Flying can be stressful, especially when airport security lines seem never-ending. Luckily, there are proven time-saving travel tips, airport hacks, and programs to get through airport security faster! Consider this your Ultimate Guide to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry & CLEAR to speed up the process. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to save time traveling through airport security tips — whether you’re domestic or international.
Plus, if you’re like me, you get airport anxiety, so it’s full of travel hacks all experienced travelers know, like traveling light with carry-on only travel essentials for less to worry about, along with stress-free flying tips and more…
How To Save Time Traveling when Flying on Airlines & Get Through Airport Security Faster
As a seasoned traveler, sometimes exploring a new country every week can leave little time to spare or waste! Plus, I have major airport anxiety! In fact, I HATE flying! I don’t have a fear of flying, but the process of getting through airport security, grabbing my seat, and de-boarding off the plane! So I’ve made a list of tips to Save Time Traveling (when Flying on Airlines) to help make traveling a little more stress free! More specifically, How to Get Through Airport Security Faster (Hacks + TSA Tips). All learned through, lots of research, and REAL life experience!
1. Travel Carry-On Only
One of the simplest and most effective ways to save time at the airport is by traveling carry-on only. When you skip checked baggage, you eliminate two of the biggest time-wasters in air travel: the long line at the check-in counter and the wait at baggage claim after your flight. Instead of standing around, you can head straight to security and walk off the plane ready to go. For short trips especially, packing light is a game-changer.
Why it Saves Time
- No waiting at the check-in desk to drop bags.
- No risk of lost or delayed luggage slowing you down.
- Walk straight out of the airport upon arrival.
This not only saves time, but also reduces stress — which is just as valuable when you’re on the move.
Tips for Smarter Carry-On Packing
- Choose the right bag: A compact carry-on with organized compartments will make going through airport security faster. Hardshell bags with dividers or soft backpacks with packing cubes are great options.
- Liquids rule compliance: TSA requires liquids to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and placed in a clear quart-sized bag. Keep them at the top of your bag so you can easily pull them out at security if needed.
- Electronics ready-to-go: If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you’ll likely need to remove laptops, tablets, and cameras. Pack them in an accessible spot to avoid fumbling around.
Extra Hack
Wearing slip-on shoes and avoiding belts, heavy jewelry, or clothing with lots of zippers can shave precious minutes off your time in the airport security line. The less you have to remove, the quicker you’ll move through screening.
👉 If you’re new to traveling light, check out my carry-on packing tips. ICYMI… I shared the best carry-on luggage and my must have travel essentials packing list, from what I pack to wear — to include a travel toiletries (checklist). Best of all, everything is TSA-friendly! Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with checked luggage in the first place.
2. TSA PreCheck
If you travel often within the U.S., enrolling in TSA PreCheck is one of the best airport security hacks out there. This trusted traveler program gives you access to a dedicated lane that moves much faster than the standard line. More than 15 million travelers are already signed up, and for good reason—it saves both time and stress.
What It Is
TSA PreCheck is a government program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, you’ll see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, which allows you to use a special expedited lane at over 200 airports nationwide.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
The perks really add up:
- Keep your shoes, jackets, and belts on — no more rushing to undress at the checkpoint.
- Laptops and liquids stay in your bag, making the process smoother.
- Typically shorter wait times — the TSA reports that 90% of PreCheck travelers wait less than 5 minutes.
- Peace of mind — you know exactly what to expect every time you travel.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a 45-minute security line, you’ll appreciate how much easier this makes your airport experience.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward:
- Apply online at the TSA website.
- Schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check.
- Pay the $85 fee, which covers you for five years.
That breaks down to just $17 per year—well worth the time saved if you fly even a couple of times a year.
TSA PreCheck Tips to Maximize Your Membership
- Book with participating airlines: Not all airlines are part of TSA PreCheck, so make sure yours is (most U.S. airlines are).
- Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Always enter it when booking flights so the PreCheck indicator shows up on your boarding pass.
