Looking to fast-track your journey through the airport? One of the easiest ways is by signing up for TSA PreCheck, a Trusted Traveler Program that expedites the security process for prescreened passengers. According to the TSA, around 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less. Of course, that privilege comes at a cost — $80 to $85 for a five-year membership. Some travelers simply aren’t interested in going through the hassle of applying for the program and paying the fee, while others may not be eligible. In that case, is there any way to get through security quicker? Here are four options if you don’t have PreCheck.  

Prebook Your Spot in Advance

RESERVE is a program offered by the biometrics company CLEAR. With RESERVE, any traveler can make a free reservation at the security checkpoint for select airports. There are dedicated lanes for appointment holders at airports where the service is offered, which means the lines typically move faster and the experience is more predictable. Best of all? The service is completely free.

To see participating airports and make an appointment, visit the RESERVE website. Booking windows vary by location, but reservations typically open up three days before departure and a limited number of slots will be available. 

Sign Up for CLEAR

Speaking of CLEAR, the company also offers a service called CLEAR+. This program allows travelers to bypass the ID check portion of the security screening process. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA officer to inspect your physical ID, CLEAR has dedicated kiosks at select airports that use biometric technology to verify your identity. A CLEAR team member will then escort you to the front of the security line to proceed through the scanning machines. 

As of October 2026, a standard plan runs $219 per year, though certain credit cards and airline loyalty programs can offset that cost. 

Check TSA Wait Times in Advance

Speeding through the checkpoint may mean planning ahead. Security lines can change dramatically depending on the airport, terminal, season, weather, time of day, and staffing. Luckily, there are several ways to check airport wait times and delays. 

One of the most reliable methods is through the My TSA app, available for mobile devices. You can quickly search for any airport that uses TSA and also see current air traffic control delays for that airport. One limitation of the My TSA app is that it doesn’t break down wait times by checkpoint or terminal, so you may want to check airport websites for more detailed updates.

When in Doubt, Choose the Left Line

According to sociological theories, people have a subconscious tendency to stick to what feels comfortable rather than what may be the most efficient course of action. In Western countries, around 85% to 90% of people are right-handed, and because of this, they tend to look and drift toward the right side. At the airport, this means that people may follow that instinct and end up in the rightmost line at the security checkpoint, so there’s a chance that the left line will be the least crowded and thus most efficient of the bunch. 

Of course, that’s not always guaranteed to be true. Before hopping in line, take a few moments to analyze the situation and try to gauge how fast each line is moving.

Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?

While these strategies are useful tools to have at your disposal, at the end of the day, TSA PreCheck is the simplest and most reliable way to spend less time waiting at the checkpoint at U.S. airports. You get access to dedicated lanes and don’t have to spend time removing laptops, liquids, and light jackets. And with Touchless ID (available only to PreCheck users) rolling out at dozens of airports nationwide, the process can be even quicker for many travelers. 

The downside is that first-time PreCheck applicants need to complete the process by scheduling an in-person appointment. But the TSA says this takes only about 10 minutes. As for the cost, the TSA lists several dozen credit cards that will reimburse you for the application fee here.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and fly at least a couple of times a year, you may find TSA PreCheck to be a worthwhile investment. And here’s a bonus pro tip: If you travel internationally frequently, sign up for Global Entry instead. It comes with PreCheck included and lets you skip the regular customs line after landing back in the U.S.

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