Page Contents<\/p>
- What Is Expedited Airport Security?<\/a>
- What does it cost to enroll in expedited security programs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Get Expedited Airport Security for Free<\/a>
- Expedited airport security using frequent flyer elite status<\/a><\/li>
- Expedited airport security as a credit card benefit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How Is CLEAR+ Different From TSA PreCheck?<\/a><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
What Is Expedited Airport Security?<\/span><\/h2>\n
An expedited airport security service is the fastest way through the identity and security screening processes. Think of it as a “skip-the-line” pass to fast-track your way through the ever-increasing TSA screening and immigration lines via a streamlined identity verification process. The programs range in price and benefits, and can have overlapping benefits.<\/p>\n
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Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n What does it cost to enroll in expedited security programs?<\/span><\/h3>\n
There are currently five expedited security screening programs operating in the U.S:<\/p>\n
- \n
- TSA PreCheck<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Allows eligible, low-risk travelers to make use of expedited security screening when flying on an eligible airline from select U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck members aren\u2019t required to remove belts, shoes, or jackets and can leave liquids and laptops in carry-on luggage. Costs vary depending on how you sign up. For first-time enrollees, a five-year TSA PreCheck membership costs $76.75 via Idemia<\/a>,\u00a0$77.95 via CLEAR<\/a>, or\u00a0$85 via Telos<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Global Entry<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Provides Global Entry lanes at select airports offering expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. A $120 fee is required with your Global Entry application. Membership is valid for five years and requires an interview at an approved center. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits.<\/li>\n
- NEXUS<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Offers pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States (via Global Entry lanes) and Canada (via NEXUS kiosks). NEXUS costs $120 for a five-year membership. NEXUS membership also includes TSA PreCheck benefits.<\/li>\n
- SENTRI<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Similar to the NEXUS program, but for the U.S.-Mexico border and only applies to land border entry locations. SENTRI is not a bilateral program and only applies to travelers re-entering the U.S., not those entering from Mexico. SENTRI costs $120 per person, but membership also includes TSA PreCheck benefits.<\/li>\n
- CLEAR+<\/a>: <\/strong>The only privately operated program, CLEAR+ doesn\u2019t have quite the same footprint as the government programs. Where it\u2019s available<\/a>, however, it takes expedited security a step further using biometric identification to speed up the process. CLEAR+ members are then bumped to the front of the TSA line. CLEAR+ is the most expensive program at $209 per year. However, there are several ways to get it for cheaper or free — as we will explain below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Get Expedited Airport Security for Free<\/span><\/h2>\n
There are a few different options for getting expedited security screening and having the application cost reimbursed, or even getting it for free.<\/p>\n
Expedited airport security using frequent flyer elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n
Many frequent flyer programs offer complimentary expedited security for flyers with mid- to top-tier airline elite status. This perk allows select elite members to access priority security lines, along with their first-class counterparts, even when traveling on a lower-class fare.<\/p>\n
These priority security lanes are separate from TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+, so if you qualify to use them, you will still need to show identification and remove your shoes, liquids, laptop, belt, and jacket.<\/p>\n
The following airline elite members can access express security lines when available at the airport:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Atmos Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium<\/li>\n
- American AAdvantage\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum<\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion<\/li>\n
- Free Spirit<\/a>:<\/strong> Silver and Gold elites<\/li>\n
- JetBlue TrueBlue<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Mosaic 1\u20134<\/li>\n
- Southwest Rapid Rewards<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> A-List and A-List Preferred<\/li>\n
- United MileagePlus<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Premier 1K<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can get CLEAR+ without paying the annual fee if you are a Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion<\/a>. Top-tier elite members with Delta receive a free annual CLEAR+ membership, which gives you the fastest possible path through airport identity verification and security screening.<\/p>\n
United MileagePlus Premier 1K members<\/a> can also get a discounted CLEAR+ membership for $129. Other Delta and United loyalty program members and cardholders can also get CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate that varies based on your status level.<\/p>\n
Credit: CLEAR<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Expedited airport security as a credit card benefit<\/span><\/h3>\n
Up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry, NEXUS, and TSA PreCheck are included as a benefit of many credit cards. Some of your options include:<\/p>\n
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- American AAdvantage\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum<\/li>\n
- Global Entry<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> Provides Global Entry lanes at select airports offering expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. A $120 fee is required with your Global Entry application. Membership is valid for five years and requires an interview at an approved center. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits.<\/li>\n
- Expedited airport security as a credit card benefit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Get Expedited Airport Security for Free<\/a>
- What does it cost to enroll in expedited security programs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
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