Most people believe the frustrations of air travel are inevitable and that they must be endured to be rewarded with a vacation. I refuse to accept this reality and have learned a few travel-savvy hacks that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Read on to see how we skip the long security lines and navigate the airport with ease and efficiency.
TSA Pre-Check
TSA Pre-Check is a program that expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. It’s usually a hassle getting through airport security because travelers are required to take their shoes off, remove toiletries and electronic devices from carry-on luggage, and either walk through a full body-scanner or be manually wanded and/or pat down by TSA agents.
With TSA Pre-Check, you can bypass this elaborate process with a preferred, dedicated TSA Pre-Check line that is typically much shorter than the general security line. You also don’t have to remove shoes, toiletries, or electronic devices from your bags, making the security-screening process much more efficient and less invasive.
How to apply for TSA Pre-Check:
- Submit an application online and schedule an in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting at an enrollment center.
- The cost is $78 and it’s valid for 5 years.
- Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You must add your KTN to your airline reservations and have the TSA Pre-Check appear on your boarding pass.
- Children 12 and under don’t need to have TSA Pre-Check when traveling with an enrolled parent or guardian.
- Children 13-17 may accompany adults
- Here’s a map of current airports that participate in TSA Pre-Check.
Certain credit cards offer a $100 statement credit for a TSA Pre-Check membership, which covers the $78 fee. Simply use the specific credit card to pay and you’ll receive a $100 credit on your credit card statement. Here are some credit cards that offer this benefit:
- American Express Platinum – $695 annual fee.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – $550 annual fee with a $300 travel credit and Priority Pass membership.
- Capital One Venture X – $395 annual fee with a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass Membership and access to Capital One airport lounges.
- Capital One Venture – $95 annual fee.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business – $199 annual fee.
- United Explorer Card – $95 annual fee, waived the first year.
Global Entry
A Global Entry membership gives you access to expedited entry into the US and helps you skip the long lines at customs and immigration. A program run by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, applicants undergo a background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
Global Entry membership costs $100 and is good for 5 years, but we were able to get this fee credited with our credit card benefits. Global Entry also comes with TSA Pre-Check, so if you plan on traveling internationally at all, I’d recommend going ahead and signing up for Global Entry so you can reap the rewards of having TSA Pre-Check also. Every passenger must have their own Global Entry membership (infants too!).
How to apply for Global Entry:
- Submit an online application and once your application is conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) – once you are conditionally approved, you may complete your interview upon arrival into the US. Simply follow signage for “Enrollment on Arrival” at an international terminal. Be sure to have your valid passport and documents providing evidence of residency (driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc.
Credit cards that offer a $100 statement credit for Global Entry:
- American Express Platinum
- American Express Business Platinum
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
- United Explorer
*Pro Tip: If you’re trying to decide between TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, get Global Entry because a 5-year membership includes TSA Pre-Check!
Clear Plus
Clear Plus is a privately-operated security program, unlike TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, which are programs run by the US government. Clear Plus has its own dedicated line and kiosks where your identity is verified using biometrics. A Clear Plus agent then personally escorts you to the front of the security line.
The cost is $189/year and $60/year to add family members. Children under 18 are free. Students 18 and older can get a discount of $60/year for 4 years and for military it’s $99/year. You can apply in-person at one of the enrollment kiosks at the airport and there’s no waiting period – you can use Clear Plus as soon as you’re approved!
However, before you pay outright for this service, know that there are several credit cards that offer a $189 statement credit for Clear Plus:
When you pair Clear Plus with TSA Pre-Check and/or Global Entry, you can expect to breeze right through airport security in a matter of minutes. On our most recent trip, I timed it and it took a total of 10 minutes from getting dropped off at the airport to sitting at the gate! And since we get statement credits for Global Entry (which includes TSA Pre-Check) and Clear Plus, having these memberships is a no-brainer for us.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to gain access to exclusive airport lounges (with complimentary food and drinks), so stay tuned…
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