Getting Through Security and Passport Control

One aspect of travel that’s universally dreaded is getting through security. For Americans, we just went through a Government shutdown that made it much worse.

Long lines, baggage searches, and body scans. For international flights, add immigrations and customs control. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare. There are ways to make the process easier and faster.

Normal Security Line

Yes, you can get through security faster in the normal passenger line. Prior preparation is key.

• 🕓 Heed recommended check-in times

  • Check in online 24 hours in advance, if possible. This helps secure your seat and print your boarding pass.
  • Domestic flight, check in at least 2 hours in advance.
  • International flights, check in at least 3 hours in advance.
  • Yes, that seems like a long time. Let’s break it down.
    • For regular check in during busy times, plan 30 minutes to check in.
    • Next plan 30 minutes to get through security.
    • If you are at a large airport, plan at least 15 minutes to get to your gate. That’s already 1¼ hours.
    • If you have a disability that affects your walking, double the time to get to your gate.
    • Domestic boarding starts 30 minutes prior to departure. Now you’re at almost 2 hours when boarding starts.
    • International boarding often starts 50 minutes to 1 hour before departure. That’s almost 2½ hours when boarding starts.
    • Do you want to risk missing your flight, especially if the TSA line is 45 minutes or longer?

• 📱Check the security line status before you leave home.

  • Knowing how long the wait time is tells you if you need to leave earlier.
  • Many airport websites list the security wait times. Bookmark your home and favorite destination airports.
  • There are several apps that list security wait times, such as TripIt Pro or MiFlight.
  • Do a Google search of your airport name with “TSA wait time.”
  • Download the MyTSA app on your phone.

• 🎒 Use the right bag and dress for speed

  • A front pocket for liquids for easy removal.
  • Keep all liquids, gels and aerosols under 3.4 oz (100ml) in a single, clear, quart size bag.
  • Easily accessible compartments for laptops, tables and electronics.
  • No hidden compartments (you can easily forget things in these).
  • If your bag has a lock, ensure it is TSA approved.
  • Keep gifts unwrapped or in a gift bag.
  • Wear slip-on or easily removable shoes.
  • Minimal jewelry and no belt if possible.
  • Keep keys and coins in your bag before you reach the bin.
  • Keep jackets and hoodies in your hand before you reach the bin.
  • If you have metal in your body, request the full body scanner.
  • For a list of everything you can bring through security, click here: Items List.

Following these recommendations will help you get to your gate on time and are ready to board when your group is called. Buddy and I prefer being early and having time to relax before boarding. The additional stress of rushing and worrying you might miss your flight isn’t worth it.

✅ TSA PreCheck

We highly recommend TSA PreCheck if you fly at least twice a year.

• 🧭 It speeds things up

  • Laptops and liquids stay in your bag.
  • You keep your shoes on (avoid wearing metal soled shoes/boots).
  • Security lines are shorter and faster. Almost 99% of passengers wait 10 minutes or less (tsa.gov).
  • Children 17 and under can join an adult in the TSA PreCheck lane for free.

• 💰 It’s affordable (cost effective) and enrollment is easy

  • $85 or less for five years
  • Start online and find an enrollment location near you.
  • TSA has three enrollment providers: Telos, CLEAR, Idemia. For an enrollment location, click here: Locations.
  • After enrolling online you will finish in person.
  • You need to bring an identity/citizenship document. For a list of the required document(s), click here: Documents.
  • They will review your document(s), take your fingerprints and photo and payment.
  • Once approved you will get your KTN (Known Traveler Number).
  • Lastly, enter your KTN in your airline reservation to have TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.
  • If you are an airline member, enter your KTN in your travel profile for all future travel.
  • You can find your KTN here: PreCheck Benefits.

✈️ CLEAR

We recommend CLEAR if you are a frequent traveler (four or more times a year).

• Fastest way through security.
• Track your flights and know when to leave for the airport.
• Currently available at 60 airports nationwide.
• Uses biometric ID checks to skip the regular ID line entirely.
• $209/year. Discounts are available with certain credit cards.
• Pairs very well with TSA PreCheck.
• Used at 11 stadiums nationwide to enter faster.
• Verifies your identity with Linkedin, Uber and AVIS.

It’s rather pricey at $209. You need to weigh the cost and benefits for you. I have the AMEX Platinum card, which offers a full annual statement credit for CLEAR, so my decision is easy. If you have a premium credit card, check what benefits they offer you. Having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck makes traveling much easier and efficient.

🌍 International Travel

For those U.S. citizens traveling internationally and returning to the U.S., the lines at Customs can be incredibly long. Fortunately there are a couple of options to avoid that nightmare.

