There's a new way to skip the security line at LaGuardia — just pay $15
The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and there's a new way to guarantee that you won't miss your flight due to long security lines at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Though you might be familiar with some of the most popular expedited security programs, like TSA PreCheck and Clear, LaGuardia's new Terminal B has partnered with a different provider that allows you to skip the security line.
Dubbed "B-Fast," the terminal is trialing a new front-of-the-line pass that takes you directly to the TSA agent for an ID check.
You'll find the "B-Fast" signage right next to the TSA PreCheck entrance at Terminal B's main security checkpoint.
To skip the line, each passenger must pay a $15 fee. You can pre-purchase a pass, or you can buy one on-site just before entering the line at bfast.aero. Passes expire 90 days after purchase, so frequent travelers could buy one the night before a flight and then bank it for a day when the line is really atrocious.
There aren't any annual or monthly subscription options yet, but that's something under consideration, according to a spokesperson for terminal operator LaGuardia Gateway Partners.
After purchasing the pass, you'll receive a QR code that will unlock the e-gate that leads directly to the front of the security line. If you have TSA PreCheck, you'll be able to use that expedited service after the ID check.
During my multiple recent visits to Terminal B, I haven't seen anyone use the B-Fast lane. The terminal hasn't done much promotion of the new service, though a spokesperson told TPG that the plan is to market it more widely in the coming days.
The B-Fast lane joins two other expedited security lanes at Terminal B, one for those with TSA PreCheck and another for premium passengers who are entitled to priority security on account of a first-class ticket or airline elite status.
Notably, there are no Clear checkpoints at LaGuardia's Terminal B, and there aren't any plans to install them either.
The B-Fast lane is operated by Airboard Group, a third-party company that specializes in expedited boarding and security software.
According to its website, the company operates a revenue share model that allows terminal operators to set their own fees without any upfront costs.
For LaGuardia's Terminal B, there's seemingly no downside to partnering with Airboard to offer the B-Fast lane. Even if it sells just a few passes, everything it earns goes straight to its bottom line — there are minimal marginal costs to offering this service.
For travelers, well, this service might be reminiscent of Disney World or a popular ski resort that charges its deep-pocketed guests an extra fee to skip lines.
Personally, I could only see myself using this service if I was running late and security was backed up.
To date, I've never waited more than five minutes for the TSA PreCheck lane at Terminal B. It'll be interesting to see if that changes as leisure travel picks up this holiday season, but at least there's an option to bypass the line, if necessary.
Interestingly, just a few miles south on the Van Wyck Expressway is Terminal 1 at New York's JFK Airport, which also offers a priority security option, VIP One, for a $14 fee.
While the price is similar, JFK's Terminal 1 is notorious for its slow and inefficient security screening process, even during the lull in traffic during the pandemic.
There, I'd consider splurging for the VIP One service, because more often than not, it'll make a big difference in your airport experience.
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.