Three Tips For Getting Through TSA Faster
To get through TSA faster in 2026, there are three main ways to expedite your passage through this annoying but necessary process.
#1: Expedited Programs
The most effective way to speed up the process is by enrolling in a trusted traveler program.
TSA PreCheck®: A government program for low-risk travelers. In 2025, 99% of PreCheck travelers wait less than 10 minutes.
Benefits: Keep on shoes, light jackets, and belts; leave laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in bags.
Note: As of July 8, 2025, standard lane travelers keep shoes on, but they must still remove electronics and liquids.
TSA PreCheck ~$78–$85 for 5 years Frequent domestic flyers.
CLEAR+: A private service that uses biometrics (iris or face scans) to verify your identity, allowing you to skip to the front of the security line.
CLEAR+ $209 per year Skipping the physical ID check line.
Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck and provides expedited customs clearance when returning to the U.S. from international travel.
Global Entry $120 for 5 years International travelers (includes PreCheck).
The “Power Pair”: Using CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck together is the fastest method, as CLEAR+ gets you to the front of the line and PreCheck speeds up the physical screening.
#2: Free & Digital Innovations (updated 2025)
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: Available at select airports for certain airlines (e.g., Delta, United, American). It uses facial comparison technology so you don’t have to show physical documents.
RESERVE (Virtual Queuing): Available for free at various major airports (e.g., Orlando, Seattle, New York-LGA). It allows you to book a specific time slot to enter a dedicated security lane without needing a paid membership.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC): A free app that speeds up entry into the U.S. by allowing you to submit travel info and customs declarations digitally.
#3: Strategic Travel Tips
Dress for Speed: Wear slip-on shoes (such as these by HeyDude) and avoid clothing with metal (buttons, studs, or underwire bras) to prevent triggering detectors. If you can, choose pants that don’t requite a belt. Tracksuit pants are popular but we love these cotton chino cargo pants with drawstring from HUNGSON.
Make sure your reusable water bottle is also empty of fluids. Consider investing in a bright-colored, smaller size metal water bottle (say 12oz instead of 17oz) so you can chug the contents quickly if need be. We like this option.
Pack Smart: Place electronics and liquids at the top of your carry on bag for quick removal if you are in a standard lane. Know where you have packed things like chargers, cigarette lighters, etc., so you can be helpful and communicative during a bag search.
Do a Body Check: Empty your pockets into your carry-on before reaching the bin to avoid losing small items like earbuds, keys, coins, cards and cords.
Alternative Checkpoints: At many airports, any security checkpoint can lead to all gates. If one is backed up, check if another is clearer.
Use the MyTSA App: Check live wait times and find which checkpoints have shorter lines.
Do you have any other tips and hacks that you’ve discovered?
