Getting through airport security can be a time-consuming and frustrating ordeal, especially during the busy holiday season.
Fortunately, a variety of programs and passes are available to help travelers speed up their airport security screening via dedicated entry lanes and allow them to avoid removing items like shoes, liquids, jackets, and belts. Here’s a list of options available, from subscriptions to one-time passes.
Clear:
More than 2.5 million people are currently signed up with Clear, a company that utilizes biometrics to allow travelers to quickly identify themselves at airports using fingerprints and eye scans.
As a member of Clear, which is available in 40 locations across the U.S., travelers can move through a dedicated Clear lane to skip security lines. Thanks to Clear’s identification technology, travelers also get to bypass the lengthy ID check lines. A Clear membership costs $179 a year ($15 a month).
Elite Status:
Most U.S. airlines allow their mid-tier and higher elite members to access expedited security screening lanes at participating airports. This perk can sometimes extend to companions traveling with an elite member, therefore, it’s important to check with your airline to see if this applies so that both you and your travel buddy can speed through security.
- American Airlines: Priority privileges, including priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, are offered to AAdvantage members (Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, and Gold), AirPass travelers, oneworld members (Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby), AAdvantage Citi Executive card holders, and passengers flying in first, business, and premium economy.
- Delta Air Lines: Sky Priority members have access to expedited check-in, security, boarding, and baggage services. Sky Priority is available for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, as well as passengers with flights booked on Delta One, first class, or business class.
- United Airlines: Premier Access perks apply to MileagePlus Premier members (Premier 1K, Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, and Premier Silver), Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers traveling in business class.
- Southwest Airlines: Fly by priority lane is available for Rapid Rewards members (A-List and A-List Preferred) and customers flying on Business Select.
- JetBlue: JetBlue’s Even More Speed lets passengers enter expedited lanes for quicker airport security processing.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers expedited security access for MVP Gold and 75K Mileage Plan members, as well as first-class travelers.
TSA PreCheck:
TSA PreCheck provides a speedier airport security process by offering a separate security screening lane for TSA-approved passengers. With TSA PreCheck, travelers can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on without needing to remove liquids from carry-on baggage.
According to TSA representatives, signing up for the program can result in an average wait time of less than five minutes during airport security screenings. The service is available at over 200 airports in the U.S., with participation from 56 airlines.
Travelers spending $85 for a five-year membership find it is an excellent investment. Additionally, various credit cards and loyalty programs cover the TSA PreCheck sign-up fee.
Global Entry:
Global Entry expedites the travel process for international destinations, as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection program allows pre-cleared travelers to bypass the customs line directly to automatic kiosks for customs declaration.
Global Entry members can scan their passport or permanent resident card and verify their identity with a fingerprint at participating airports’ kiosks, facilitating a faster customs declaration process.
The program costs $100 for five years, with various credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card offering rebates for the application fee.
Apps:
Mobile Passport Control enables travelers to submit their declaration forms quickly across 24 airports in the U.S., being the first app authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The free app allows U.S. and Canadian passport holders to create a profile containing their passport information and receive a QR code for faster processing. While it doesn’t entirely eliminate lines, it significantly speeds up the process.
Additionally, several apps can help check security line lengths before arriving at the airport, enabling better planning. For instance, TripIt monitors airport security wait times in real-time for TripIt Pro users.
MiFlight is another free app that provides airport security wait times based on crowd-sourced updates for over 100 airports.
The TSA operates My TSA, which offers estimated wait times and answers travelers’ questions about airport security.
Surf Air:
Travelers looking to skip airport security lines entirely can consider Surf Air. This California-based service lets members fly unlimited flights for a fixed rate of $1,950 per month or pay an annual fee of $2,500 for private jets at a flat rate of $445.
Surf Air offers affordable private travel with only eight passengers per plane. Members only need to arrive at private airports 15 minutes before departure, enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks while avoiding conventional security checks through TSA screenings.
