As many people prepare to visit family and friends, we are reminded of the long lines at the security check that we must endure while boarding a plane. Thankfully there is the TSA pre-check option. In the past few years, a new privacy option, Clear, has become available. Whichever option you use, plan ahead; it will take some time to get approved.
TSA Pre-Check
The pre-check option is good for 5 years and costs $85 per individual; there is no family rate. It will take at least 4 weeks to get qualified. The first thing to do is to Apply only; one application is required for each individual, even for a minor. Once this process is completed, you will be able to select a location to go and start the background check. This can be done at some airports or private locations around the country. Click here to find a location near you. A couple of weeks after the background check, if everything checks OK, you will receive a letter with your KTN number. The number will not be printed on any identification card; instead, you will enter the number when booking a flight. When printing the boarding pass, there will be the TSA pre-check logo or text printed on it.
Always ensure that you allow plenty of time to get thru security; there have been instances where the TSA line is closed or some locations don’t offer this option; such is the case at LAX at the Tom Bradley Terminal ( also known as the international terminal or terminal B).
Global Entry
If you plan to take an international flight in the next five years, it may be best to apply for Global Entry. This program also lasts 5 years at a cost of $100 and includes the TSA pre-check. (so for $100 you get both Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check). The Global Entry program allows you to bypass the customs line at many airports.
Clear
This is a private option that is available at a few airports. throughout the United States. The cost of the program is $179 per year. If you happen to be at the airport, one of the Clear employees may be able to provide you with a coupon for a 30-day free trial. When dropping some relatives at LAX, the Clear line was shorter than the TSA Pre-Check line. I don’t know if it was the time of day or if indeed these lines are shorter in general. This link provides a description of how the program works.
Although these options will not eliminate the lines completely, they will reduce the time at the security checkpoint and hopefully will help you reduce so stress. Safe travels!
** Images courtesy of JetBlue and Copa Airlines
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