- Combine with other hacks: Pairing TSA PreCheck with CLEAR can make security lines almost disappear.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?
For frequent flyers, the answer is almost always yes. Even if you only travel a few times a year, the peace of mind and efficiency are well worth the small cost. Think of it as an investment in stress-free travel.
👉 Related read: If you fly internationally, you might consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck plus faster re-entry into the U.S. (we’ll cover that in the next section)…
3. Global Entry (For International Travelers)
If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry can be a huge time-saver. Think of it as the international version of TSA PreCheck. Instead of waiting in those endless passport control lines when you land back in the U.S., Global Entry members get to breeze through automated kiosks, scan their passports, and walk straight out. It’s one of the best investments frequent travelers can make for a smoother and faster airport entry experience.
What It Is
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that speeds up re-entry into the United States from abroad. Instead of waiting in traditional immigration lines, you’ll use a kiosk to confirm your identity and answer customs questions in minutes.
The best part? Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost, so you’ll also benefit from faster security screening on your domestic flights.
Benefits of Global Entry
- Avoid long passport lines when returning from international trips.
- Includes TSA PreCheck, giving you faster security lanes in the U.S.
- Reduces stress at busy airports like JFK, LAX, or Miami where immigration lines can take over an hour.
- Great for business travelers and vacationers alike — whether you’re flying home from Europe, Asia, or the Caribbean, you’ll appreciate getting through faster.
How to Apply
The Global Entry application is a bit more involved than TSA PreCheck, but it’s well worth it:
- Apply online through the Trusted Traveler Program website.
- Pay the $100 fee, which is valid for five years.
- Schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center (often located at major airports).
- Bring your passport and ID for verification.
Some travelers get conditionally approved quickly, while others may wait a few weeks for the interview. Either way, once you’re approved, you’ll save hours of time on future trips.
💡 Pro tip: Many premium travel credit cards will actually reimburse the Global Entry application fee, making it essentially free.
Who Should Get Global Entry?
If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck is enough. But if you travel abroad at least once a year, the Global Entry benefits far outweigh the slightly higher cost and extra step in the application process.
Extra Global Entry Tips
- Apply early: Interview appointments can book up months in advance.
- Use Enrollment on Arrival: If you’ve been conditionally approved, you can sometimes complete your interview when arriving back in the U.S. from an international trip.
- Don’t forget family members: Kids need their own Global Entry membership to use the kiosks.
>> Whether you’re trying to save time or money, I’ve got a list of budget-friendly international travel tips you don’t want to miss! Be sure to take a peek at my Ultimate Guide: How To Travel On A Budget (hotels, flights, rental cars + more…)
>> Also, make sure that you’re staying safe when traveling abroad. Travel Smarter with these Essential Hotel and Travel Safety Tips!
4. CLEAR
If you’ve ever stood in a security line watching people walk past you to the front, chances are they’re using CLEAR. This program uses biometric technology—like fingerprint and facial recognition—to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the standard ID check. Instead of waiting while TSA agents manually check every passenger’s ID, you’ll be escorted straight to the physical screening area.
For frequent travelers, CLEAR can be one of the biggest airport security time-savers, especially when combined with TSA PreCheck.
What It Is
CLEAR is a privately operated membership service that speeds up the security process at participating U.S. airports and stadiums. Once enrolled, you’ll use a CLEAR kiosk to confirm your identity with biometrics (fingerprint or facial scan). After that, a CLEAR ambassador walks you directly to the screening lane—no fumbling with IDs or boarding passes.
Benefits of CLEAR
- Speeds up security screening by skipping the manual ID check.
- Works alongside TSA PreCheck for the fastest airport experience—CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, and PreCheck makes the screening itself quicker.
- Available at 50+ U.S. airports and growing, plus some major sports stadiums.
- Reliable for frequent flyers who want consistency and peace of mind.
Tips for Using CLEAR
- Check availability: Not all airports have CLEAR, so make sure your home airport (or the one you use most often) is covered.
