For years, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have been staples for frequent flyers hoping to speed through the airport. If you travel enough, you’re probably familiar with Clear, too.

But lately, there have been a ton of changes with all three programs.

We’ve seen new versions of old travel hacks and high-tech upgrades to some of our favorite time-savers.

The good news: A lot of these new (or improved) shortcuts won’t cost you anything extra.

But it can be a lot to keep track of — even if you’re a seasoned traveler.

And that’s what we’re here for. Let’s quickly walk through our favorite airport shortcuts, how they’re changing and how they can save you time before (or after) your next flight.

TSA PreCheck

Millions of travelers already use and swear by TSA PreCheck, which remains one of the best ways to get through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

TSA PreCheck gets you access to the expedited lanes, which typically have shorter lines. You can also keep light jackets on and leave liquids in your carry-on bag.

Cost: $78 application fee; membership is valid for five years after you complete your interview and receive approval. You can also gain TSA PreCheck access through Global Entry, which costs more but includes expedited passport control. Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee for either program.

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Recently, TSA PreCheck has gotten some high-tech upgrades. Keep reading to hear more.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

Over the last year, the TSA has significantly expanded its new TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program.

Now live at more than 60 U.S. airports, these special TSA PreCheck lanes are typically even faster than the regular PreCheck lanes.

When using the Touchless lanes, you don’t have to pull out your ID or boarding pass. A camera snaps your photo and verifies your identity.

The only catch? You have to opt into the program with each individual airline you fly with in order to gain access.

The cost: Nothing extra. If you have TSA PreCheck access, you’re eligible to sign up for the Touchless lanes.

What about the new TSA e-gates?

The TSA is also now trialing new automated “e-gates” at a few major East Coast airports.

This isn’t technically a new program to join. These are just lanes where the TSA has automated ID checks with high-tech gates.

Instead of handing your ID to an officer, a computer will snap your photo — and then the gates will open and you proceed.

The TSA is currently testing e-gates at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in certain TSA PreCheck lanes.

At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the automatic gates are live in Terminal C for United Airlines passengers using TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

Key reminder: All TSA photography is optional. If you don’t want your picture taken, you can opt out.

Cost: You don’t need to pay or do anything extra. Just go to the airport, and there’s a chance you might go through an e-gate instead of checking your ID with an officer

Clear

A favorite of road warriors, Clear is another way to significantly reduce your wait at TSA checkpoints.

I sometimes think of this as an “add-on” you can buy on top of TSA PreCheck, because it works best if you have both PreCheck and Clear.

Clear’s flagship service at the airport (which is technically called “Clear Plus”) essentially allows you to skip the main security line.

Instead of verifying your ID with a federal officer, you head right to a Clear kiosk. It snaps your photo, verifies you’re you, and a Clear worker escorts you to the front of the TSA line.

Cost: The program recently hiked its membership fee to $219 per year. However, certain credit cards will reimburse the membership dues. Alternatively, elite status with some major airlines will get you a discount

Clear e-gates

Clear is currently upgrading its service at airports across the country with its own “e-gates”.

This new equipment should make the paid service even faster by improving passenger flow at security checkpoints.

Clear’s e-gates are now in place at more than 70% of the airports it serves, the company told TPG. The tech is expected to be at all its airport stations by the end of this year.

Global Entry

Global Entry is the best way to save time at passport control after an international flight.

Members who have paid their application fee and completed an interview can skip the main passport control line.

Instead, they head right to the blue Global Entry kiosks, The machine snaps a photo and verifies a travelers identity — often within one or two seconds.

Members usually don’t even need to pull out their passport.

Cost: Global Entry now costs $120 for five years, but the program includes TSA PreCheck access. Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee.

Global Entry camera capture

Recently, Global Entry has looked a little different at some airports.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which runs the program, is currently trialing new tech that allows passengers to walk through passport control without ever stopping or standing in line.

This new “camera capture” technology is live at six major airports.

At those hubs, you may walk into the customs hall and just hear an officer call out your name, and tell you you’re clear to proceed.

I’ve used it twice so far, and it was really fast both times. I’m curious to see if this setup gets expanded.

3 more ways to speed through customs

• Global Entry via mobile app: For three years, there has been a mobile app version of Global Entry that allows you to skip the kiosks. That app is changing in September, but it remains an option for travelers.
• Mobile Passport Control: Don’t fly enough to justify paying for Global Entry? Mobile Passport Control is a great (free) alternative. It doesn’t require an interview and is often available for travelers who can’t get approved for Global Entry for one reason or another.
• Enhanced Passenger Processing: CBP now has a facial-scanning process designed to speed up international arrivals for travelers who aren’t part of any of the other programs we’ve been talking about. It’s called Enhanced Passenger Processing, and it’s now live at a growing number of U.S. hubs.

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