How do you skip long security lines at the airport?

Skip the longer lines with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
To qualify, you'll need to submit an online application and schedule an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. TSA PreCheck® costs $85 for a five-year membership.



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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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Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.

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Unexpired driver's license issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include a federal agency, State or State agency seal or logo (such as a State university ID).

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Cons: Because of the program's popularity, TSA PreCheck lanes can sometimes be longer than the normal security ones. However, an extra few minutes of waiting here and there might be worth it to avoid having to strip down and assume the position in a scanner every time you fly.

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10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.

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Just how much time does TSA PreCheck save? TSA estimates that 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line. This is a small amount of time separating you from the back of the security line to the terminal, meaning the most useful benefit is, of course, saving time.

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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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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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Which airports have the longest wait times? Topping the list is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, with an average security wait time of around 23 minutes and a passport control wait time of about 25 minutes.

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Priority lanes for check-in, security and boarding This is the same line that first class and Delta One passengers use, and it can be a real timesaver if you are in a hurry. At many airports, there are dedicated security lanes for Sky Priority passengers. This can help travelers avoid long lines at crowded terminals.

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You can also update existing reservations with your TSA PreCheck number. Go to Edit Traveler Information in the Manage Reservations section on the website, at an airport kiosk or in the United app.

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TSA's goal is to provide you with the status of your application within 60 days of receiving the information you provided at enrollment. This may take longer if there was difficulty capturing your fingerprints during enrollment or any data is missing.

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Most budget airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, and Sun Country all participate in TSA PreCheck. Notable airlines that don't participate in TSA PreCheck include Aer Lingus, China Southern, China Eastern, EgyptAir, and worst of all, Iberia.

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To increase their revenue, they must increase the number of passengers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. They occasionally hand out free TSA PreCheck benefits to random passengers, so they get a taste for it and hopefully, subscribe to the program in the future.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

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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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If traveling through a participating airport, the TSA PreCheck line is separate from the general security screening line. As part of the application process, travelers must pay an $78 fee and go through the enrollment process — including showing identification documents and providing fingerprints.

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Special TSA Security Screening for Passengers 75 and older – Passengers 75 and older are not required to remove their shoes and light jacket at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint, and they are allowed an extra pass through Advanced Imaging Technology devices.

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