- Best combo: CLEAR + TSA PreCheck = virtually no waiting. CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, PreCheck lets you breeze through without removing shoes, laptops, or liquids.
- Look for free trials or discounts: Many airlines and credit cards offer complimentary trials or full membership credits. For example, certain premium credit cards cover the cost of CLEAR entirely.
CLEAR Membership Cost
- Standard price: $189 per year.
- Discounts available: Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can get reduced pricing. Some credit cards (like AmEx Platinum) will reimburse the full membership fee.
- Family add-ons: CLEAR allows you to add family members for less than the standard fee, making it more affordable if you travel together.
Is CLEAR Worth It?
If you travel often through busy airports like Atlanta (ATL), New York (LGA/JFK), or Los Angeles (LAX), CLEAR can be a huge time-saver. But if your local airport rarely has long lines, you may not get as much value. The real power comes when you combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck, giving you the fastest, smoothest airport security experience possible.
>> Worried about costs and looking for travel hacks to save money on memberships and fees? Get even more Travel Tips & Tricks To Save Money On EVERYTHING!
5. Additional Airport Security Hacks
Even if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, there are still plenty of simple airport hacks you can use to move through security faster. A little bit of planning goes a long way. These travel tips may seem small on their own, but combined, they can save you a surprising amount of time and stress.
Timing is Everything
Security lines tend to be shortest early in the morning or later in the evening. Midday and late afternoons are usually the busiest, especially on Mondays, Fridays, and holidays when business travelers and vacationers overlap. If you can, book flights during off-peak hours to cut down on wait times.
👉 Also check out my Seasonal Holiday Travel Tips — Full of Tricks & Strategies To Make Every Trip Stress-Free, Safe + Save Money, Time, along with your Sanity.
Know Prohibited Items
Few things slow down a line more than someone holding up security because they forgot about liquids, oversized toiletries, or restricted items in their bag. Review the TSA’s prohibited items list before packing and keep your liquids bag accessible. Not only will you avoid delays, but you’ll also avoid the hassle (and cost) of having items thrown out.
👉 Even if you are approved for any airport security line jumping programs, there are still rules you have to follow as far as what you are allowed to pack in your carry-on luggage. It’s important that you understand the term TSA Friendly: What You Can (And Can’t) Take on the Plane.
Mobile Boarding Passes
This is something I do automatically, but it’s one of the simplest travel time-saving tips: Skip the paper ticket shuffle by downloading your boarding pass to your phone. Most airlines now support mobile passes in their apps or digital wallets. This not only saves time but also means one less thing to keep track of in line. Just make sure your phone is charged! And if you bring carry-on luggage only then you can typically skip the long lines at your airlines check-in counter as well!
Strategic Clothing Choices
What you wear can make a big difference, and frequent flyers often have strategic clothing for airport security and comfort while flying, called their “Airport Outfits.” Minimal metal, slip-on shoes, and no belts make it much easier to breeze through security. Leave heavy jewelry, boots with laces, and layered jackets in your carry-on until after the checkpoint. It sounds small, but these choices can shave several minutes off your wait.
Family or Group Travel Prep
Traveling with kids or in a group? Keep everyone’s items organized and separated. Put snacks, electronics, and toys in easy-to-reach places so you don’t hold up the line digging around. Some families even assign one adult to handle boarding passes while another manages carry-ons, making the process smoother for everyone, allowing for a faster airport security and less stress on you, plus everyone else waiting in line at TSA (like me 😉
Use Lounge Perks
If you have access to an airline lounge, check if it includes priority or early security access. Some lounges allow you to bypass standard security lines, which can be a huge time-saver during peak travel hours. Many credit cards with travel rewards programs include access to these lounges, too!
Frequent Flyer Programs
Many airlines offer priority security lanes for elite status members or those flying in premium cabins. Even entry-level elite status can sometimes grant you faster access, so it’s worth checking your airline’s loyalty program benefits.
