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NBC News
2 days ago
- NBC News
Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with less hassle, experts say paid services offering modified security screenings — like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear — may still be worth the cost. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in certain airports, families will have their own dedicated screening lanes as part of a new initiative called 'Families on the Fly.' That follows a change ending the Transportation Security Agency's 'shoes off' travel policy. Noem has also floated the idea of allowing more liquids in carry-ons, which could also affect the speed of airport screenings. The ability to keep shoes on through security was once a perk limited to TSA PreCheck enrollees. Qualifying travelers can go through the program's screening without taking off items including shoes, belts and light jackets, or removing items from bags like travel-size liquids or laptops. Even with some friendlier screening policies in play, experts say paid memberships still have value. 'There are still a lot of compelling benefits for PreCheck,' said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry market research and advisory firm. About 39% of surveyed travelers with TSA PreCheck said the biggest perk was having a less stressful experience, according to a survey by UpgradedPoints, a travel site. In March, the site surveyed 1,515 travelers, including 659 who had a TSA PreCheck membership. It's one of the five trusted traveler programs available through Homeland Security that provide modified screening for pre-approved members. There are also private companies like Clear that offer their own paid memberships to get through the airport screening line faster. Almost all, 99%, of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes typically take 30 minutes or less, according to the agency. Enrollment, renewal costs may vary Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. 'Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval,' according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. Several other trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck as part of their packages, such as Global Entry, which offers an expedited screening through U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival from overseas. The membership costs $120 and lasts for five years. 'Travelers can select the enrollment provider that best suits their needs,' the TSA spokesperson told CNBC. Here's how to decide if a pre-screening membership is worth it for you, according to experts. 1. Assess how often you travel Before you sign up or begin the application, factor in how often you travel every year, experts say. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth going through the effort and the cost, said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. To apply for TSA PreCheck, for example, you need to complete an online application. Then you need to visit an enrollment center — some might accept walk-ins, while others require appointments — where you bring necessary documents, have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. But if you travel more frequently, then TSA PreCheck 'can be worth it,' said Harteveldt. Some credit cards and loyalty programs will cover fees for enrollment in TSA PreCheck or other pre-screening memberships. That can make enrolling more worthwhile, even for infrequent travelers. 2. Pick the right program for your needs If you travel internationally, Global Entry is another trusted traveler program to consider. Qualifying individuals can access expedited customs screening upon returning to the U.S. from other countries, and the membership also includes access to TSA PreCheck lanes. However, think about how often you travel abroad, whether for business or leisure, and if you have an upcoming overseas trip. Not only is the enrollment fee more expensive but there may be limited enrollment centers in your state, making the application process more onerous. You may need to travel long distances to your nearest center, and scheduling an appointment may be difficult. 'A lot of people have cited it's difficult to even get an interview,' said French. Meanwhile, the value of a Clear Plus membership may depend in part on where you travel, experts say: It's in more than 60 airports, including some international locations. Clear also 'has value outside of airports' as its membership is available for lines in certain stadiums and arenas, said French.
CNBC
2 days ago
- CNBC
Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with less hassle, experts say paid services offering modified security screenings — like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear — may still be worth the cost. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in certain airports, families will have their own dedicated screening lanes as part of a new initiative called "Families on the Fly." That follows a change ending the Transportation Security Agency's "shoes off" travel policy. Noem has also floated the idea of allowing more liquids in carry-ons, which could also affect the speed of airport screenings. The ability to keep shoes on through security was once a perk limited to TSA PreCheck enrollees. Qualifying travelers can go through the program's screening without taking off items including shoes, belts and light jackets, or removing items from bags like travel-size liquids or laptops. Even with some friendlier screening policies in play, experts say paid memberships still have value. "There are still a lot of compelling benefits for PreCheck," said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry market research and advisory firm. More from Personal Finance:How to lower your capital gains taxes on home salesStudent loan forgiveness paused for borrowers on IBR planWhat Americans get wrong about Social Security About 39% of surveyed travelers with TSA PreCheck said the biggest perk was having a less stressful experience, according to a survey by UpgradedPoints, a travel site. In March, the site surveyed 1,515 travelers, including 659 who had a TSA PreCheck membership. It's one of the five trusted traveler programs available through Homeland Security that provide modified screening for pre-approved members. There are also private companies like Clear that offer their own paid memberships to get through the airport screening line faster. Almost all, 99%, of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes typically take 30 minutes or less, according to the agency. Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. "Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval," according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. Several other trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck as part of their packages, such as Global Entry, which offers an expedited screening through U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival from overseas. The membership costs $120 and lasts for five years. "Travelers can select the enrollment provider that best suits their needs," the TSA spokesperson told CNBC. Here's how to decide if a pre-screening membership is worth it for you, according to experts. Before you sign up or begin the application, factor in how often you travel every year, experts say. