For the past several months, I’ve been really pushing CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and elite status. Just one of these memberships can drastically reduce your wait times at the airport. That’s always been important but never more so than during a pandemic since most people are trying to avoid crowds.
For those who don’t travel very often, elite status helps with many things, including speeding up the check-in process at the airport and the other two memberships work for security.
CLEAR is a private biometrics company with a partnership with the US government to transform your eyes and face into touchless ID so you can bypass those long, slow lines at over 50 U.S. airports, as well as some sports and entertainment stadiums/arenas and venues (here’s a list; make sure you check not only the airport but terminal, too) by quickly scanning your irises and ticket. Another good reason to get CLEAR is that you don’t need to take your driver’s license out. Tip: Here’s a promo code to get two months free of CLEAR.
TSA PreCheck is a government-run membership program that allows travelers to move through the expedited security lines in the United States. Tip: Here’s how to get TSA PreCheck for free and better yet, Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre but expedites your return back to the US from international travels.
Ever since travel returned in March by the masses, security lines have been much longer during peak travel times and days. I’ve been recommending CLEAR and TSA PreCheck like many travel experts to bypass the long lines. However, I think the secret might be out because a frequent traveler, Christina Warren (aka @Film_Girl) I follow tweeted: “Imagine missing a flight b/c you were only in the precheck line an hour early. Fingers crossed.”
Imagine missing a flight b/c you were only in the precheck line an hour early. Fingers crossed.
— Christina Warren (@film_girl) November 1, 2021
Christina checked into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport South Terminal using the Swarm app at 7:10am on Monday, November 1 after she got in the TSA PreCheck line. I followed up with Christina since she tweeted that she was using both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck and the line was “just nuts.” Christina said she also has elite status on Delta and it took her 55 minutes to clear security and was the last one on the plane so she just made it.
The moral of this story is just because you have CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and/or elite status, don’t expect to cruise through security like in the past. Especially with the holidays coming up and the influx of foreign travelers, when the US border opens on November 8.
Combine that with the fact that the TSA is understaffed and will most likely be even more understaffed when the federal vaccine mandate kicks in on November 22. Last month, CNN reported that only 60% of TSA officers were fully vaccinated and I can’t imagine the other 40% will get vaxxed in time, if at all since their job isn’t a high-paying one unlike pilots.
So this is your warning to show up to the airport extra early, even if you have CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and/or elite status because if you miss your flight, there aren’t going to be many (if any) empty seats available on the next flight(s). You could be stuck for hours or days.
Flew into Miami from Madrid two days ago, December 28th.
Used Global entry. 1 hour 15 minutes after we deplaned, I was in my hotel room! That is a huge improvement from the 3-5 hour delays at Miami years ago just to go through customs!
Hats off to the hard working CBP and TSA employees!
Reporting in that my daughter just spent 25 minutes in ATL’s TSA-Precheck CLEAR line this morning. Last week, my husband said ATL’s TSA-Precheck CLEAR line was so long that he went through the much-shorter NON Precheck CLEAR, which only required shoes off and computer pulled out through Security screening
Thank you IAMMCLOVIN…. That comment about ‘Clowns’ really chaffed my behind!! As a retired F/A with AA (35 yrs.) I always make it a point to Thank the TSA staff for their hard work and tireless efforts in keeping us safe. Will continue to do so every time I’m traveling.
As for all the whining and complaining on this page……I can only offer you all this sage advice from my late husband….”If you were driving, versus flying, where would you be right now??” In other words, try to reflect on the fact that you’re able to partake in the miracle of flight….
can’t tell you how many times I have bypassed the TSA pre and clear in ATL and got thru faster in regular security. EVERYONE in ATL is an elite with TSA pre, so the line is longer. There is another trick in ATL, but I’ll keep that for myself.
IAMMCLOVIN, I am one of those TSA losers that you speak of. After 22 years in the USMC, I retired and was hired by TSA. After 5 years working in and around the screening force, I was promoted to Inspector and have inspected airlines’ security procedures and assessed airports security measures all over the world. This loser job has provided me the opportunity to travel to over 100 countries as a professional, representing the United States of America. Thank God the mall didn’t hire this clown.
What did you do for your Country today?
“ For the past several months, I’ve been really pushing CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and elite status.”
“ I’ve been recommending CLEAR and TSA PreCheck like many travel experts…”
“However, I think the secret might be out…”
Ya think?
I fly out of Denver every week which is the 3rd busiest airport in the world currently. Sadly, for us here the lines are long due to ongoing construction as well as increase in travelers. Not to mention that not all parking option’s have reopened . I have precheck and clear and thank goodness it has never failed me. Longest in line is 5 minutes. I fly out early Saturday morning and I will be arriving earlier than normal. And the gentleman’s comment regarding Ms Warrens “elite” status. I don’t think it was stated to separate her as an “elitist” simply more as a point of reference as some frequent flyer programs refer to the higher status guest as elite members. I for one, appreciate the extra service I receive and I have flown a quick turn around trip to maintain said status.
This article is off base. As someone who travels 7-10 flights per week I can tell you that TSA moves along the lines rather quickly these days. The issue in Atlanta is the new scanner/ X-ray machines which are horrible. They are automated pieces of garbage. I have gone through the metal detectors and then had to wait over a half hour for my suitcase. Replace those machines with functional ones and 90% of Atlanta’s issues will be taken care of
I think the moral of this story is “Your spoiled azz ain’t the only one with express services” Go to the airport 2 to 3 hrs b4 your flight. You and the rest of the WORLD signed up for express so yes the line in front of you are of folks that are special too… and to those with such an issue with TSA…..please do us all a favor and take a bus.