Expect More Scrutiny from TSA

(Image credit: This content is subject to copyright.)

published 7 June 2018

If you're flying this summer, get to the airport early. The Transportation Security Administration is beefing up security measures, and that could lead to longer lines. In addition to requiring you to remove laptops, tablets and e-readers from your carry-ons, TSA officers may also ask you to take out books, food and other items that obstruct their view during screening.

Best Rewards Credit Cards for Travel

To bypass the lines, enroll in TSA PreCheck ($85 for five years). Or, if you plan to travel outside the U.S., enroll in Global Entry ($100 for five years). Some rewards credit cards will refund the cost. Most cards that offer this benefit have an annual fee, but the new no-fee PenFed Pathfinder Rewards card offers reimbursement of up to $100 every five years for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application (see The Best Rewards Card for You). You may also be able to pay with hotel rewards points. Marriott Rewards and IHG Rewards allow members to buy TSA PreCheck through their websites.

Go to www.tsa.gov/precheck (or www.cbp.gov/travel for Global Entry) to start an application and find an enrollment center. If you can't find one nearby, check your local Staples. The retailer plans to open 50 enrollment centers in its stores this summer.

Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Save up to 74%

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

How to Beat Longer Lines at the Airport

Topics

Features Travel

Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher. She is currently assistant editor, personal finance at The Washington Post.