🛂 Mobile Passport Control

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program for international travelers that is free. When paired with TSA PreCheck, this is ideal for infrequent international travelers.

• Benefits

  • Shorter wait times at Customs.
  • Free, easy to use downloadable app.
  • Groups up to 12 can be processed together.
  • Available at most major airports.
  • Able to declare items in the app.
  • No background check or fingerprints needed to enroll.

• Procedures

  • Before your return flight, ensure your return and pre clearance airport offers MPC. Check here.
  • If yes, download the app and scan your passport to start.
  • Your passport information is stored in the app for future use.
  • Up to 4 hours before landing or immediately after landing:
    • Take a self-photo and answer a few arrival and declaration questions in the app.
    • Your submission is active for 4 hours.
    • Submitting this info ahead of time speeds up your processing time.
  • If traveling with a group, you can add up to 12 people in one submission.
  • This allows you to stay together when you talk to the CBP officer.
  • Enter the MPC line in the Customs arrival area and take out your passport.
  • You’ll finalize your inspection with a CBP officer.

This is a free and easy way to process through Customs and can save you a lot of time in line. However, please note this is not a Trusted Traveler Program.

🇺🇸 Global Entry

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to expedite the clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. Highly recommended if you travel internationally at least once a year.

• Benefits

  • Skip the regular customs and immigration lines when returning to the U.S. from international destinations.
  • Automated kiosks scan your passport and fingerprints, completing the process in minutes.
  • TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost.
  • No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and jackets at TSA security.
  • Valid at major U.S. airports and some pre-clearance locations in foreign countries.
  • Kids under 18 can accompany approved Global Entry parents through the expedited lane for free .
  • Reciprocal benefits with similar programs in other countries, depending on eligibility.
  • Your one-time fee covers five full years of membership

• Requirements

  • Requires you to be admissible to the United States and meet certain eligibility requirements.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or citizen of certain countries with U.S. agreements.
  • Not suitable for travelers with certain criminal convictions or customs violations.
  • Click here to see all eligibility requirements: Eligibility.

• Enrollment Process

  • Create an account
    • Visit the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website operated by CBP, here: TTP.
    • Apply for Global entry
    • Create a GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) account via Login.gov.
  • Complete the application
    • Fill out with personal information, employment history, and addresses for the past five years.
    •  Answer questions about your criminal history and customs violations.
    •  Provide your passport information and other travel documents.
    •  Pay the $120 fee. (Remember, it’s for five years).
  • Await conditional approval
    • CBP reviews your application. This typically takes several weeks to a few months.
    • You’ll receive an email notification about your application status.
    • If conditionally approved, you can schedule your interview.
    • Some applicants may be denied based on their background check.
  • Schedule and attend your interview
    • Log back into your GOES account to schedule an interview at an enrollment center
    • Choose an enrollment center at a major airport or other facility best for you.
    • Bring your valid passport, proof of residency, and any other requested documentation.
    • Interview normally lasts 10-15 minutes and includes fingerprinting and basic questions.
  • Receive final approval
    • Most applicants receive approval immediately after the interview or within a few days.
    • Notification is sent via email with your membership details.
    • Your Known Traveler Number will be provided. Use this when booking flights for TSA PreCheck benefits.

• My experience (shortcut for long interview wait times)

  • When I applied two years ago, the wait times for an in-person appointment were over 6 months.
  • I applied in Spring 2023 and received conditional approval. My upcoming trip to England was in July, with the return flight to the U.S. arriving in Atlanta.
  • I chose my enrollment center at the Atlanta airport. When I got to the international terminal Customs area, I went to the Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival station. I waited about 45 minutes in line.
  • When I was called I talked to the CBP agent and gave him my passport and proof of residency. He was quite polite. I answered his questions and was on my way.
  • He said I would receive an answer in one or two months. Two weeks later I received my Global Entry card in the mail. Easy.

Traveling, especially internationally does not have to be a nightmare. Be prepared and use those tools and programs best suited for you.

Buddy and I are frequent travelers, with 4-5 domestic and 2-3 international flights each year. We are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and Global Entry. Louisville (SDF) and Orlando (MCO) are bookmarked as our favorite airports to check wait times. Orlando’s site is very good. We also have the MyTSA app on our phone. We use Uber a lot, with my identify already verified by CLEAR. Getting through security is much easier and less stressful for us. It’s worth it!

Yes, this post was for U.S. citizens traveling. I started with the home team. Stay tuned for a future post for foreign visitors. Our visiting team 🙂

Buddy and Jordan