The fastest way to get through airport security is to pick the right lane, pack with care, and be ready at the checkpoint. A paid program can help. So can a free timed slot at a few airports. Even without either, a tidy bag and empty pockets keep you moving. Some old advice is also out of date. TSA ended the nationwide shoes-off rule for standard screening on July 8, 2025.
How to get through airport security faster: choose the right lane
Some programs help you move faster. They do different jobs, so it helps to know what each one speeds up.
TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR+ vs Global Entry
TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening. CLEAR+ speeds up the ID check. Global Entry is mainly for faster entry into the US after international travel.
| Program | What it speeds up | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | Physical screening at participating US airport checkpoints | Membership lasts five years |
| CLEAR+ | Identity check with biometrics (body-based ID, like your face or eyes) | CLEAR members still go to bag screening |
| Global Entry | Entry into the US after an international trip | Members can get PreCheck too, if they add their number to the booking |
CLEAR+ does not replace TSA screening. You show who you are at a CLEAR lane. Then you go to bag screening. You can also pair CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry members can get PreCheck, but only if they add their number to the booking. That number is the PASSID. PreCheck members use a Known Traveler Number, or KTN. Put the right number in your airline reservation or profile.
How TSA PreCheck Touchless ID works
Touchless ID uses face matching to check the identity of eligible PreCheck members. It only works at some airports. Southwest lists these needs:
- You have TSA PreCheck.
- You have a valid passport.
- You have a valid Known Traveler Number.
- You have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You fly from a participating airport.
- Your mobile boarding pass shows the Touchless ID mark.
You still need to carry your physical ID. Do not leave it at home.
How to get through TSA faster for free
A few airports let you book a timed security slot at no cost. You still go through normal TSA screening. The slot only gives you a set time or a special lane.
| Airport program | What the airport says |
|---|---|
| MSP RESERVE (Minneapolis–St. Paul) | Free and optional. You can book up to seven days before your flight. You get a dedicated lane, but you still enter a security queue. MSP RESERVE is intended for general-screening passengers. PreCheck and CLEAR members can use it, but they must follow standard screening procedures. |
| MCO Reserve (Orlando) | Free for travelers without TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+. You can book up to seven days before departure. You book a timed slot and scan a QR code. It runs at Terminals A, B, and C, and daily slots are limited. |
| SEA Spot Saver (Seattle) | Free appointments at Checkpoint 4. The airport says the service ends on November 30, 2026. Bookings through November 29 will be honored. |
Check your airport’s website before you fly. These services can change.
Current checks
Prices and airport services change. Check these before you decide.
| Item | What the research shows |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck price | New enrollment costs from $76.75 to $85 (US dollars), depending on the provider |
| Global Entry fee | $120 (US dollars) for five years |
| CLEAR+ price | $219 (US dollars) per year |
| CLEAR+ airports | More than 150 lanes at 63 airports |
| MSP RESERVE and MCO Reserve | Listed as available on the airport pages |
| SEA Spot Saver | Ends November 30, 2026 |
| Touchless ID | Depends on the airline, airport, and your account |
TSA lets its approved providers set their own PreCheck prices. The providers named in TSA’s FAQ are CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos.
Pack your carry-on for TSA screening
A neat bag saves time. TSA’s checklist says to start with an empty bag. It also says to pack large electronics near the top and keep your liquids bag easy to reach.
Follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule
The 3-1-1 rule has three parts:
- Each container holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- All containers fit in one quart-sized bag.
- Each traveler gets one bag.
Medically necessary liquid medicines, breast milk, infant formula, and juice for infants can qualify for exceptions to the 3-1-1 limits. These items may receive additional screening. Tell a TSA officer about them before screening. Keep the bag on top so you can pull it out fast.
Some travelers say officers do not always ask to see the bag. That does not cancel the rule. Pack it the right way every time.
Make laptops and electronics easy to reach
Travelers say laptop rules seem different from one airport to the next. One person said they felt “flustered” and never felt sure about what to do.
