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As a frequent flyer, one of the things I hate the most is the long lines at security and waiting at airports. Although very necessary for security matters, they can be a headache for travelers. However, there are four tools, some are paid and others free, that help me save time at airports. Here are my favorites:
1. Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
A secure and free application that allows you to store your travel documents, photos and customs declaration from your mobile. This will allow you to go to an express line at passport control inspection upon your return to the United States from any international destination.
2. RESERVE by CLEAR
A free tool of the CLEAR application that works at selected airports for flights in the United States and other countries such as Germany, Canada, Italy or the Netherlands.
How does it work? You must enter the CLEAR page or application and select your RESERVE by CLEAR option. You fill in your flight information and select the time and airport where you would do your security screening. Once you complete the information, the system will produce a QR Code that you will present to CLEAR officers at the airport. This will allow you to get past long lines at participating airports, such as:
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Berlin (BER Runway)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Denver (DEN)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Hanover (HAIR)
- Los Angeles (LAX Fast Lane)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Montreal (YUL)
- New York (JFK)
- Newark (EWR)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Rome (FCO)
- Seattle (SEA Spot Saver)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
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3. TSA Pre-Check
A program that allows you to get through a fast line at security checks on domestic flights in the United States. You can do it without having to take your electronics out of your luggage or remove your shoes or straps, which will help you save a lot of time in large airports. According to TSA data, 88% of passengers with TSA Pre-Check wait less than 5 minutes in the security line. Adults who have it can go with children under 17 years old. It has a five-year span and costs $78.
4. Global Entry
A paid program that allows you to go through a fast track at your entrance to the United States and other participating countries upon arrival from an international destination. It also allows you to avoid having to complete the documentation normally required upon your return from an international destination. It has a span of five years and a cost of $ 100 dollars. This is usually very beneficial in airports that typically have long immigration lines, such as JFK in New York City, Newark, Atlanta, LAX in Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, ORD in Chicago, DFW in Dallas, IAH in Houston, Las Vegas, Seattle and San Francisco.
A great benefit of Global Entry is that it includes the TSA Pre-Check membership that allows you to quickly go through security checks at domestic airports. Another advantage is that many credit cards refund the cost of membership if you pay using their card, including the AMEX Platinum, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X or the different card options offered by different airlines.
Here are four tools that have helped me save time and headaches at airports. Choose the one that best suits your needs as a traveler.
Wilson “Wil” Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, one of the largest travel platforms in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the U.S.
