Six airports across the country offer TSA line reservations, a hack departing travelers can use to avoid lengthy waits at airport security.
Whether the cause is staff shortages, a government shutdown, a busy travel season, or a combination of the three, hours-long lines for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening can be distressing for any traveler. And when compounded with already running late for a flight or traveling with young children, long TSA wait times can be an absolute nightmare.
But a small number of airports in the United States offer an alternative that can help avoid waiting in line as long as others at the same airport who arrived at the same time. At those six flight hubs, travelers can pre-select a time slot to go through TSA, allowing them to be screened in a shorter line. The general goal of the alternative offering is to provide travelers with a convenient, time-saving way to get through airport security.
Another plus, reserving a spot in line is free.
Which U.S. Airports Offer TSA Screening Time Slots By Reservation?
The names of the programs and the airports offering TSA line reservation systems are:
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – DEN Reserve
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City (JFK) – T4 Reserve
- Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) – MSP Reserve
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – MCO Reserve
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – PHX Reserve
- and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – SEA Spot Saver
Factors that vary per each airport’s booking system include how far in advance you can reserve your time slot, daily availability, and which checkpoints accept reservations. When reserving your time slot, you’ll need to include your preferred screening time, flight details, and your party size. The system will follow up with a confirmation and additional details you’ll need to access the shorter line when you’re at the airport.
Free reservation systems with time slots for TSA screenings are among several workarounds travelers can consider for avoiding long waits at airport security. The major benefit of the TSA line reservation systems noted above is that they are free, unlike CLEAR and concierge airport services, which charge a fee. Other TSA line reservation programs are offered at some international airports, but they’re a rare find.
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