This is my favorite travel benefit. It was free thanks to my credit card.

For many people, traveling is a fun and rewarding experience that is worth the price of admission. However, spending time at the airport is not very enjoyable. Long lines, overbooked flights, and weather delays are common experiences when flying. And even if everything goes smoothly, you’ll still feel frustrated at the airport.

One of the perks I started taking advantage of a few years ago was that it shortened my trip significantly, and I didn’t have to pay a penny for it. Here’s what it is and how to get it for free.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry make your airport travel smoother.

Once travel opened up more broadly after the worst of the pandemic passed, I decided to sign up for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. It’s a program I’ve heard about for years but never took the time to pursue, but I’m so glad I finally did.

You probably know the main benefit of TSA PreCheck: you can skip the main security checkpoint at the airport and go through a separate line just for TSA PreCheck members. According to the website, 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes, and depending on the crowds at the airport and when traveling, the wait can be much less. Anecdotally, there were many days when I traveled together. no Please wait in the security line.

Another benefit of TSA PreCheck is less hassle when going through security. You can leave your shoes, belt and light jacket on instead of taking off your clothes in public, and you can leave your laptop and small liquids in your bag instead of rummaging through your carry-on luggage while angry travelers mutter in the background.

If you are planning to travel abroad, it is good to have Global Entry. Membership includes TSA PreCheck eligibility, so you get all the following benefits (according to the Global Entry website):

• No processing lines
• No paperwork
• Take advantage of expedited entry benefits from other countries
• Available at major U.S. airports
• Reduced latency

Again, based on my experience, I’m pretty sure you spend more time walking from the plane to customs than actually waiting and going through customs.

All this…for free?!

Yes, that’s right. This isn’t a big secret, but I think it’s worth shouting from the rooftops for those who don’t know about it. Many travel credit cards cover the cost of the cardholder’s TSA PreCheck and Global Entry subscription, so you don’t have to pay extra to sign up for the services.

TSA PreCheck alone costs $85 for a five-year membership, and Global Entry (including TSA PreCheck) costs $100 for a five-year membership. If you have a credit card that can cover the fee, you’ll receive credit after you apply for the program and can breeze through the airport like a jetsetter.

If you already have a travel credit card you like, check out your cardholder benefits to see if you can waive the TSA PreCheck of Global Entry membership fee. And if you’re looking to apply for a new credit card, consider purchasing one that includes this benefit. You’ll save money, time, and sanity as you speed past other travelers stuck in the slow lane.

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