Invest in an airport “fast track” subscription.
It’s summer, which usually means amateur hour at the airport. Add in two years of pent-up demand, even non-amateurs out of practice, and airlines and airport facilities struggling to staff up and you get a special kind of travel heck, especially when it comes to airport security lines.
That’s why now may be the time to consider one of the airport fast track subscriptions. Here’s a summary of the main choices.
TSA PreCheck: Basic, But Good
For those who don’t travel internationally, TSA PreCheck is all you need.
Who Should Get It: People who travel almost entirely domestically within the USA. Note: TSA PreCheck is limited to US Citizens and long time permanent residents.
Why You Should Get It: It’s an easy application, reasonable fee, and you can keep your shoes and belt on and your laptop and liquids in your bag. Lines are often considerably shorter than general security. Paired with CLEAR, it’s even better.
The Fee: The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year subscription, or $17 a year.
CLEAR: Terrific TSA Companion
CLEAR is a separate, non-government service that works with the TSA to verify traveler identities. It essentially offers a skip-the-line privilege; CLEAR users are directed to the front of their respective general traveler or PreCheck lane.
Who Should Get It: People who have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Members without a separate subscription to either will still need to remove liquids, laptops, belts, and shoes to pass through security. It’s often good enough as is, but skipping to the front of PreCheck makes you rpassage through security really fast.
Why You Should Get It: Frequent travelers who find themselves at airports during peak security times or who value reliable TSA Security wait time windows.
The Fee: CLEAR costs $179 per year, or $15 per month. Some credit cards offer CLEAR credit as a benefit, and loyalty programs such as Delta SkyMiles also offer it as an elite member perk.
Global Entry: Amazing Travel Value
Global Entry sign-up requires a bit more effort, as applications are more scrutinized and an in-person interview is required, but it’s worth it. Global Entry offers the same benefits of TSA PreCheck, but for an extra $15 over five years, you get expedited arrivals through US immigration as well.
Who Should Get It: People who want the benefits of TSAPreCheck plus faster screening through US immigration. Even if you travel out of the country only once a year, it’s worth it
Why You Should Get It: Speedy processing through immigration upon arrival into the USA; you can save hours waiting in lines. Plus you also get PreCheck privileges.
The Fee: Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership ($20 per year). Many credit cards will reimburse your Global Entry fee in full, including
Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire cards, and Amex Green, Gold, And Platinum cards.
American Airlines Five Star: Niche and Nice
American Airlines offer VIP airport treatment as a paid service at many airports, which anyone flying on American Airlines can purchase. Prices vary and promos are frequent.
Who Should Get It: People who are traveling on American and don’t have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and people who want VIP treatment at an airport.
Why You Should Get It: Using the Five Star service means you have an escort through key checkpoints at the airport. At certain airports where American has big flex, it can help with the arrival and departure process.
The Fee: Five Star packages are available from the American Airlines website from $140 to $350 (and up) per person.
PS @ LAX: Like Flying Private
PS @ LAX offers you the opportunity to avoid the airport terminal entirely: you use their private terminal from which you’re driven to your plane’s door.
Who Should Get It: People with an American Express Black Card and anyone willing to pay $695 per person for private lounge access, private security clearance, and a car ride to the plane. ($4350 gets you access to a private VIP suite before your flight.)
Why You Should Get It: Because it’s laughably amazing. You avoid the public terminal and are treated to ridiculous levels of luxury, including someone else checking your bags and driving you to your flight right before takeoff.
The Fee: It’s $4350 for a group of up to four non-members to book a private suite, or $695 per person for the private lounge. Annual membership reduces the per use cost significantly. Even if PS @ LAX is not for you right now, it’s nice to dream, right?
Twist’s Take: Beat the wait at airport security with a fast-track subscription.
