Tips for Saving Time at the Airport

Those security and custom lines are stressful. Depending on where you are flying, here are some highlights of different programs that may save you some time!

TSA PreCheck

• Streamlined domestic airport security - usually in less than 10 minutes and no need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids.

• Costs around $80 and is valid for 5 years.

• Applicable at over 200 airports in the United States. Check here to confirm.

• How to apply:

  • 1. Submit initial application online.

  • 2. Schedule and attend an in person interview at one of these locations.

• Children 12 and under can go through TSA PreCheck with their parent. Ages 13-17 must make sure PreCheck is noted on boarding pass.

• Typically takes about 3 weeks, up to 60 days to process and get your Known Traveler Number (KTN).

• May get fee reimbursed by some credit cards with travel perks.

Global Entry

• Streamlined international arrival.

• Costs around $120 (includes TSA PreCheck) and is valid for 5 years.

• Applicable at select international airports. Check here to confirm.

• How to apply:

  • 1. Create at Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.

  • 2. Complete application.

  • 3. Schedule and attend an in person interview at one of these locations.

• Children under 18 may apply for Global Entry with their parent and there is no fee.

• Most approved within 2 weeks, some may take up to 12 months.

• May get fee reimbursed by some credit cards with travel perks.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

• Streamlined entry to United States.

• Free!

• Applicable at over 30 U.S. airports. Click here to confirm.

• How to apply:

  • 1. Download the MPC app on the App Store or Google Play.

  • 2. Create a profile with your passport info.

  • 3. When you arrive at your port of entry, enter your group's declaration info (only 1 per household) and go through the Mobile Passport line.

    
    

CLEAR Plus

• Use biometric data (scan fingerprint or eye) to skip the ID part of the security line. (If you don't have TSA PreCheck, you still have to remove your shoes, belt, electronics, liquids, belt, etc.)

• $199 per year; family $199 plus $119 per person; can bundle with TSA PreCheck

• Applicable at over 50 U.S. airports. Click here to confirm.

• How to apply:

  • 1. Start enrollment online.

  • 2. Complete the enrollment at a participating airport location.

• Children under 18 may be added for free.

• Also able to be used at some stadiums and has some benefits with car rentals.

Not doing any of the above? You can still cut down on unnecessary time by being prepared.

• Have all your documents ready and make sure your name is the same on your ticket and your ID.

• Dress the part. Don't wear a lot of jewelry, wear clothes without a lot of metal accents, wear shoes that slip on and off easily, don't wear a lot of layers that need to be removed, etc.

• Have your electronics and liquids ready to go. ALL liquids, gels, and aerosols must be less than 3.4 oz and fit in a quart bag (1 per person).

• Empty your pockets. Don't try to walk through with pockets full of coins and keys.

  
  

No matter what line you are in - be nice and be patient. Remember that those TSA and Customs employees are there to help keep all of us safe.