Hi Reader,

Now that you’ve got a strategy to relax in airport lounges (if you missed it, check out this blog post), let’s make sure you almost never have to wait in a long airport line again.

1. Check In Early & Skip the Counter

Always check in online at least several hours in advance, some airlines even charge a fee if you don’t! Set a reminder to check in 24 hours before departure. Most airline apps send a push notification when check-in opens, making this step effortless.

Checking in online means you can skip the check-in counter or kiosk and head straight to bag drop (if needed) or security.

2. Breeze Through Security

The biggest time-savers at security are:

🔹 TSA PreCheck – A must-have for frequent travelers, TSA PreCheck lets you use an expedited security lane, skip removing shoes, belts, and jackets, and keep electronics and liquids in your bag. It costs $78 for five years, but many premium travel credit cards cover the fee as a statement credit.

🔹 CLEAR – This biometric ID system allows you to skip the initial ID check and head straight to screening. Available at major U.S. airports, CLEAR is a great add-on to TSA PreCheck for an even faster experience. Some credit cards offer discounts or statement credits for this service, but otherwise it’s pricey at $199 annually.

3. Speed Through Immigration on Your Return

Coming back from an international trip? These programs make U.S. immigration a breeze:

🌍 Global Entry – Skip the long customs lines when re-entering the U.S. by using a self-service kiosk. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, making it a two-for-one deal. Like PreCheck, many travel credit cards reimburse the $120 application fee.

📱 Mobile Passport Control – A free U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app that lets you submit your passport info and customs declaration via your phone, leading to shorter wait times at select airports.

Pro Tip: Share the Love 💕

Already have Global Entry but just opened a new credit card with reimbursement perk you don't need? Use that credit to pay for a friend or family member’s application. Because nothing says "I love you" like skipping airport lines together. 😉

​

Happy (and hassle-free) travels!

Michelle

​

P.S. Know someone who’d love to save money on travel? Go ahead and forward them this email - sharing is caring!

Got this email from a friend and want in on the savings? Heck yeah! Click here to join my email list and get weekly budget-friendly travel tips straight to your inbox!

​

​sandmanntravels.com​