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth going through the effort and the cost, said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. To apply for TSA PreCheck, for example, you need to complete an online application. Then you need to visit an enrollment center — some might accept walk-ins, while others require appointments — where you bring necessary documents, have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. But if you travel more frequently, then TSA PreCheck "can be worth it," said Harteveldt. Some credit cards and loyalty programs will cover fees for enrollment in TSA PreCheck or other pre-screening memberships. That can make enrolling more worthwhile, even for infrequent travelers. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is another trusted traveler program to consider. Qualifying individuals can access expedited customs screening upon returning to the U.S. from other countries, and the membership also includes access to TSA PreCheck lanes. However, think about how often you travel abroad, whether for business or leisure, and if you have an upcoming overseas trip. Not only is the enrollment fee more expensive but there may be limited enrollment centers in your state, making the application process more onerous. You may need to travel long distances to your nearest center, and scheduling an appointment may be difficult. "A lot of people have cited it's difficult to even get an interview," said French. Meanwhile, the value of a Clear Plus membership may depend in part on where you travel, experts say: It's in more than 60 airports, including some international locations. Clear also "has value outside of airports" as its membership is available for lines in certain stadiums and arenas, said French.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Flying from London to the US just got easier for these connecting travelers
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are piloting 'One Stop Security' at London Heathrow for select US-bound flights. Passengers connecting through Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta may skip baggage rechecking and TSA screening. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Passengers flying from London Heathrow to the United States and connecting onward may now experience faster transfers under a new pilot program. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines , in coordination with US authorities, have launched 'One Stop Security' for select flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta, removing key bottlenecks like baggage rechecking and secondary security program currently applies to American Airlines Flight 51 from Heathrow to Dallas, and select Delta flights to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Travelers on these routes will no longer need to pick up and recheck their bags or pass through TSA screening again before their onward domestic American Airlines, eligible passengers will remain within the secure area at gate level in Dallas. They will undergo a smaller passport control check and proceed directly to their next process in Atlanta differs slightly. All passengers will be routed through a dedicated customs area. However, only those enrolled in Global Entry or using the Mobile Passport Control app — available to US citizens and lawful permanent residents — will be able to bypass TSA said this new system can save up to 40 minutes during the connection Transportation Security Administration has not issued an official comment, but TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News that more international airports would join the pilot 'in the coming months.'The program, which began earlier this year in the reverse direction — from Dallas-Fort Worth to London Heathrow for travelers connecting onward to non-UK destinations — is part of an effort to reduce friction in transatlantic travel. American Airlines confirmed that it is currently offered on five daily outbound flights from Dallas to airlines have established dedicated customs zones for participating flights. While procedures vary, the goal is the same: make international-to-domestic transfers more seamless for eligible travelers.
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘Utterly terrifying': Vt. school superintendent says he was interrogated for hours upon return from Nicaragua
'I don't wish this on anybody,' he said. 'It's utterly terrifying, as a US citizen, to be told you have no rights and you should stop talking about your rights.' Advertisement A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Chavarría's detention Chavarría was born in a refugee camp on the border of Honduras and Nicaragua during the Nicaraguan Revolution. After completing high school in Canada, he moved to the US for college in 2008 and attained his citizenship a decade later. He remains a dual citizen of Nicaragua. A former teacher and principal, Chavarría has served for two years as superintendent of schools in Winooski, just outside of Burlington. It's the most diverse school district in the state. The district Advertisement Chavarría's own family has firsthand experience with President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. His brother, sister-in-law and two nieces chose to 'self-deport' from Vermont to Nicaragua earlier this year after losing temporary immigration protections. The local high school During Chavarría's detention this week, he said, agents appeared focused on inspecting his electronic devices, including a personal cell phone and a district-issued tablet and laptop. Chavarría said he repeatedly made clear that the agents were welcome to search his personal files but not those pertaining to the district, citing student confidentiality laws. He ultimately allowed them to inspect the devices, once they promised not to access work-related files. At various points during the questioning, Chavarría said, agents appeared skeptical that he was a school superintendent and that he was married to his husband, Cyrus Dudgeon. 'I don't know how many married couples have to prove to the United States government that they are real,' Chavarría said. The two were kept apart as agents questioned Chavarría. 'It felt frightening not knowing what was happening to Wilmer,' Dudgeon said. Chavarría was eventually released without any explanation as to why he had been detained. He and Dudgeon missed their connecting flight. The next day, Chavarría received notice that he had been terminated from the Global Entry program. He said he expects to visit family in Nicaragua again but is 'terrified of doing so.' Nicole Mace, vice president of the Winooski School Board, said she was 'outraged' by Chavarría's treatment. 'I don't recognize this country anymore,' she said. 'What is happening? It's horrifying.' Advertisement
New York Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
For the Privileged Few, Airport Food Hits a New Height of Luxury
Few places feel as engineered to remind you of your social standing as the airport. Each of its protocols, from check-in to security to boarding, imposes a hierarchy. Are you Executive Platinum? Premier? Do you have T.S.A. PreCheck? Global Entry? The peak of that pecking order has long been the airport lounge, which allows elite passengers a cushioned escape from the tumult of the terminal. Now, even as airline stocks have tumbled and ticket demand slows, American airlines and credit-card companies are reaching for an ever-higher level of luxury and exclusivity — particularly when it comes to food. At the year-old Delta One Lounge at Kennedy International Airport, it's common to hear an employee ask passengers, 'Would you like an ounce of caviar before your flight?' At the lounge, which includes a full-service brasserie with leather banquettes and gold finishes, the menu of complimentary offerings features sirloin steak with red wine jus and salmon sashimi with blood orange ponzu. (The caviar will run you an extra $85, or 8,500 miles.) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
