If you take advantage of available schemes in the US.
TSA PreCheck: A Time-Saver for Frequent Travelers
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening at U.S. airports. Travelers with TSA PreCheck can keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, and laptops on, and leave their liquids and gels in their carry-on bags. This can save passengers a significant amount of time, especially during peak travel periods.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
Expedited security screening: TSA PreCheck passengers typically wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.
Based on the TSA statements, about 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes
You get to keep your shoes, belt, light jacket, and laptop on: This can save you time and hassle, especially if you are traveling with young children or have a lot of luggage.
Leave your liquids and gels in your carry-on bag: This means you don't have to worry about finding a plastic bag or removing your liquids and gels at security.
Nationwide access: TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and 90+ airlines in the United States.
Global Entry benefits: TSA PreCheck members are automatically eligible for Global Entry benefits, which allow expedited clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at select airports. This is also true if you have a Global entry card and will benefit from TSA pre-check.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You must also pass a background check. To apply, you can visit the TSA website or one of the many TSA PreCheck enrollment centers across the country.
The application process is relatively simple and straightforward. You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $85 but this fee can vary by enrollment location..
Once you have submitted your application, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. At the interview, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or residency, as well as a valid government-issued photo ID.
If you are approved for TSA PreCheck, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you will need to enter when booking your flights.
example from AA.com where you are required to enter your KTN number as part of the booking process. Your travel agent can also do this on your behalf.
Your boarding pass will then indicate that you are TSA PreCheck eligible as shown on the American Airlines mobile boarding pass below.
If you don't want to pay the enrollment fees, there are credit cards you can apply for which cover the cost of the application fees. Check out this article from Nerdwallet.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?
Whether or not TSA PreCheck is worth it depends on how often you travel. If you fly frequently, TSA PreCheck can save you a significant amount of time and hassle. However, if you only fly a few times a year, the cost of the application fee may not be justified.
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to apply for TSA PreCheck:
How often do you travel?
Do you frequently fly through busy airports?
Do you mind taking off your shoes, belt, and light jacket at security?
Do you mind removing your liquids and gels from your carry-on bag?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, then TSA PreCheck is probably worth it for you.
How to Use TSA PreCheck
To use TSA PreCheck, simply follow the signs for the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. When you reach the front of the line, present your boarding pass and a valid government-issued photo ID to the TSA officer.
The TSA officer may ask you a few questions and then direct you to the screening area. In the screening area, you will typically be able to keep your shoes, belt, light jacket, and laptop on, and leave your liquids and gels in your carry-on bag.
TSA PreCheck is a great way to save time and hassle at the airport. If you are a frequent traveler, I highly recommend applying for TSA PreCheck.
CLEAR is another expedited security option which is operated by a private company.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are both programs that can help you expedite your travel through the airport. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.
Government-run program
Available at over 200 airports and 90+ airlines in the United States
Costs $85 for a 5-year membership
Allows you to keep your shoes, belt, light jacket, and laptop on, and leave your liquids and gels in your carry-on bag
Does not expedite the document/identity screening process
Privately-owned company
Costs $189 for an annual membership
Expedites the document/identity screening process
Does not expedite the physical screening process
Available at over 50 airports, stadiums, and other venues nationwide
CLEAR airports
CLEAR operates at over 50 airports in the United States, including:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Boise Airport (BOI)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Columbus John Glenn International Airport (CMH)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
Hartford Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
CLEAR is also expanding to new airports all the time, so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Which program is better for you?
If you are a frequent traveler who flies through multiple airports, TSA PreCheck is probably the better option for you. It is more affordable and widely accepted than CLEAR.
If you are a frequent traveler who flies through a limited number of airports and values the convenience of expedited document/identity screening, CLEAR may be the better option for you. If you are unsure which program is right for you, you can always apply for both.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which program is right for you is to consider your individual travel needs and preferences.
Comments