TSA guidance says you may be asked to take out devices larger than a phone. The rule can vary by lane. Keep your devices near the top of your bag. Then do what the signs and officers say at your lane.
Check prohibited items before you leave
One item in your bag can slow everyone down. Port of Seattle tells travelers to check the TSA list of prohibited items before they pack. Even then, TSA can still choose you for extra screening.
What to do at the TSA checkpoint
You can avoid several delays before reaching the scanner. Prepare your pockets, documents, and carry-on bag before joining the checkpoint line. A few quick steps help.
Have your ID and boarding pass ready
TSA says to have valid ID ready. Its 2025 announcement names REAL ID and passports as accepted forms. Hold your ID and boarding pass before you reach the officer.
TSA ConfirmID became available on February 1, 2026. Travelers without acceptable ID can pay $45 (US dollars) for identity verification. Approval is not guaranteed.
Empty your pockets before the screening point
Phones, keys, and coins can set off alarms. That can lead to a second scan. In one Reddit thread, a traveler said some PreCheck members forget this step. Put small items in your bag before you get to the front.
Keep your shoes on unless TSA asks otherwise
On July 8, 2025, TSA said travelers can keep their shoes on during standard screening. Other security steps still apply. An officer can still ask for more screening. If that happens, follow the officer’s directions.
Follow the signs and officer instructions for your exact lane
Travelers say lanes can give different directions. One person wrote that “every airport seems to be different.” Newer scanners, older gear, and local routines may play a part.
The simple fix is to watch the signs. If you are not sure, ask an officer before you reach the belt.
Check airport security wait times before you leave
Wait times can help you pick when to leave. They are not a promise.
Understand what MyTSA can and cannot tell you
MyTSA shows historical busy periods and crowd-sourced security wait reports. It also offers real-time wait updates at select airports. Check your airport’s website or app for additional information.
One traveler in Pittsburgh said the airport website showed “no wait,” but the line took about an hour. That is one person’s story. It still shows why you should leave some extra time.
Check another checkpoint only when it serves your departure area
Some airports have more than one checkpoint. KAYAK suggests checking wait times at each one. Only use another checkpoint if it works for your gate area. A shorter line does not help if it sends you the wrong way.
How early should you arrive at the airport?
No single time works for every trip. TSA says to ask your airline about when to arrive. It says the right time depends on the airport and your travel date. CVG also notes that busy seasons can change how early you should come.
Look at your airline’s advice first. Then check the busy times for your airport. Add extra time if you travel during a busy period.
Frequently asked questions about getting through airport security faster
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
New enrollment costs from $76.75 to $85 (US dollars). The price depends on the approved provider. Membership lasts five years.
Can TSA ask you to unlock your phone?
TSA guidance says an officer may ask you to power on a device. It also says TSA does not read or copy information from the device. We did not confirm whether an officer can require you to unlock your phone, so we cannot give a clear answer here.
Is TSA PreCheck better than priority security?
They are different things. PreCheck is a TSA screening program. Priority security is an airline perk. Delta’s Sky Priority offers dedicated security lines at select airports, and Delta says locations can change. Priority boarding is a separate perk and does not give you a faster TSA lane.
Is airport security faster for international flights?
Global Entry helps when you return to the US, because it speeds up entry. It is not mainly for leaving the US. Global Entry members can use TSA PreCheck if they add their PASSID to the booking.
Can I leave my laptop in my bag at TSA?
It depends on the lane. TSA guidance says you may be asked to take out devices larger than a phone. Travelers report different rules at different checkpoints. Keep your laptop easy to reach and follow the signs.
Do I still need a clear quart-sized liquids bag?
Yes. The 3-1-1 rule says each traveler gets one quart-sized bag. Each container must hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Some travelers say officers do not always check the bag, but the rule still stands.
Are airport security wait-time estimates reliable?
Treat them as a guide, not a promise. MyTSA shows historical busy periods and crowd-sourced wait reports. It also offers real-time updates at select airports. One traveler reported that an airport website showed no wait, while the real line took about an hour.
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