Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or not, going through security is something nobody enjoys. But it doesn’t need to be stressful.
From long lines and confusing rules to other passengers (not to mention your own potential disorganization), many things can slow you down at airport security. The key to passing through swiftly and painlessly is to be prepared and consider your fast-track options before reaching the airport.
There are usually ways around those long lines, and we’re here to explain how you can shorten your wait time.
Here are 10 tips for getting through airport security faster.
Sign up for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) is an incredibly useful tool for the frequent flyer, because it allows you to use the designated kiosks to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in minutes after a trip abroad.
The process is even faster when using the Global Entry mobile app, which allows travelers to bypass the kiosks and instead verify their arrival in the U.S. via the app.
Global Entry via the kiosk or the app is currently in operation in more than 75 airports. The application fee for Global Entry is $120, and once approved, your membership is valid for five years.
With TSA PreCheck, you’ll get access to an expedited security line and reduced security measures. You can leave on your shoes, belt and light jacket, and your laptop and 3-1-1 liquids can stay in your bag. TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports, with 90-plus participating airlines.
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There are three enrollment partners for TSA PreCheck — Idemia, Clear and Telos — and the enrollment cost depends on how you apply. For first-time enrollees, a five-year TSA PreCheck membership costs $76.75 via Idemia, $77.95 via Clear or $85 via Telos. Online renewals for another five years of TSA PreCheck membership cost $58.75 via Idemia, $68.95 via Clear or $70 via Telos. In-person renewals cost $66.75 via Idemia, $70 via Telos or $77.95 via Clear.
Related: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
If you don’t have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, check your wallet and look at your credit cards. Many cards will reimburse the application fees for PreCheck and/or Global Entry up to $120 once every four or five years. Some that cover program enrollment fees are The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the United℠ Explorer Card.
Related: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?
Get Clear Plus
If you’ve always assumed you didn’t need Clear because you have TSA PreCheck, it may be time to think again. This is one of the latest programs created to expedite the security screening process, and it is currently operating in 59 airports. Clear uses a biometric identity platform that relies on fingerprint and iris scanning to speed up the identification process at airport security checkpoints, stadiums and other venues.
Having a Clear Plus membership coupled with TSA PreCheck can get you through security in five minutes or less at many airports most of the time.
A Clear Plus membership will run you $199 a year. You can add up to three adults to your account for $119 per person, and children under 18 are free. TPG readers can currently get a free two-month trial.
There are ways to cut the cost or get Clear Plus for free for even longer than two months. If you’re a Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus member (joining those loyalty programs is free), you pay $189 a year without elite status and $159 if you have elite status.
Those with top-tier elite status, such as Delta Diamond Medallion and United 1K members, get Clear Plus for free. The Amex Platinum Card and the American Express® Green Card come with an up to $199 Clear Plus annual credit. Enrollment is required.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
Reserve your spot in line
A growing number of airports allow you to reserve your spot in the security line in advance without any specific program membership. Sometimes this costs extra, but sometimes it doesn’t.
For example, at Terminal B in New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), you can spend $15 or $20 for a B-Fast pass that allows you access to a shorter security line. The higher-priced option is available for immediate use.
At Orlando International Airport (MCO), a place known for long security lines during peak travel times, you can reserve a spot in line for free via Clear’s Reserve program. Using this option does not require a Clear membership. London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) also has a fast-track security option available for prebooking for 12.50 British pounds (around $16).
Search your departing airport online for options to reserve spots in line, as how this works at each airport varies.
Fly premium class
Flying in a first- or business-class cabin not only comes with an upgraded inflight experience, but it also gives you priority access to expedited security checkpoint lines at some airports; it can shave precious minutes off wait times at some TSA checkpoints with “Premier Access” signs.
Airlines offering this perk include:
- Alaska Airlines: First-class passengers
- American Airlines: Business-class, first-class and premium economy passengers
- Delta Air Lines: Delta One, Delta Premium Select and first-class passengers
- JetBlue: EvenMore, Blue Extra and Mint passengers
- Southwest Airlines: Business Select and Anytime fare passengers
- United Airlines: United Polaris business class, United First, United Business and United Premium Plus
- British Airways: Business-class passengers at LHR, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Related: 7 business-class travel tips and tricks from one first-timer to another
Get airline elite status
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear Plus and you are not flying in premium cabins, you can still sometimes get expedited security access via airline elite status. This benefit is usually — but not always — extended to any companions traveling with the elite member, so it can’t hurt to try to bring them along with you.
Passengers with elite status from the programs below are eligible for this benefit. Note that access is not available at every airport, so check with your airline in advance.
- 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 members
- Southwest Airlines: A-List and A-List Preferred members
- United Airlines: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members
Related: The best airline credit cards
Pack like a pro
There’s nothing worse than being stuck behind someone at security who has to empty a pocket full of change and other miscellaneous items into the trays and then painstakingly put everything back at the other end.
Ensure that coins, lighters and other items are placed inside a bag and aren’t loose in trays. This is also a good time to empty your pockets of any rubbish. Don’t be the person who drops a handful of litter at the checkpoint as they fish out their wallet.
Additionally, make sure that any liquid toiletries are placed in clear plastic bags where required; either take them out before you reach the checkpoint or ensure they’re easily accessible at the top of your bag or in the side pockets. The same goes for any other items you may need to remove, such as laptops.
Related: 7 travel packing tips to save space in your luggage
Dress appropriately
No, we’re not saying that dressing up gets you to the front of the line. It doesn’t. However, regular travelers know there’s always that one person who holds up the line because they have to untie their shoes, unzip cumbersome boots, take off their jewelry and remove their belt. Save time for yourself and others by using common sense when you pick out what shoes and accessories you wear to fly.
Wear shoes without metal that you can quickly remove and put back on if necessary. Wear a jacket with big pockets so that after passing through security, you can quickly throw your phone, wallet and passport in them before grabbing the rest of your belongings.
Know the rules
Remember you must remove your laptop from its case and place it in its own bin if you’re not in a TSA PreCheck lane. Make sure any liquids in your carry-on are in a clear plastic bag (here are the rules for the TSA’s 3-1-1 policy). Throw away any plastic bottles with liquid in them and empty your reusable bottles before going through the security line.
Finally, when you’re through the metal detectors, collect your belongings from the belt as quickly as possible and reassemble yourself away from the screening area. The quicker you take your belongings off the belt, the quicker everyone else can move through the line.
Monitor wait times at your airport
Some apps help you keep an eye on the security wait times at the airport. Some options include JetHub and MyTSA. These apps allow you to check the status of the line several hours before your scheduled departure time and make a better-informed decision on when to arrive. Many airports also have this information on their website. Just remember that things can and do change, so allow buffer time regardless of what the wait time is while you are still at home.
Related: 30 essential travel apps every traveler needs
Fly at the right time
Try not to travel at a time when the security checkpoints will be jammed. Backups can happen at any time. However, the beginning and end of long weekends and holiday breaks have the potential to be quite crowded.
Related: Why ‘dead weeks’ are the best time of year to travel
Bottom line
Although going to the airport during the busy travel season can be stressful, there are several options to get through security faster than your traveling peers.
Signing up for TSA PreCheck and/or Clear Plus is our favorite way to get expedited security, but there are other ways to speed up the process. Being a savvy traveler is a big part of getting through the airport with your sanity intact.
Related reading:
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