4 powerful ways to fly past long airport lines

Let’s be honest—airport lines are the worst. The security shuffle, the customs bottleneck, the stress of making a tight connection… not exactly the dream start to your vacation.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to waste your time waiting. The Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) can get you through security and customs much faster so you can spend less time in line and more time doing literally anything else—grabbing a coffee, stretching your legs, or just getting to your gate without sprinting.

Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS help speed things up, but figuring out which one is right for you can be confusing. What’s the difference? How do you apply? Is it worth the cost?

Featured photo (above) by David Tran

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to (though you probably should still glance at the fine print). Here’s the lowdown with no fluff and no complicated jargon. Travel smarter, so you can breeze through the airport like a pro.

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Trusted Traveler Programs help you bypass crowded airport lines

There are several options, depending on your travel habits. The right choice depends on where you’re coming from, where you’re going, and how often you fly.

The Trusted Traveler Program is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with support from partner countries. It offers pre-screened, low-risk travelers a way to get through airport security and customs faster.

Once you’re approved for a program like TSA PreCheck (for domestic flights) or Global Entry (for international arrivals), you’ll enjoy a smoother, faster experience at U.S. airports.

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TSA PreCheck: For U.S. travelers flying domestically

If you only fly within the U.S., this one’s your best bet.

✅ Who should use this: U.S. travelers flying between domestic airports.
🚀 What it does: Expedited security screening—no need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or pull out laptops and liquids.
📝 Who can apply: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

How to apply:

1. Go to the TSA PreCheck website and choose an enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and perks.
2. Pay the application fee ($78+).
3. Schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment location for fingerprinting and a photo.
4. Once approved, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to airline reservations.

📅 Valid for: 5 years.

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Global Entry: for travelers arriving in the U.S. on international flights

If you fly internationally more than a few times a year, you need to check this one.

✅ Who should use this: Frequent international travelers (4+ trips per year).
🚀 What it does: Speeds up customs, eliminates paperwork, and includes TSA PreCheck perks.
📝 Who can apply: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals.

How to apply:

1. Go to the Trusted Traveler website and create a free Trusted Traveler account.
2. Complete the your Global Entry application. You’ll need your residential addresses and employment information for the past five years and about 30 minutes to complete the enrollment. You’ll also need to pay the US$120 fee during the application.
3. Schedule an interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, either at an enrollment center or at an enrollment-on-arrival location (EoA) when returning to a US airport (EoA is available at select US airports, including major international hubs). You’ll be fingerprinted during the interview.

📅 Valid for: 5 years.

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NEXUS: For frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada

If you regularly cross the U.S.-Canada border, NEXUS members get streamlined entry into both countries either by air or by sea.

✅ Who should use this: Frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada.
🚀 What it does: Speeds up customs processing and doesn’t require you to fill out customs paperwork. It may include a TSA PreCheck membership too.
📝 Who can apply: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.

How to apply:

• Canadians: Apply via the Canadian government’s site.
• Americans: go to the Trusted Traveler website and create a free Trusted Traveler account.
• Complete the NEXUS application during which you’ll need to pay the US$120 fee.
• When approved, schedule the interview (you’ll need approval from both U.S. and Canadian border officers) at an enrollment center either in the US or in Canada
  • OR you can do a split interview at participating US and Canadian airport centers.

📅 Valid for: 5 years.

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SENTRI: For travelers entering the U.S. from Mexico

If you frequently drive or walk across the U.S.-Mexico border, SENTRI can save hours of waiting.

✅ Who should use this: Travelers who frequently enter the U.S. by land from Mexico.
🚀 What it does: Allows access to dedicated border lanes for quicker processing. It may also include a TSA PreCheck membership.
📝 Who can apply: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals.

How to apply:

1. Go to the Trusted Traveler website and create a free Trusted Traveler account.
2. Complete the your Global Entry application and pay the $120 fee online.
3. Schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center (locations are along the U.S.-Mexico border). Bring these documents:
   • your passport
   • another form of ID, such as a driver’s license or ID card
   • If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your permanent resident card.
   • Your vehicle registration and evidence of auto insurance by a company authorized to write auto insurance in the US.
4. If approved, you’ll get a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card that will identify you at the border as being a SENTRI member. 

📅 Valid for: 5 years.

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Other handy tools and ideas

Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

• Submit your U.S. passport and customs declaration via this free secure mobile app. You won’t have to fill out paper customs forms and may be provided a designated queue for shorter wait times.
• Available from the App Store or on Google Play.
• Both are free to download and need no pre-approval.

ArriveCAN – Canada’s digital border entry tool

• Submit your customs forms before arriving in Canada.
• No paper customs forms to fill out and reduces wait times at the border.
• Available from the App Store or on Google Play.
• Both are free to download and need no pre-approval.

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Choose a carry-on instead of checking your baggage 

Over the past year, we stopped taking luggage and switched to backpacks that we can use as carry-ons. I’ve learned to pack light and I take what I need for an entire week. This allows you to:

• Skip the bag-check line before boarding your flight.
• Avoid waiting at the baggage claim area once you land.
• Avoid having to wait for your bag before checking in at customs.

Plus, you can avoid the risk of checked luggage being delayed or lost in transit. 

Check the weight and size restrictions with your airline to be sure your carry-on bag will be allowed (sometimes these dimensions vary with different airlines).

Check in online 

Being able to skip the ticket counter will save you time and stress too.

If you checked in online, have a digital copy of your boarding pass on your phone, and aren’t checking a bag (see the previous item), you can go straight to the security area and bypass the ticket counter entirely.

And, by checking in online as soon as you can (usually 24 hours before the flight), you’ll have the best chance of getting your preferred seat.

Does your credit card cover the fee?

Some credit cards reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees.

🛠 Cards that offer this perk:

• Capital One Venture Rewards: $120 statement credit
• United℠ Explorer Card: $120 every 4 years
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Covers PreCheck fees

Check your card’s benefits—you might already be eligible for a refund!

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Conclusion

Airport lines don’t have to be a nightmare. If you hate waiting, a Trusted Traveler membership is worth every penny.

So, which program are you signing up for?