Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Hate the airport security line? Make a reservation instead

Airport security lines may be less of a hassle with this new program

Julie Scagell
By

If waiting in airport security lines feels like the absolute last way you want to spend hours in your day, you may be in luck. There are a few airports testing out reservation systems that will allow travelers to book time going through security in advance, without paying for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR (though, if you travel a lot — or even a little — we recommend those anyway). That’s right. You can actually schedule a time and use a QR code to avoid waiting in lengthy lines to ensure you make your flight and save your sanity in the process. Sounds like a win-win to us.

The inside of a busy airport.
K Hsu/Unsplash

Which airports will roll this new program out?

Last week, Denver International Airport, which is the third-busiest airport in the world, rolled out “DEN Reserve,” a free online service that travelers can use to make security line reservations. Passengers can book this up to three days before their (or their group’s) flight or on the same day by scanning a QR code near the Bridge Security TSA Checkpoint. Because of the anticipated high demand of this service, the airport recommends making one in advance. “DEN Reserve is only available to general screening passengers,” the airport says on its website. “The program provides a better screening experience for those without a trusted traveler program and creates efficiency where we have the highest demand.” This service is only available from 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., so if you are flying out later at night, you’re out of luck.

Recommended Videos

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport also rolled out a similar program called “MSP Reserve,” Tim Harlow told the Star Tribune. At this airport, passengers can reserve a security reservation up to a week in advance at Terminal Two checkpoints only between 3:45 a.m. and 8 a.m. This is the smaller hub of the airport where airliners like Sun Country and Spirit and a few others operate, so those flying out of Terminal One will not be eligible.

These and several other airports will or have started this pilot program, so check here to see if your airport is participating.

How does it work?

After booking your reservation, passengers will be emailed a QR code, which can be shown at a designated security checkpoint, along with a photo ID approved to use for travel. If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, continue using those, as this program won’t be eligible for you. Every airport has a time limit that you’ll need to stay within to use your reservation, so if you’re running late, it may get canceled. Given the length of airport security wait times at most busy airports, it pays to get to the line on time.

“It is important to provide a variety of options for passengers to get to their gates as efficiently and timely as possible,” Denver International Airport spokesperson Ashley Forest told USA Today. The airport will see how the process works during this initial rollout, Forest continued, “before it is considered as a permanent program at DEN, at which point we will ask City Council for their consideration to contract with Clear for a longer-term program.”

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Julie Scagell
Julie Scagell
Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Travelers are going to hate American Airlines’ newest policy change
American Airlines baggage policy just changed, and it might make you want to change your airline carrier
An American Airlines airplane in an airport.

Nothing upsets us more when flying than getting hit with fee after fee after fee. One specific downer is that darn baggage fee. We wear layers to save space in our suitcase and will try any tips we see on TikTok to pack way more than we need into one bag. Packing cubes are everyone's friend. Well, you might need more help because the American Airlines baggage policy changed, and it's not for the better.

For passengers flying American's basic economy fare, American Airlines no longer offers one checked bag on flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania — and the rates are pretty steep. (Note: the basic economy policies for both domestic flights and for those going to Canada and Latin America have not changed.)
The price of our over-packing problem
Your ticket (be it economy or first class), where you are flying to, and where you are flying from all factor into the cost. We know — that's annoying and confusing. Here's the deal for transatlantic and transpacific flights:
Carry-ons are still free
Each passenger still gets one carry-on and one personal item for free with their basic economy ticket. As always, check with your airline about what counts, the weight and size requirements, and all that fun stuff. But otherwise, those two are business as usual. 
First and second checked bag fees
That first checked bag is where the fees start to stack up. First bags start at $0 if you grab a first-class ticket and go up to $75 for economy seats. But if you're looking to check a second bag? That will cost you $100.
Third and fourth checked bag
At this point, you might not even want to know. You'll spend $200 per bag checked in. It might be cheaper to ship your stuff ahead of you.

Read more
These are the travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money
Not all travel programs are created equal. These are the rare memberships that are still worth buying
Traveler pulling a rollaboard suitcase outside an airport, sun shining directly into the camera.

From Netflix and smartphone apps to food delivery services, everyone is vying for your subscription dollars these days. Most aren’t worth the expense, in our opinion. There are a few, however, that make legitimate sense — and cents — for travelers. If you're planning to travel in the upcoming year, here are the best travel memberships and subscription services that are worth the money in 2023.

TSA PreCheck
Let’s start with the most obvious travel membership: TSA PreCheck. Even for U.S.-based travelers who only fly a handful of times per year, the recurring cost is worth the time and money. A five-year membership costs $78 (less than $16 annually). It’s guaranteed to save you hours at the airport because PreCheck passengers needn’t remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Read more
Jesse Tyler Ferguson reveals his top vacation spots (and what he never travels without)
Learn about Jesse Tyler Ferguson's thoughts on travel and cuisine
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband in Los Angeles.

Citi citi

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a household name, having played a leading role on Modern Family. He has also acted in various other movies and TV shows, and won a Tony award. Beyond his clear talent for acting, Jesse is passionate about food and travel. As Pride month hits the halfway mark and the summer travel season draws near, we chatted with the actor about his favorite LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations, what he always packs, and more. 

Read more