✈ How to Beat the Busy Airport Lines (For Free), TPGers’ Holiday Wish List & More From TPG ✈

December 20, 2025

You don’t need to pay for the privilege

by Colin Hogan, Newsletter editor

There’s nothing better than getting to breeze through the line at a busy airport security checkpoint. OK, well, there’s one thing better: letting someone else pay for you to have that privilege.

The good news is, whether you’re looking to enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, there’s no shortage of credit cards that will cover your membership.

If you’ve never enrolled in these programs, here’s a quick primer on what they are and how much they cost:

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for flights departing from within the U.S., and costs between $77 and $85 for a five-year membership.
Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for travelers entering the U.S. It costs $120 for a five-year membership, and it includes a TSA PreCheck membership as well.

To get the best value (and a nice little nesting doll of time-saving services), go for one of the many travel cards that come with a $120 statement credit for Global Entry membership.

You’ll find plenty of premium travel cards offering this benefit, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (both of which are currently sporting juicy six-figure welcome offers).

But there are also cheaper options, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, both of which have annual fees under $100.

Want to know more about these services and how you can get them for free? Check out these resources:

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Photo Credit: MARK FELIX/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.

Today’s top stories

TPG staff holiday wish list: More points, expanded lounges and better elite perks

Here's what some staffers are hoping for this holiday season. Plus, what wishes we manifested into reality from last year's list.

How to use ExpertFlyer to find the real reason your flight was delayed or canceled

Airlines often blame weather for delays. Here’s how to use ExpertFlyer to see the real reason your flight was delayed.

New Hawaii route: Southwest gives the Big Island’s Hilo its first mainland nonstop in 3 years

Southwest Airlines announced the first nonstop service to Hilo, Hawaii from the U.S. mainland in more than three years.

Using your Amex hotel credit before the end of the year? Here are 3 things to know

Whether you're a first-timer or just looking for an easy way to use the credit as the calendar winds down, here are three things to know.

If I’m an authorized user on a Chase Sapphire card, can I get the Sapphire Preferred?

Chase has a couple of very consequential rules surrounding Chase Sapphire cards.

The latest

1.	This all-inclusive island resort in Mexico has butler service, tequila tastings and a hammam — and you can book it with points

2.	Germany’s best Christmas markets — and how to get there on points and miles

3.	United escalates Chicago turf war against American with 2 new routes

4.	The surprisingly powerful case for carrying both the Hilton Aspire and Surpass

5.	Africa’s first Edition hotel is opening in Cape Town next year

6.	Alaska Airlines adds 7 new routes, fortifies its turf in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

7.	Brookfield Place is a holiday oasis for shopping, dining and more in downtown Manhattan

8.	American Airlines adds new US airport, plans 16-route expansion covering 20 cities in 2026

9.	Chase Points Boost to offer less than 2 cents per point at some properties in The Edit — beginning after Dec. 22

10.	How I leveraged my Amex Business Platinum benefits for Delta Medallion status

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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: 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.

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