How do I avoid TSA at the airport?

If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.



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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


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The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

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A TSA PreCheck™ agent will conduct enrollments at select AAA branches. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck™ creates a smarter travel experience with fewer hassles and less stress. The enrollment is $78 dollars and good for 5 years.

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Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account. In some instances, however, security may allow them through when it's clear that their boarding passes match yours as the primary account holder.

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Although it has many travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card does not reimburse the TSA PreCheck application fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card offers a statement credit up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for a TSA PreCheck application fee.

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While the availability of use once you receive your Known Traveler Number, especially for the price you pay, makes TSA PreCheck a great option, the availability to enroll once getting your conditional letter is a true con of this program.

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Making a reservation in advance is a great way to skip TSA's sometimes exorbitantly long lines. However, if you're flying out of an airport that doesn't have this program, you may instead want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Clear.

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How long does it take to get approved? Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.

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Yes, you can walk in to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center and submit an application. However, scheduled appointments are prioritized. Consider taking the time to complete the online application to save you an unpredictable wait.

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Global Entry can definitely be worth it as it saves you a lot of time and hassle when returning from an international trip. The cost is just $22 more than TSA PreCheck and it includes all PreCheck benefits as well. Plus, there are many travel credit cards that offer Global Entry application fee credits.

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It's not too hard to apply for them, but there are some important details you must get right. First of all, what is TSA PreCheck? By pre-screening applicants, TSA PreCheck allows you to skip the lines and go through airport security efficiently by providing a separate lane for low-risk travelers.

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With TSA PreCheck™, you can breeze through airport security. Best part, children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck™ on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck™ boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply for TSA PreCheck™.

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Do you need to interview for TSA PreCheck? Yes. After filling out an application, your membership is contingent on passing the TSA PreCheck interview, which is actually more like an appointment.

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Global Entry
Members pay $100 for five years, but that includes enrollment in TSA PreCheck, which alone will cost you $85.

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Because not all airlines participate in the program, if you book on a non-TSA PreCheck carrier (not all international airlines are TSA PreCheck partners) you will still have to go through the regular security line—which is why some frequent travelers also opt to purchase a Clear membership.

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All travelers, including TSA PreCheck® enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (e.g., passport) in order to fly once TSA is enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airports. To obtain a REAL ID, contact your state's driver's licensing agency.

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You book with an airline that doesn't participate in TSA PreCheck.
  • China Southern Airlines.
  • China Eastern Airlines.
  • EasyJet.
  • EgyptAir.
  • Norwegian Airlines.
  • Qatar Airways.
  • Ryanair.
  • Iceland Air.


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They might or might not ask you some questions mentioned in the application, such as whether you've used other names before, how often you travel and why you want to enroll in the program. If you have a criminal history, it's possible you'll be asked to provide details.

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The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

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