Airport days run smoother when you skip long lines. Three tools make that possible at busy hubs like Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta, Los Angeles International, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, and New York–JFK. The first helps you breeze through security with shoes, belts, and light jackets on. The second uses biometrics so an attendant can walk you to the front of the screening queue. The third speeds up your reentry to the United States after international trips. In this guide, we explain how each one works, what they typically cost, and eight straightforward ways to pay less or nothing at all.
What These Programs?
Faster Security Screening At The Checkpoint
When you use the dedicated security lane, you line up in a smaller queue and keep common items on your body and in your bag. Most travelers in this lane clear the checkpoint in under ten minutes, according to the screening agency’s published stats. That time savings matters during the morning rush at places like DEN or DFW when the regular line can snake around the corner. You should still follow liquids rules and bring a valid ID because officers can run random checks at any time.
Biometric Identity To Jump Ahead In Line
The biometric option confirms your identity using your fingerprints or an iris scan. After that quick scan, a staff member typically escorts you to the front of the screening line. If you also have access to the faster security lane, you are taken to the front of that lane. If you do not, you are brought to the front of the standard line. You should still carry a physical ID since random checks can happen.
Speedy Reentry After International Flights
The reentry program is for coming home from another country. Preapproved, low‑risk travelers use automated kiosks at many U.S. airports to verify details and finish entry steps more quickly. That means less time standing in arrivals halls after long flights into airports like ATL, LAX, or ORD.
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Typical Costs And What Affects Them
Prices change and renewals are not always priced the same as first‑time applications, so it helps to double‑check the current numbers before you submit anything.
For the faster security lane, one enrollment provider lists about 85 dollars for a first application and around 70 dollars to renew. Another provider shows roughly 76 dollars and 75 cents for a new application, with renewals at about 66 dollars and 75 cents in person or 58 dollars and 75 cents online. For the reentry program, a five‑year membership is commonly about 120 dollars and usually includes access to the faster security lane, which makes it a solid two‑in‑one if you take international trips. The biometric identity service is billed yearly and is typically around 209 dollars. Policies and fees can change at any time. Check current terms before applying this.
1) Use Points Or Miles To Cover The Security Fee
Some points‑earning programs let you redeem points or miles to pay the application or renewal fee for the faster security lane. This route is handy if you have a small balance to burn. Just know that the value per point is often lower than what you can get from strong travel redemptions. We suggest comparing the cash cost against the points cost inside your program’s portal and choosing the option that gives you better value today. Check your program’s latest rules before you redeem.
2) Enroll In A Bundle That Combines Security And Biometrics
If you plan to use both the faster security lane and the biometric service, some providers let you enroll for both at once for around 209 dollars. After both parts are approved on your account, you may see an automatic rebate close to 77 dollars and 95 cents. The bundle saves time on setup and can cut your first‑year bill. Always read the fine print so you know when the rebate posts and whether the combined price carries into renewals. Check current terms before applying this.
3) Tap Airline Loyalty Discounts For The Biometric Service
Large U.S. airline loyalty programs often discount the biometric service for members. Offers rotate, but the pattern is familiar. Top‑tier elites sometimes receive the service free or at a deep discount; in past promotions the highest tier price has been as low as about 129 dollars per year. Upper and mid‑tier elites frequently see a reduced price near 169 dollars. General members without status often get a smaller break and pay around 199 dollars. Some programs also tie the discount to having an airline‑linked payment product. Because these details change, sign in to your airline account and check your offers before you enroll. Check current terms before applying this.
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4) Earn Or Stack Bonus Points When You Sign Up
From time to time, airline programs attach a small points bonus to biometric enrollment or renewal. A common pattern has been a one‑time enrollment bonus in the low thousands of points and a smaller annual renewal bonus for certain elite tiers. If you are close to a redemption, that extra bump can be useful. Treat these as limited‑time extras and verify the exact numbers in your account first. Check current terms before applying this.
5) Add Family Members To One Biometric Plan
If you travel with family, the biometric service becomes even more helpful. Travelers younger than 18 can join an enrolled adult in the biometric lane for free, so your kids can move with you without their own membership. Many plans also offer a family option that lets the primary member add up to three additional adults to the same account for an added fee per person, often about 125 dollars each year. That setup can cost less than buying separate memberships for everyone. Rules vary by airport and can change, so review the details during checkout. Check current terms before applying this.
6) Time Your Application Around Your Trip Calendar
If you have a big trip coming up and you want the faster security lane or the reentry program, start early. Appointments and approvals can take time, especially before summer or major holidays. Look at your calendar, target a window when you are home to complete any in‑person step, and apply then. If you will not travel abroad for a while, you might start with the security lane first and add the reentry program later. That way you are paying for what you will use right away.
7) Use Off‑Peak Hours And Airports To Your Advantage
This tip does not reduce the fee, but it stretches value. Even with a fast lane, you can still run into crowds if you hit the checkpoint at peak times. If your schedule allows, choose midday flights instead of the first wave, or fly out of a nearby airport with lighter lines. For example, some travelers find late morning at DEN or mid‑afternoon at DFW calmer than early morning rush. Pairing smart timing with a fast‑track program makes your day feel even easier.
8) Keep Your Renewal Costs Down
Set a reminder for renewal so you do not lapse and pay full price in a rush. Some providers offer a lower renewal fee if you complete the process online instead of in person. If you have the reentry program and mainly fly within the United States for a few years, consider whether renewing only the security lane fits your travel pattern for that period. Always compare the current renewal options and pick the version that matches how you actually travel.
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Make Your Airport Day Easier Starting Now
Faster security, biometric identity, and speedy reentry are simple ways to turn long airport lines into short pauses. You do not have to pay top dollar, either. Use points to offset fees when the math makes sense, enroll in a bundle that returns a rebate, check airline member discounts, add family members under one plan, and time your application to match your trips. A few smart moves today can save money and give you calmer mornings at ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW, DEN, JFK, and beyond. Check the latest terms before you apply since prices and policies can change.
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