Images like this are enough to make you dread the airport.
As travel heats up for the holidays, airports have become even more crowded, with long lines for everything from security to restrooms to food – food that, to add insult to injury, is often ridiculously overpriced.
So how can you make those hours in the airport a little easier and less stressful?
Here are some easy ways to save time – and your sanity.
TSA PreCheck gives you access to a shorter security line.
TSA PreCheck gets you through security faster via a dedicated line that lets you keep your shoes on and your laptop in your bag. According to the TSA website, “In November 2022, 92% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 min.”
You’ll need to apply online and schedule an appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check. To make this easier than ever, Staples is now offering on-site enrollment in many of their stores.
Global Entry gets you back into the US faster.
If you travel internationally, Global Entry is a must, letting you skip the customs line and save a lot of time. Plus, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck so you get the benefit even when you’re just flying domestically.
Like Precheck, Global Entry requires a background check and in-person appointment and is good for five years. Membership costs $100 (only $22 more than PreCheck itself) but is included as a complimentary perk with some credit cards including American Express Platinum.
You’ll want to download this app right now.
I never even remember this exists and don’t know why it seems to fly under the radar for so many travelers. It offers the benefits of Global Entry without the fee or interview process and is basically travel’s best kept secret.
Do yourself a favor, download the free MPC app and create your profile now – before you actually need it at the airport. Although it’s not available at all airports, you never know when it will come in handy. It could make the difference in whether you miss or make your connecting flight.
Sign up for CLEAR and fly through security.
I resisted CLEAR for way too long because I already had Global Entry and didn’t see why I needed one more thing. But, one morning at the San Diego airport, the TSA line was super long and I was in a rush. So, since complimentary membership is a perk of both Delta Diamond status and being the primary cardholder of an American Express Platinum card, I decided to go for it. It took only a couple of minutes to sign up and was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Now, I just stop at the CLEAR kiosk, look into the scanner and voila! A CLEAR rep walks me to the front of the TSA line (you’ll still need to have TSA pre-check for that line but you can use CLEAR even on the regular security line) and the agent waves me through. If you can get CLEAR for free through your airline status or credit card, do it. If you’re paying for it, it’s absolutely worth it as long as CLEAR is available at the airport in your city or the cities you visit frequently. You can find the list of participating airports on their website.
Lounge access
Cheers to American Express’ Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
Lounges are oases in the chaos of an airport, offering complimentary food, drinks and even a place to take a shower. There are comfy chairs for relaxing and tables, charging stations and free wifi for working. So how do you get access to them? Let me count the ways.
You can get into an airline lounge by having specific frequent flyer status or through credit card benefits. You can be a member of Priority Pass or LoungeBuddy. You can even buy day passes at many lounges.
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