What’s the Fastest Way Through Airport Security?

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If there’s consistently a low point to every business trip or vacation taken by airplane, it’s going through airport security. From long lines to invasive searches, it’s the least dignified part of airline travel, and that’s saying something. 

Luckily, there are ways to bypass many of the lines and issues common to TSA checkpoints, and you don't even need to charter your own plane to do it.

The key is to understand all of the different lines available, and how to access the one that’s the shortest and easiest to go through.

Understanding the Different Lines for Airport Security

Few travelers realize that there are usually five different lines that can take you to TSA checkpoints at major airports. Understanding what these lines are for will make it easier to choose the programs necessary to access the best lines for your needs. 

The Regular Line

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The regular line is where the vast majority of travelers must pass through. It also happens to have the longest wait times and is the most invasive. Travelers must remove their belts and shoes while also removing liquids and laptops from their carry-on suitcases. Then, you must pass through a full body scanner, placing your arms above your head while you do so. The only advantage of this line is that it’s open to everyone, with no special access memberships required. 

The CLEAR Line

CLEAR

CLEAR is a private company that offers identity verification services at airports, and even at some stadiums and arenas. You must be a paid member of CLEAR to use this line.

Once your identity has been verified, either through fingerprint or iris scans, a CLEAR representative will escort you to the TSA representative who will allow you to shortcut the regular line and enter regular security. The advantage is that you don’t have to wait in the regular line, but you do have to pay for a CLEAR membership each year. You also have to go through the standard security screening.

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The TSA PreCheck Line

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This is a line for those who are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck® program (which is also a benefit of the Global Entry Program). Travelers in this line leave their belts and shoes on, along with a light jacket. They can also leave their liquids and laptops in their bag, and quickly walk through a basic metal detector. If you’re old enough to remember, this is almost exactly like what airport security was before the September 11th, 2001 attacks. 

The TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Line

CLEAR

Those who are members of both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can use this line, which is usually, but not always, the shortest. Having CLEAR gets you to the front of the TSA PreCheck line, which can grow pretty long at airports in business-focused cities where TSA PreCheck is very popular. 

First Class and Elite Status Line

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If you’re traveling on a first class ticket, or you hold elite status with the airline’s frequent flier program, then you’ll have access to this line. Before TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, this was the line most frequent travelers went to. But now, it’s just a shorter line to regular security. Travelers with TSA PreCheck avoid it, so it can be pretty empty. Keep this in mind when all of the other lines are clogged, as it can sometimes be the shortest line. 

CLEAR Reserve

CLEAR

There are 19 airports around the world that offer the new CLEAR Reserve program. This is a free program that reserves you a spot in the regular line. You don’t have to be a CLEAR member to use this service. Domestic locations currently include Denver, LAX, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix and Seattle. 

How To Get TSA Precheck

A TSA PreCheck membership is available for $78 and is valid for five years. Enrollment centers are located in airports, but also at other locations around town including many Staples stores. You can search enrollment centers at the TSA website using this tool. Just remember to apply online first, then schedule an appointment. 

Another way to get TSA PreCheck is to join Global Entry. This program, which includes TSA PreCheck, allows you to skip the lines at immigration upon arrival to the United States. Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership, but the application process is much more difficult than just TSA PreCheck. You have to fill out a very long form online, and then wait for approval. You have to schedule an interview at an airport, which can take several months. 

Thankfully, many premium travel rewards credit cards include a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You can find a complete list of cards that offer this reimbursement on the TSA website.

Recommended Travel Credit Cards

Credit Card	Intro Bonus	Annual Fee	Rewards Rate	Learn More
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Apply Now	60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points More Info Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)	$95	1x- 5xPoints More Info The card offers 5x points per dollar on Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining (including eligible takeout and delivery services), as well as 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs). This card earns 2x points on all other travel spending and 1x point per dollar everywhere else. Chase broadly defines travel to include not just airfare, hotels and rental cars, but expenses like parking, tolls and public transit too.	Apply Now
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply Now	50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points More Info Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)	$69	1x - 2xPoints More Info Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.	Apply Now
Citi Custom Cash® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	$200Cash Bonus More Info Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.	$0	1% - 5%Cashback More Info Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.	Apply Now Rates & Fees
Citi Premier® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	60,000Citi ThankYou Points More Info Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after making $4,000 worth of purchases during the first three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,080 (60,000 Citi ThankYou Points * 0.018 base)	$95	1X-10XPoints More Info 10X total ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets 1X -- Earn 1 Point on All Other Purchases	Apply Now Rates & Fees

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How To Join CLEAR

CLEAR

You can enroll in the CLEAR program at any airport or event venue that has a CLEAR access point. The standard price is $189 per person, per year. However, here are a few ways you might be able to access a discount:

• With a Delta SkyMiles® membership
• Via certain American Express cards
• Membership with Delta Diamond Medallion® and Delta 360°
• Membership with United MileagePlus®
• With Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum or United U.S. credit cards
• Membership with United Premier 1K and Global Services
• Through Alaska Mileage Plan™

Some American Express cards also come with a $189 annual credit toward a CLEAR® membership. Discounts are also available to additional family members to your account.

My Recommendations

I’ve belonged to both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for many years. I find TSA PreCheck to be invaluable for both the shorter lines and the less invasive screening. At under $16 a year, or free with the right credit card, it’s a no-brainer. Get it with Global Entry if you leave the country regularly, but just sign up for TSA PreCheck at an off-airport location if you mostly travel domestically. 

In fact, I would sign up for TSA PreCheck even if you only travel a few times a year. Having TSA PreCheck means that you’ll always be assured of passing through security in under a half hour, so you’ll never have to plan on getting to the airport two or three hours before your flight. 

And if you travel at least once a month and you have CLEAR at your home airport, then it’s worth getting, too. But as CLEAR’s popularity has grown, so has the wait to use this service. So, it’s not nearly as valuable as it was a few years ago.

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