Why you may not need your boarding pass to get through airport security
Getting through airport security is 0% fun said absolutely everyone everywhere.
However, there are ways to make the process easier. Yes, having TSA PreCheck absolutely helps, but it's not the only way to make the security process a little bit better. Simply reducing the number of things you must dig out of your purse, wallet or backpack to display to TSA (while dragging your bags, holding onto your kids and trying to not slow up the line behind you), helps, too.
While those who use Clear are already used to the streamlined process of just showing your boarding pass to get through the security process, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been doing some different streamlining of its own.
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Select airports and security checkpoints around the country now have TSA credential authentication technology (CAT). The portable CAT machines help speed travelers through security a bit faster since TSA officials will simply scan your photo ID and send you on your way. No need to show your boarding pass.
I've been encountering this technology at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) since 2019, and while it was a shock at first to keep my boarding pass packed away, it's very handy to have one less thing to manage in your hands. As a TSA agent told me at CLT when I was visibly surprised to not display my boarding pass, "We have all the info we need to know about you right here."
Related: The most stressful parts of travel -- and how to fix them
Why don't you have to show a boarding pass at some airport?
The TSA is using portable scanners that are programmed to recognize and process 2,500 different types of identification — from U.S. passports and U.S. passport cards to driver's licenses to Real ID to Federal personal identity and more. For TSA officers, the machine helps them quickly recognize valid, expired or fraudulent IDs.
The unit also seamlessly connects to the Secure Flight database, which confirms information like an individual's travel date, airline and flight number, making a boarding pass simply not necessary.
Finally, the scanner can identify other screening benefits you're eligible for, such as TSA PreCheck. Note that you'll still need to check in to your flight and show your boarding pass or mobile board app to your airline's gate agent prior to boarding your aircraft. Also note that this is different than those airports, such as Tampa (TPA) and Seattle (SEA), that don't require travelers to have a boarding pass to enter the airport.
What airports have CAT units?
If you travel through major airports like Boston Logan International, Miami International and Phoenix Sky Harbor, you may have seen this new scanner in action before.
Here are a few of the U.S. airports that have confirmed their implementation of credential authentication technology for at least some of the security checkpoints:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
According to the TSA, it plans to mobilize 500 CAT units at more than 40 American airports by the end of February 2020. Each CAT scanner costs $27,000 so this is a significant investment aimed at more effectively verifying the identity of individuals and at the same time making the security screening process faster, which is a goal we very much support.
Related: Best credit cards for getting TSA PreCheck
Additional reporting by Andrea Rotondo
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- 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.