How can I get through TSA and customs faster?

How to Get Through Airport Security Quickly, According to a TSA Insider
  1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear. ...
  2. Wear shoes you can easily slip off. ...
  3. Make sure none of your clothes contain metal. ...
  4. Pack your carry-on (relatively) neatly. ...
  5. Make sure you're following TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule. ...
  6. Empty your water bottle.




The fastest way to navigate TSA and Customs in 2026 is through Trusted Traveler Programs and mobile technology. For TSA security, enrolling in TSA PreCheck® allows you to keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and you don't have to remove your laptop or 3-1-1 liquids from your bag. For even faster "front-of-the-line" access, you can pair this with CLEAR, which uses biometrics (iris or fingerprint) to bypass the ID check. For international arrivals and Customs, Global Entry is the gold standard; it allows you to use automated kiosks for facial recognition and bypass the traditional paperwork and long lines. If you don't want to pay for Global Entry, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free alternative that allows you to submit your travel and customs information via your smartphone as you land, granting you access to a dedicated, faster lane at most major US airports. Additionally, many airports in 2026 have implemented "Virtual Queuing" (like SEA Spot Saver), which allows you to "book" a time slot for security in advance. Carrying a well-organized bag and following the "TSA 3-1-1" liquid rule remains essential to avoid manual bag searches.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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How to Get Through Airport Security Quickly, According to a TSA Insider
  1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear. ...
  2. Wear shoes you can easily slip off. ...
  3. Make sure none of your clothes contain metal. ...
  4. Pack your carry-on (relatively) neatly. ...
  5. Make sure you're following TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule. ...
  6. Empty your water bottle.


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TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.

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TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership period. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online. As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost. The initial fee breaks down to an average of $17 per year or less than $1.50 per month.

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With Global Entry, you simply scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan your fingerprints and move onward onto U.S. soil. This can be a major time saver when the customs line is long at busy airports or during high-volume travel periods.

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Special Perks
The benefits start before you even board the airplane, travelers who have first-class tickets obtain priority access to expedited airport security checkpoint lines. After passing security, first-class ticket holders also get to sit down in exclusive lounge areas with luxury amenities.

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The bad news is that the time it takes can vary wildly depending on which airport you travel through and when you land. Customs will take a lot longer if a bunch of flights all land at the same time, but, on average, it takes about 20 minutes or less to get through customs.

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Clear and Global Entry are very different programs because Clear saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.

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CLEAR application process and costs CLEAR membership requires a non-refundable annual fee of $189, although members can add up to three family members or friends to their account for just $60 each.

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Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs and get to your connecting flight. As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers.

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The real benefit of Clear is saving time. This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind.

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Is TSA PreCheck Free for Seniors? TSA PreCheck is not free for seniors and there are no senior discounts applicable to the $78 application fee.

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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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In short, fast track security is whereby passengers can pay a fee to use a priority lane at airport security to skip the standard queues. By having a fast track pass, passengers are able to be screened quicker than if they were to wait in the regular queue.

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With a $78 one-time fee, you pay about $15.50 per year over five years. What do you get for your money? Shorter wait times. In May 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in security lines, according to the TSA.

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