Make traveling easier by using these tips & tricks for getting through airport security fast!
Airport security is known to a be pesky and draining part of traveling. However, it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Take a look at this guide to learn how you can make the long process shorter and easier during your next trip.
Sign Up For TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
For frequent flyers, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is a must. Joining these programs will get you access to reduced security measures.
TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years of eligibility and includes the following:
- Access to expedited security lines.
- No need to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket.
- No need to remove your laptop or 3-1-1 liquids from your bag.
- Available for domestic flights at 200+ airports with 35+ airlines.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years or eligibility and includes the following:
- TSA PreCheck benefits.
- Available for international flights returning to the United States.
- Access to automatic kiosks that scan your passport and fingerprint.
- Faster customs screening.
- Expedited processing at land borders.
Best Airline Credit Cards For Global Entry & TSA PreCheck
Read our post on The Best Credit Cards For Global Entry & TSA PreCheck to see the best travel credit cards that offer reimbursement for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. For now, here are a some notable credit cards to consider:
The United Explorer Card includes the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck waiver every four years. You’ll see the credit post within 24 hours of paying the application fee.
 The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC |
With the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, you can take advantage of one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. The credit will post to your account up to eight weeks after the charge to your card.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. • 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. • 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. • $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required. Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. $150 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members can earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. This card comes with a $350 annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. |
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers a statement credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every five years. The credit will hit your account within eight to ten weeks from the charge to your card.
Get CLEAR Expedited Security
Similarly to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, CLEAR is a new expedited security program that utilizes fingerprint and iris scanning to get you through airport security checkpoints quickly. This program costs $179 a year but you also can opt to add a family member for $50 annually. As for children, those under 18 are free.
To make things even sweeter, CLEAR members also get access to an expedited security line before TSA PreCheck members (where available). This innovative program is currently operating at over 25 airports. CLEAR is partnered with Delta, as a result CLEAR is free for Delta Diamond Medallions. Other Delta elite status members and credit cardholders enjoy a discount on their CLEAR membership.
FlyPremium Class
Not only do premium class passengers get to enjoy a more luxurious flight experience, they also get access to expedited security lines!
| Airline | Expedited Security For… |
| Alaska Airlines | First Class |
| American Airlines | Priority AAcess, Business Class, First Class |
| Delta Airlines | SkyPriority, Delta One, First Class |
| JetBlue | Even More Space, Mint |
| Southwest Airlines | Business Select |
| United Airlines | Premier Access, Business Class, First Class |
Earn Airline Elite Status
Airline elite status, helps you get through airport security more efficiently. Carriers will typically allow their mid- and high-tier elites to access priority security lines. Depending on the program, you might even be able to get your travel companions through expedited security as well.
| Airline | Expedited Security For… |
| Alaska Airlines MVP | Gold, Gold 75K |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum |
| Delta Medallion | Gold, Platinum, Diamond |
| JetBlue Mosaic | Mosaic |
| Southwest Airlines A-List | A-List, A-List Preferred |
| United Airlines Premium | Silver, Gold, Platinum, Premier 1K |
Look for our upcoming post Credit Cards That Help You Earn Airline Elite Status for a list of cobranded airline credit cards that offer complimentary elite status.
Airport Security Tips
If you don’t get the chance to go through one of the avenues that we’ve mentioned above, you can still speed up the process of airport security. The following tips will help make the process more bearable:
Pick your airport wisely: If you have a choice between flying out of a big airport versus a smaller airport, we recommend opting for the smaller one. With a smaller airport, you’ll be able to avoid larger crowd and longer lines.
Fly during off-peak travel times: Avoid flights that depart at peak travel times. These time include Friday afternoons between 4pm and 8pm, Monday mornings and major holidays. This tip not only helps you get through security faster, it also gives you a chance to find cheaper flights.
Dress smart: Make sure to think ahead of time for your traveling outfit. You will to not only be more comfortable but also be able to get in and out of security faster. Wear shoes that you can quickly take off and put on, avoid wearing belts and jewelry, and wear a jacket with big pockets. A big jacket is a great place to easily put your phone, wallet and passport away before snagging the rest of your stuff.
Know the rules: If you pack prohibited items, then this will lead to a thorough search of your bags. In addition to wasting time, security will toss any items you can’t bring on the plane.
Check airport security wait times: Use apps like MyTSA and TripIt to monitor airport security wait time. That way you can plan when you need to leave for the airport.
Additional Guide
This post highlights the best credit cards for families traveling. If you want to learn more about different credit cards and their benefits, check out some of our other posts:
 |
 |
Bottom Line
The airport tends to be a stressful experience for travelers. Make traveling a little easier for yourself by spending less time in airport security with these tips and tricks!
Whether you decide to sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, get a CLEAR membership, fly premium class and/or earn elite status, cutting back on time will lead to a more fun and relaxing trip. For more credit cards, see our latest list of the best credit card bonuses!
Leave a Reply