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!
- 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!
United Explorer Card also reimburses you plus lots of other perks. To name a few: no foreign transaction fees, free first checked bag, 2 United Club one-time passes each anniversary.
We used the phone app “Mobile Passport” recently on our return from Mexico and it saved us so much time coming back into the US. There was a special line for us to go in and it made our return so quick! Highly recommend if you don’t have Precheck! And best part – it’s a free app!!
Hi Sheila!
Thanks for sharing! You’re right, I remember reading some great things about mobile passport.
Good to know it can work as a wonderful alternative to TSA PreCheck when you can use it!
If CLEAR doesn’t do background checks and goes through the same pre check line. How is that keeping us safe?? What a joke.
Hi Eric!
Matt is correct. CLEAR basically just takes the place of the TSA officer at the podium who checks your passport and boarding pass, so it helps speed things along.
Plus, not everyone knows about (or is willing to pay for) CLEAR, so the lines tend to be a lot shorter.
The only downside is that they’re not available in every airport yet, so I’d only recommend paying for it if you frequently fly out of an airport that does offer CLEAR.
It would only go through the Pre-Check line if you also have Pre-Check. Otherwise, it takes you to the beginning of the regular line.