These 5 TSA Hacks Will Help You Get Through Security Faster

Hectic security lines are a special kind of hell.

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Whether or not you’re worried about missing your flight, a noisy and unorganized experience in security is always challenging. From shouting agents to clueless travelers to spilled hair gel, bothersome surprises seem to await us at the airport.

And, as with many other air travel experiences, our best option when facing long security lines is to put on a brave face.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few tried-and-true hacks to get through that line faster. After all, even if you’re not rushing to your gate, you’ll be happy to be done with security sooner rather than later.

According to the TSA, these are the five hacks you need to know to get through security faster.

Hack #1: Join TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Association (TSA) offers two programs that frequent fliers should be aware of: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. The Global Entry program allows pre-approved travelers to jump into expedited customs lines when re-entering the country.

TSA PreCheck, by contrast, is a domestic program for American fliers that gives them access to specialized (and expedited) security lines at the airport.

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you need to pass a background check and pay a one-time application fee. TSA PreCheck also charges $78 every five years. You can easily register online here.

Global Entry now has an accompanying app, which slashes the time that you’ll wait at in customs when returning from abroad. While Global Entry’s app is only available at around a dozen airports as of October 2024, it’s expected to expand rapidly.

If you want to skip lines for security and customs, opt for both programs. It’s really that easy.

Hack #2: Use biometrics with Clear

Clear is the latest program to expedite security lines, which you may have seen advertised at airports around the US.

First off, it’s worth noting that Clear is run by a private company, while the TSA runs Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. However, Clear comes bundled with TSA PreCheck and vice versa, making it easy for you to enroll in both after applying to one.

But TSA PreCheck and Clear work differently.

Clear logs a member’s biometric data, collecting a scan of their iris and fingerprints. This information is used to verify a flier’s identity at small kiosks. In addition to verifying identities at airports, Clear is also being used at select stadiums and arenas for smart ticketing.

Just like TSA PreCheck, Clear offers benefits like expedited security lines, along with a mobile app that estimates the time to your gate.

However, Clear only has kiosks at around 50 airports compared to the 200+ that TSA PreCheck serves. At $199 a year, Clear is definitely steep. However, for frequent fliers, it’s a pretty robust option for streamlining air travel.

Hack #3: Schedule your trip through security

Want to know one of the best ways to skip the security line? Schedule your visit.

As air travel becomes more popular, airports are desperately working to figure out how to safely and quickly get passengers to their gates.

The grand idea? Reserve a time slot to go through a private security screening… for free, I might add.

At the moment, these airports let you schedule a time slot to pass through security. Simply head to the airport’s website and find the correct page for making reservations. Make sure to read the fine print—every reservation program works differently.

• JFK
• DFW
• LAX
• EWR
• MCO
• PHX
• SEA

Hack #4: Buy the fast lane

Did you know that you can also purchase access to certain security lanes? According to TSA workers, there are plans to expand tiered security lines.

At the moment, La Guardia offers a B-Fast lane, which lets passengers pay a one-time fee for immediate access to a shorter security line. However, some TSA insiders believe that purchasing a one-time ticket to a faster security lane could be par for the course for busy airports.

Hack #5: Identify the fast lane: businesspeople, frequent fliers, etc.

Want to know one of the more unique pieces of advice on getting through security from TSA agents? No need for TSA PreCheck or any scheduled visits.

The key is knowing what sorts of passengers to avoid following in line.

So, if security lets you choose your line, then here’s how to pick the fastest one. Just like George Clooney suggested in Up In the Air, businesspeople are going to move the quickest. If you see anyone in a suit and a smart suitcase, get behind them.

Usually, older travelers, families with multiple children, and first-time tourists take the longest to get through security. Avoid them.