This summer may be the perfect storm for long airport security lines — here’s how to avoid them
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Summer travel is officially here.
Long TSA security lines during this busy travel season are not new, but the knock-on effects of the pandemic have added the potential for even more delays.
For instance, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) suffered lengthy delays yesterday with reports of travelers waiting upwards of two hours to get through security. While part of the delay was due to a bomb threat, events like this can pile on to staff shortages and increased screening times due to COVID-19. The airport continues advising passengers to arrive three hours early to check-in and for TSA screening.
AUS travelers are strongly advised to give themselves extra time to get through ticketing and security, as the airport continues to remain busy.
We recommend arriving at least 3 hours early during peak departure times, especially for flights before 9 a.m.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AUStinAirport) June 5, 2021
Security lines may be worse than usual this summer as compared to years past — so what does that mean for travelers? And how can you avoid — or at least minimize — waiting in long TSA airport queues? Let’s dive in.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Why there may be long security lines
Understaffed TSA
One major culprit that may be attributed to security delays is a shortage of TSA agents nationwide. In fact, the TSA is hiring 6,000 new officers to meet skyrocketing travel demand.
With TSA, what we do is more than just a job. It’s a mission. We’re currently hiring Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at airports across the country. Sign-on as a TSO by Sep. 30 and you could earn a $1,000 bonus! Apply today: https://t.co/Ph4yp5NR05 #TSAJobs #NowHiring pic.twitter.com/LpJPCXd8bX
— TSA (@TSA) June 3, 2021
Domestic travel is approaching pre-pandemic levels
Related: You could wait 8 hours at the airport on your next trip; here’s why
Vaccinated Americans are raring to travel and are booking up summer vacations in droves.
International travel remains much lower than pre-2020 levels as many countries continue to restrict foreign visitors. However, domestic travel has rebounded, especially in recent months. In many instances, domestic passenger numbers at select airports are matching — and may soon surpass — levels seen even before the pandemic.
Inexperienced — and rusty — travelers
For many travelers, this summer may be the first time setting foot in an airport in well over a year.
That means reacclimating to the intricacies and processes of security lines including what can (and what can’t) go through the metal detector. If each passenger takes an extra minute or two, that can snowball into a longer-than-normal wait time.
Related: Vaccinated Americans are booking up summer vacations
How to avoid long security lines
Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Clear
PreCheck
The most significant perk of TSA PreCheck is access to a dedicated, expedited security line at most U.S. airports. While many PreCheck-specific lines were closed during the pandemic due to a lack of demand, many have since reopened.
In addition, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket or your laptop.
If you don’t have expedited security with TSA PreCheck but are considering enrolling, don’t forget that several credit cards will give you an account credit for signing up (usually up to $100) for either the PreCheck or Global Entry programs.
Some popular cards that offer this perk include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Related: Should you get TSA PreCheck or Clear — or both?
Clear
Meanwhile, Clear is a membership-based program that utilizes biometric authentication (fingerprint or eye scan) rather than waiting for a TSA agent to inspect your ID.
After your identity has been verified, a Clear representative will escort you to the security screening, bypassing everyone waiting in line. If you’re also enrolled in TSA PreCheck, then you’ll be taken directly to the PreCheck line.
The normal rate for Clear membership is $179 per year. However, there are many ways to save and avoid paying full retail price. Clear partners with both Delta and United to offer special membership rates.
In addition, the American Express® Green Card can also net you a significant discount: you’ll earn an up to $100 statement credit per calendar year when you use the card to purchase a Clear membership. The information for the Amex Green card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Clear expedited airport security program — Is it worth it?
Check TSA wait times before you arrive
The TSA offers a mobile app, called MyTSA, that provides estimated wait times at each airport security lane.
MyTSA provides passengers with 24/7 access to airport security information. It also includes helpful tips for preparing for security including a searchable database of what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on.
Featured photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.