Business Traveler Secrets: TSA PreCheck, Clear, and the Fastest Security Lines

Business travelers move through airports differently than occasional flyers. Years of weekly travel reveal which strategies actually save time, which programs deliver value, and how to maintain productivity when delays inevitably occur. Here’s what frequent flyers know about expedited security options and airport efficiency.

TSA PreCheck: The Essential First Step

PreCheck provides dedicated security lanes where you keep shoes on, laptops stay in bags, and belts remain buckled. At busy airports, PreCheck saves 10-30 minutes consistently. The $78 cost covers five years—a bargain for anyone flying more than twice annually.

Application requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Expect 10 minutes of fingerprinting and document verification. Approval typically arrives within days, and your Known Traveler Number works immediately once issued.

PreCheck availability varies by airport and checkpoint. Some smaller airports don’t offer dedicated lanes, and some checkpoints close PreCheck lanes during off-peak hours. Check availability at your departure airport before assuming expedited access.

Clear: Cutting the Identification Line

Clear uses biometric data—fingerprints and iris scans—to verify identity, bypassing the ID check line entirely. Combined with PreCheck, Clear provides nearly instant security access at participating airports.

The catch: Clear costs $189 annually without discounts (credit card and airline partnerships reduce this significantly). It’s only available at about 50 airports, and lines can form during peak periods even with Clear.

Clear doesn’t replace PreCheck—it supplements it. Clear members without PreCheck still face standard screening procedures. The combination provides maximum efficiency; Clear alone provides limited value.

Global Entry: International Travel Expedited

Global Entry includes PreCheck and adds expedited customs processing for international arrivals. The $100 cost covers five years and pays for itself after one international trip at a busy port of entry.

Approval requires more extensive background checks and an in-person interview, sometimes with multi-week wait times. Apply well before planned international travel to ensure approval arrives in time.

At participating airports, Global Entry members use automated kiosks that process in under a minute—versus the 30-60 minute lines standard passengers face during peak arrival periods.

Finding the Fastest Security Lines

Time of day matters more than any single factor. Early morning (6-9 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) see heaviest security traffic. Midday typically offers shorter waits.

Multiple checkpoints serve different terminals at large airports. Check whether your gate is accessible from less-crowded checkpoints and adjust your entry point accordingly.

Monitor your airline app for security wait time estimates. Many airlines now provide real-time data on checkpoint congestion to help passengers plan arrival times.

When Lines Are Unavoidable

Use wait time productively. Respond to emails, clear phone notifications, or handle tasks that don’t require laptop access. Converting dead time to productive time maintains efficiency despite delays.