Avoid Long Security Lines at Airports
Some travelers can be their own worst enemy when it comes to slowing down the security lines. They don’t follow the publicized rules and continue to try and sneak items past security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confiscates thousands of items every year. Below are a few resources for travelers to use and review that will help avoid those long security lines.
- This app, provided by the TSA, allows travelers to check wait times for security lines.
- Another program, offered by the TSA, is the Pre?™ program. This program prescreens frequent flyers so you can avoid long lines and breeze through security. To qualify, the traveler needs to fly certain number of miles annually and be invited by the airline as a trusted traveler. To learn more about this program please visit TSA.gov.
- The Global Entry Program is for low-risk international travelers coming to the United States. Global Entry members can use the Global Entry kiosks located at airports by entering their passport to activate the system. The kiosk then scans the traveler’s fingerprint and compares it to fingerprint biometrics data on file. In order to qualify for this program, travelers need to complete the Global Entry application, found here. There is a fee of $100 to process the application. Global Entry, once approved, is valid for 5 years.
- CLEAR is another speedy way to get through security by automating a traveler’s identity using biometrics, fingerprints, and their iris. After completing an online registration process, a traveler will receive instructions to visit an enrollment center with their driver’s license and passport (or other approved ID) to complete enrollment. Once approved, they then receive a CLEAR card by mail to present at the exclusive CLEAR lane at security check points. CLEAR is currently not available at all airports, but is expanding. The yearly cost for CLEAR is $179. Visit ClearMe.com for more information and to access to the online registration form.
