Image via CrunchBase
Getting through airports lines has become a game with me.
Each trip I think about how do I have to pack my bags to not fall into the "what's in your bag" secondary screening trap? I think consciously about which airports are okay with not removing both my Mac Book Air 11" and iPad from the same bag, and which aren't? Then there's the thinking that goes into what ticket to purchase based on time of day so it makes sense to fly in first class so you breeze through in the premiere traveler line (i.e. Business Select on Southwest, or the better grade of economy on Virgin America, or even upgrade on Alaska? Since I fly the most convenient WiFi enabled route, and don't take on a brand loyal approach I also don't get the "perks" of the elite fliers as often.
That's where carrying the right cards matters. For example, on this trip when I'm in Orlando or Atlanta my recently revived Clear card does the trick. I've also got the new Global Entry ID card which puts me into the PRE check program atomatically. So when I fly Delta and American I can avoid the hassles of even taking things out of the bag or maybe leave my shoes on, but I've yet to try that out, but as an ID card, it works great, as long as the screener knows what it is š That said, the Global Entry card really works great when I fly back from Europe into most major USA airports. Now all I need is to be in Nexus and crossing into Canada becomes easier too.
Bottom line, flying in premium classes, carrying a Clear card, or enrolling in Global Entry card, all help speed you through the lines, coming or going.
