This is the fastest way to clear security at JFK — and it's free with Priority Pass
Terminal 1 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) may just be the airport's worst terminal. There are lines everywhere, especially when traveling during the afternoon and evening rush hour.
The airside food options are limited, and the airline lounges aren't great. Clearing security can take forever, and forget about skipping lines with Clear or TSA PreCheck. The terminal doesn't have Clear, and there's no dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.
What if I told you there's a VIP service that lets you completely skip the security line? Read on to learn more about my experience with VIP One, which is now free with an eligible Priority Pass membership.
The VIP One experience
After I checked in for a recent Brussels Airlines flight, I headed to the main security checkpoint at JFK's Terminal 1 to observe what was going on.
Unsurprisingly, there were lines everywhere. Security screeners were loudly shouting at passengers to remove liquids and laptops from carry-on baggage.
I'd definitely made the right choice to opt for VIP One.
Instead of entering the main security checkpoint, I went off to the southeast side of the main security area and found a nondescript entrance to VIP One's security lounge between check-in Rows E and F.
There was a gentleman guarding the entrance to the lounge, and he quickly welcomed me after confirming that I'd indeed paid for the service. (VIP One now accepts Priority Pass, so presumably your card will be scanned here before entering.)
There were a few seats in the lounge, but the main feature was the two credenzas in the center of the room.
Once inside, the agent placed some security bins atop the credenzas and asked me to remove the items in my pockets, as well as my laptop and jacket.
I quickly obliged, and then magic happened.
The agent took the bins and my carry-on and opened a side door, where I found myself right at the front of the security line. There was a Transportation Security Administration agent waiting there to check my passport, and within seconds I was whisked right to the front of the X-ray machine.
The VIP One agent placed my belongings into the machine and then wished me a safe flight after I walked through the metal detector.
What would've been a 30-minute wait (if not longer) for security was a painless 60-second process.
VIP One with Priority Pass
Perhaps the best news is that VIP One now accepts Priority Pass memberships. This means that if you have an eligible credit card that includes a Priority Pass, you'll be able to use this presecurity lounge and dedicated TSA lane before your flight.
All you need to do is flash your Priority Pass membership card along with your boarding pass with confirmed same-day travel for access to this space.
Buying VIP One packages
If you don't have a Priority Pass membership, VIP One offers three packages: Silver, Gold and Platinum. I purchased the Silver package, which only includes VIP fast-track security. The service cost $45 before tax and coded as professional services on my credit card. Children below the age of 12 are included in a single service fee.
Purchasing the service was quite simple. After navigating to the VIP One website, I simply chose my desired package and entered my name and credit card information. Moments after completing my purchase, an employee called me with details about where to go once I got to Terminal 1.
If you're flying in first class on Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air or Lufthansa, you'll get access to the Silver package for free.
VIP One also offers a Gold ($100) and Platinum service ($200) that includes VIP fast-track security, plus a personal escort from arrival at the airport all the way to the gate.
This person greets you at your car, takes you to check-in, clears you through security, walks you to the lounge (if you have access) and finally helps you preboard your flight.
VIP One also offers a membership model available for purchase at the airport at an undisclosed price.
Overall impression
I've always dreaded the ground experience for flights departing from JFK's Terminal 1. In general, the terminal is overcrowded. Not to mention, security can take forever.
However, with VIP One's offerings, the security process is a breeze, especially considering that it's now free for Priority Pass members.
Even if you don't have a Priority Pass, airlines typically sell priority boarding and fast-track security packages for $15 or more, so $45 seems reasonable for a VIP security experience that's better than both TSA PreCheck and Clear. Perhaps it will even make you look forward to clearing security at Terminal 1.
TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.