Security Screening Showdown! How Does TSA PreCheck Compare With Airlines That Offer Their Own Expedited Security Lines?
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I hate waiting in long lines at the airport. So when I read about TSA PreCheck a few years ago, I signed up almost immediately!
It was a no-brainer for me. The opportunity to get through security more quickly and without the need to remove my jackets, shoes, or belts? Oh. My. Gosh. Sign me up right away!
TSA PreCheck normally costs $85. But if you carry one of the following cards, you can get that fee reimbursed (up to $100)!
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
There are times when even the TSA PreCheck lines can get pretty long though. In those rare instances, is there anything you can do to get through security more quickly?

Airline-Specific Expedited Security: Better Than TSA PreCheck, or Waste of Time?
Some airlines offer their own expedited security. JetBlue, for instance, offers a product called “Even More Speed”. It can be purchased for a small fee and is advertised as a way to get through security more quickly. Many other airlines offer those with elite status a similar perk to get them through security faster.
But do these perks really help you if you already have TSA PreCheck?
Unfortunately, the short answer is probably no, and TSA PreCheck is still the fastest way through airport security. Even if you qualify for, or pay for expedited security clearance, you’re not likely to get through security faster. In fact, if you go through the airline’s own expedited security process, it could actually be slower than TSA PreCheck!
For instance, on my recent flight out of New York’s JFK airport, I saw that JetBlue’s “Even More Speed” security line would have taken MUCH longer than the regular TSA PreCheck line!
That’s because JetBlue’s expedited security line is just a shortcut into the regular non-TSA PreCheck line. In other words, the benefit doesn’t stack with TSA PreCheck, you just go into the regular line where you’ll still need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt, etc.
Now the only time I might recommend purchasing an add-on like Even More Speed, or going through an airline’s expedited security line, is if you’re not flagged as TSA PreCheck eligible, or if the airport you’re flying out of doesn’t offer TSA PreCheck.
In that case, it might be worth it to pay extra (or use your airline elite status) for the right to get that shortcut into the security line.
CLEAR, Another Option!
If you’re looking to do everything possible to get through security ASAP, CLEAR is another option. It does cost $179 per year to enroll in the program (although Delta SkyMiles members are eligible for a discounted rate), and is currently available in over 35 airports around the country.
CLEAR does not do any background checks, so it’s a wonderful alternative if for some reason you’re not eligible for TSA PreCheck. And if the airport you fly out of offers CLEAR, it can be faster and CAN complement your TSA PreCheck membership! That’s because it lets you jump to a special (shorter) line to have your ID checked right before security. Then you can use TSA PreCheck to speed through the checkpoint without removing your clothes, laptop, etc.

Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck is by far the fastest, hassle-free way to get through airport security. Airline-specific offerings of expedited security don’t do a good job replacing or complementing your TSA PreCheck membership.
In fact, they could actually cost you more time because they’re just a shortcut into the regular, non-TSA PreCheck lines! The exception to the rule is CLEAR, which addresses a separate problem of skipping the line to have your ID checked before security. Having both programs will get you to your gate EXTRA fast!
If you’re looking to get through security ASAP with TSA PreCheck, remember that there are many credit cards that will reimburse you for the fee!
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Let us know if you use another method to fly through airport security!
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. From 6/1/20 through 6/30/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
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With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Earn 3x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Includes eligible pick-up and delivery services
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
16.99%-23.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Rates & Fees
Other
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