Pro Travel Tip
If you don’t have these TSA line shortcuts like PreCheck or CLEAR, consider downloading the MyTSA app, which provides real-time updates on estimated wait times at different checkpoints. It’s a free, underrated hack that helps you choose the fastest line for a more stress-free airport travel experience.
6. Bonus Hacks for Stress-Free Travel
Even with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry, small details can make the difference between a chaotic airport experience and a smooth one. These extra travel tips may not seem huge on their own, but combined, they add up to some of the best airport efficiency hacks you can use. The goal is simple: spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your journey.
Bring Snacks & Water (After Security)
Airports are notorious for overpriced food and long lines at snack kiosks. Instead of wasting time (and money) once you’re past security, bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at a hydration station. Pack easy snacks like protein bars, trail mix, or fruit before you arrive. Having your own food means you won’t have to rush to grab something before boarding.
Organize Electronics and Liquids Ahead of Time
Digging through your bag at security can slow you down—and annoy everyone behind you. Pack laptops, tablets, and cameras in an easily accessible sleeve so you can pull them out quickly if required. Keep your TSA-compliant liquids bag near the top of your carry-on. These little steps can make a huge difference in how quickly you move through the line.
>> If you’re a digital nomad like me, working while traveling, making money remotely, check out the mobile office essentials I pack in my carry-on, too! (i.e. Laptop, Chargers — including all the tech and electronics I use.)
Use Apps to Track Wait Times
One of the most underrated airport hacks is using technology to your advantage. Apps like MyTSA or airline-specific apps provide real-time updates on wait times at different security checkpoints. Knowing which line is moving faster before you even get there can save you valuable time.
Consider Off-Peak Airports or Terminals
If you live in or near a major city with multiple airports, look beyond the obvious choice. Secondary airports or smaller terminals often mean less congestion, shorter lines, and a smoother process overall. Even if it takes a bit longer to get there, the easier airport experience may be worth it.
Final Travel Tip: Stay Calm & Prepared
The biggest secret to stress-free flying isn’t just about beating the lines—it’s about your mindset. Give yourself extra time, keep essentials within reach, and stay patient. The calmer you are, the easier it is to handle small delays without feeling overwhelmed. Also, learn the signs, symptoms, and how to recover from jet lag quickly after flights!
Final Thoughts…
With these airport security hacks and travel programs, you can spend less time in lines and more time enjoying your trip. Whether you rely on TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, or smart packing strategies, these tips are designed to make flying faster, easier, and stress-free.
FAQs About Getting Through Airport Security Faster
Q1: Is TSA PreCheck really worth it?
Yes! TSA PreCheck is one of the best investments for frequent flyers. For $85 (valid for 5 years), you get access to shorter security lines, keep shoes and jackets on, and don’t need to remove laptops or liquids. If you fly more than a couple of times a year, the time saved is worth it.
Q2: What’s the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR?
- TSA PreCheck speeds up domestic airport security in the U.S.
- Global Entry helps international travelers re-enter the U.S. faster and includes TSA PreCheck.
- CLEAR uses biometric screening to skip ID check lines and works best when combined with PreCheck.
Q3: How much time can these airport security programs really save me?
TSA reports that 90% of TSA PreCheck travelers wait less than 5 minutes at security. CLEAR can help you skip ID check lines entirely, while Global Entry often saves 30–60 minutes when returning from international destinations.
Q4: Can children use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with parents?
- TSA PreCheck: Kids 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with a parent who has it.
- Global Entry: Each child must have their own membership to use the Global Entry kiosks.
Q5: Are there any free or discounted ways to get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?
Yes! Many travel credit cards cover the application fees for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and some (like AmEx Platinum) even include a free CLEAR membership. Always check your card perks before paying out of pocket.
Q6: What are some quick airport hacks if I don’t have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?
- Travel carry-on only to skip baggage lines.
- Fly early in the morning or late at night for shorter lines.
- Use the MyTSA app to check real-time security wait times.
- Wear slip-on shoes and avoid belts or jewelry to move through faster.
- Review the TSA rules and guidelines, especially the list of prohibited items!
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