Many travelers would agree that spending time in the airport is their least favorite part of travel. Airport traffic is increasing every year, with added time to check-in and security measures. Generally arriving two hours before a domestic flight, and three hours before an international flight is the safety net rule—adding to the overall travel time.
Really, there’s nothing quite like the “Welcome Home” of U.S Customs & Border Protection declaration forms and security checks. If you’ve had enough of the lines and want to minimize your time in the airport, here are 5 travel-savvy ways to save time in the airport:
Sign up for TSA Pre-Check. According to TSA, this trusted traveler program boasts of less than 5 min TSA security wait time for 92% of travelers in February this year. For an $85 fee, you can secure a five-year membership that allows you to speed through security without removing your shoes, belt, laptop, liquids, and light jackets.
There is a simple online application, an in-person interview, and fingerprinting. Once approved, you are assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to your travel itineraries. This grants you access to speedy security checks at more than 200 airports.
If you’re an active-duty military member or have a valid military ID, no need to sign up. Your military ID number is your KTN and gets you Pre-Check benefits for free.
Global Entry (GE) expedites your clearance through customs when returning to United States airports. Members bypass the long lines and enter the U.S through separate, designated automatic kiosks.
Global entry applicants undergo a rigorous background check, in-person interview, and fingerprinting. A one-time $100 fee and approval will allow you to check-in and be on your merry way. GE also includes TSA Pre-Check—saving you time on arrival and departures.
FYI, some platinum and corporate credit card companies will refund Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check fees.
Like GE, Nexus expedites entry into U.S. and Canadian borders. In fact, membership includes both Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check. Members use NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and GE kiosks when entering the US through Canada.
Membership is especially beneficial for travelers living at or near a Canadian border. The application process mirrors that of GE but costs only $50 and is free for children under the age of 18.
Probably the newest of airport innovation, Clear is available at over 40 airports. This kiosk identification technology uses biometrics such as your eye or fingerprint to help you clear security faster. Members can check-in at the kiosk and bypass the security lines through the designated Clear lane. You can use it in addition to TSA Pre-Check to further expedite security clearance.
To join Clear, there is a simple online registration and requires the valid photo ID and eye scan to complete the process. For $17 per month, you can skip airport lines—and now, even stadium events. Clear members with children may also use the pass for their kids for free.
The U.S. Mobile Passport App is probably the best-kept secret among travelers. This free mobile app gets you through U.S. Customs & Border Protection impressively fast. It performs the task of the entry kiosks from your mobile phone.
Instead of filling out the traditional declaration forms, you pre-register your information in the app and answer the questions prompted on your phone from the plane. Once finished, it generates a barcode. After exiting the plane, you may access the designated mobile app lane at the airport entry gate, which is usually a breeze—time and money saved!
Dr. Traiana Mangum, PharmD, RPh is a Community Pharmacist, Missionary, and Louisiana-based Travel Influencer. Traiana is creator of Trai Travels, a YouTube channel and growing travel community for the young, black, and bright. She inspires her followers, The TraiTribe, to travel with purpose and to tell the story. Connect with Traiana on YouTube and Instagram @TraiTravels and via her website TraiTravels.com.
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