How to pick the best airport line-cutting service for you

If you’ve been to an airport lately, you may have noticed that travel is back in (nearly) full swing. Transportation Security Administration officers are screening just about as many people as they did in 2019.

With the anticipation of crowded checkpoints, crowded gates and even more crowded Starbuckses, you may want to prepare for your next trip by figuring out how to cut through those crowds. Since the advent of programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry more than a decade ago, more pay-for-play services have emerged. But before you take that leap, make sure you’re getting the right service for you.

Here’s a rundown on which ones are best for each kind of traveler.

TSA PreCheck: For the generalist

TSA PreCheck is the classic pick for cutting airport security lines. For $85, a five-year PreCheck membership grants travelers access to a separate line from the masses. Depending on how popular the service is where you’re flying, that can help you get through security a lot faster.

And PreCheck has other perks. “You don’t have to deal with the process of taking off your shoes or taking out your computer or whatever,” says John Rose, chief risk officer for the travel management company Altour, who has logged more than 3 million flight miles during his career. “It’s just amazing for your efficiency.”

Why you should dress up for your next flight

Rose also vouches for PreCheck because it is widely available, even being found at small regional airports.

Travel journalist Ramsey Qubein — another million miler — encourages checking to see if your credit cards cover the cost of PreCheck (and other Trusted Traveler programs) as a perk. You may not have to shell out to sign up.

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This article has been archived by Slow Travel News for your research. The original version from The Washington Post can be found here.