of the line. Other strategies include choosing off-peak travel times, flying through smaller airports, checking in online, and limiting yourself to carry-on luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Security clearance programs | TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Global Entry |
| Cost | TSA PreCheck: $78 for 5 years |
| CLEAR Plus: Paid membership | |
| Global Entry: Included with TSA PreCheck | |
| Wait time | TSA PreCheck: 93% of passengers waited less than 5 minutes |
| TSA PreCheck: 99% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes | |
| CLEAR Plus: Quicker identity verification | |
| Benefits | TSA PreCheck: Keep shoes, belts, jackets on |
| TSA PreCheck: Liquids and laptops can stay in carry-on | |
| CLEAR: No need to show photo ID | |
| Application process | TSA PreCheck: Online application and in-person appointment |
| CLEAR: Biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan) | |
| Other tips | Pack light, arrive early, check-in online, limit luggage |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck
With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and their electronics and liquids can remain in their bags. This significantly speeds up the screening process, and about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can start by submitting an online application and then completing the process in person at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. The cost is typically $78 for five years, but some credit cards cover this fee as a member benefit. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number, which you enter when booking a flight. This will get you the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass, allowing you to use the expedited lane.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck uses unpredictable security measures, and all travellers will be screened. Additionally, having TSA PreCheck does not guarantee expedited screening, and children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
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Clear
While CLEAR does not grant access to any special security lanes, it is useful for those without TSA PreCheck as it allows them to skip to the front of the general security line. However, for those with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR can be used in conjunction to cut the PreCheck line.
TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports. Members do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets during screening. To be approved for PreCheck, travelers must complete an online form and schedule an in-person interview with a TSA official. The program typically costs $78 and is valid for five years, although some credit cards cover the application fee.
Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck can help travelers avoid long lines and speed up the security screening process at airports.
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Elite status
Different airlines have different names for their elite status tiers. For example, Delta Air Lines offers elite status to its Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members. Similarly, Alaska Airlines provides elite status to its MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP 100K members. American Airlines offers elite status to its AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members.
Passengers with elite status can often enjoy expedited security checks, bypassing the longer lines and receiving priority treatment. This benefit is sometimes extended to companions travelling with the elite member. Additionally, elite status members may be allowed to keep their shoes and belts on and leave their laptops in their bags during security screening.
In some cases, passengers without formal elite status can still access priority lanes by presenting a frequent flyer card, even from a different or foreign airline. This is because the agents at the priority lanes are often contract workers who may not rigorously check the validity of the elite status card. However, this approach may not always work, and passengers should be comfortable with this potential deception.
Another way to access priority lanes is by flying in a premium cabin, such as first or business class. Airlines like United Airlines and British Airways offer priority security access to their premium cabin passengers. Additionally, certain credit cards, such as the Amex Platinum Card and the American Express Green Card, provide benefits like expedited security screening or credits for expedited screening programs.
It is important to note that not all airports offer elite status lines, and the availability of priority lanes may depend on passenger volume and staffing levels. Additionally, some airports provide the option to reserve a spot in the security line in advance, sometimes for a fee.
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Travel at off-peak times
Travelling during off-peak times is one of the most effective ways to avoid long airport security lines. Peak times, such as holidays, are notorious for congested security lines, so opting to travel during less busy periods can significantly reduce your waiting time. If possible, extend your trip to avoid travelling on peak dates, or choose a morning flight instead of an afternoon one, as security lines tend to be shorter earlier in the day.
Additionally, consider flying through smaller, less centrally located airports, as major travel hubs often have longer security lines. For example, if your destination is flexible, you could opt for a smaller city with a less busy airport. Or, if your final destination is a major city, look for alternative, smaller airports in the vicinity that may offer shorter security lines.
Another strategy to avoid long security lines is to enrol in expedited security programs. TSA PreCheck, for instance, offers a separate security lane at over 200 airports, allowing you to keep your shoes, belt, and jacket on, and leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. The application process involves submitting an online form, followed by an in-person interview, and typically costs $78 for five years.
CLEAR is another option, which uses biometric data for identification, allowing you to cut the line and go straight to bag screening. However, CLEAR does not provide access to a separate security lane, so it may be more beneficial to opt for TSA PreCheck if you have to choose one.
Lastly, you can streamline your airport experience by checking in online, limiting yourself to carry-on luggage, and familiarising yourself with TSA rules and regulations. Checking in online and travelling with only carry-on bags can help you skip the bag-check line and avoid waiting at the baggage claim area. Additionally, knowing the TSA rules will help you move through security lines more efficiently, as you will be prepared with what items to remove from your bags and what to expect during screening.
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Check-in online
Checking in online is a great way to save time at the airport and avoid the ticket counter. Many airlines allow passengers to check in online up to 24 hours in advance. This can be done by printing your tickets before leaving for the airport or by using a mobile app to access your digital boarding pass. Some airline apps even allow you to choose your preferred seat during online check-in.
Checking in online is especially beneficial if you are only travelling with carry-on luggage, as it means you can skip the bag-check line before boarding and avoid waiting at the baggage claim area upon landing. It also reduces the risk of your checked luggage being delayed or lost in transit. However, it's important to ensure that your carry-on bag meets the airline's weight and size restrictions.
By checking in online, you can streamline your airport experience, making it more efficient and less stressful. This is particularly advantageous during busy travel periods, helping you get through the necessary processes and on your way more quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
The other line in airport security is often a separate lane for members of government-run trusted traveller programs, such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus, or Global Entry. These programs aim to expedite the security process for members.
To get TSA PreCheck, you must first complete an online application and then attend an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number, which you will enter when booking a flight to access the expedited lane.
A five-year TSA PreCheck membership typically costs $78, but it can be free depending on airline status and credit card benefits. There are also more than a dozen credit cards that cover the application fee as a member benefit.
