Running late for your flight? Some airports allow you to skip long security lines for a minimal one-time fee

“Welcome to the B-FAST lane!” 

This was how the LaGuardia Airport in New York City greeted flyers with a new announcement about a new technology. 

As of recently, passengers flying through the airport are allowed to skip to the front of the security line, thanks to B-FAST, a new on-demand paid service. 

The B-FAST lane is available at the LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B and gives passengers an option to skip long lines at the security checkpoint by purchasing an express pass. 

According to Frank Scremin, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, 

“This is another example of how we are giving guests technology to help them control their journey at Terminal B. B-FAST gives travelers the option to fly through security through a dedicated lane when they're in a rush.” 

How B-FAST Works 

B-FAST lets travelers avoid long security queues by scanning their express lane passes upon entry to the checkpoint. Once the pass is scanned, passengers can go to the front of the line for an instant TSA (Transport Security Administration) document check and screening process. 

Below is a simple step-by-step process on how to use this new technology: 

• Select - Choose the best B-FAST option that best suits you. 
• Share - Share B-FAST access to your travel companion/s. 
• Use - Scan your B-FAST QR code at the dedicated lane as you enter the security checkpoint. After scanning, you’ll proceed to the front of the line for TSA document check and screening. 

The LaGuardia Airport offers two B-FAST passes to travelers: the Instant Pass and the Pre-Booked Pass. 

The Instant Pass provides passengers with instant access to the airport’s security lanes from the name itself. This pass is automatically activated upon purchase and must be used within 90 days. 

Meanwhile, the Pre-Booked Pass also gives passengers access to the airport’s dedicated security lanes. However, it differs from the Instant Pass because the Pre-Booked Pass will only be activated 1 hour after purchase. Pre-Booked Passes purchased for a future flight schedule will be activated only on the day of travel. This type of pass must also be used within 90 days. 

The Instant Pass costs USD 15, while the Pre-Booked Pass costs USD 10. If you’re traveling with your family and friends, you can purchase multiple B-FAST passes and share the unique QR codes with each traveler. Your group doesn’t need to pass through the B-FAST lane together for as long as each of you have your passes. 

The new fast pass option at the LaGuardia Airport comes as millions of travelers are expected to travel through US airports for the busy Thanksgiving and December holiday periods. 

Other Airports that Offer a Fast Lane 

The LaGuardia Airport isn’t the only airport that offers passengers a paid system to bypass long security lines. The Orlando International Airport (MCO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also have their own express lane systems to help passengers skip long lines at the security checkpoint. 

Orlando International Airport 

Travelers in Orlando have an option to reserve a timed spot for airport security through a new effort from biometric security company Clear. 

This reservation system allows travelers to view available TSA checkpoints and reserve one for free using Clear’s website. After completing the reservation process, passengers will receive a QR code that they can scan at the airport’s special “Clear reservation lane.” 

At present, the system is operating at the east and west checkpoints of the Orlando International Airport. 

Here’s what Caryn Seidman-Becker, CEO of Clear, said about the new system: 

“The travel experience can be unpredictable―from the moment you step outside your door to the moment you arrive at your destination. We are excited to offer this new experience alongside Orlando International Airport and help give their travelers more predictability and more control over their time. With Clear’s solutions, travelers are enjoying faster and easier travel from home to gate.” 

Los Angeles International Airport 

Last October, the Los Angeles International Airport rolled out a trial reservation system for security checkpoints. The trial is only available for United Airlines passengers passing through TSA checkpoints in Terminals 7 and 8. The program, which is called “LAX Fast Lanes,” is free and will last until the end of its trial period on January 18, 2022. 

To make a reservation, travelers must pick a 15-minute window on the Fast Lane website up to 24 hours before their departure and receive a QR code to scan at the airport’s security checkpoint. After scanning the code, they will proceed to a reserved TSA screening lane. 

According to Jonna McGrath, the airline’s managing director of LAX,

“At United, we’re constantly looking at new offerings for our customers to make navigating travel easier and we expect this to be a useful way to save time for customers, especially those traveling this upcoming holiday season. We look forward to making the travel experience with United a breeze.” 

The pilot reservation system is available every day from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm. 

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 

As a growing number of passengers have taken to the skies in recent weeks, TSA checkpoints at various airports are seeing longer queues at security lanes. However, passengers at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are getting a reprieve through Sea-Tac. 

Sea-Tac is a testing program that allows passengers to reserve their spot at the airport security line in advance. The program has been operating since August 2021 and is available to passengers traveling via Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and other select carriers who use TSA checkpoints 2 and 5 at the airport. 

Alaska Airlines passengers have an option of booking for a TSA screening time before leaving for the airport or up to 24 hours ahead of departure. They can also book same-day appointments via a QR code at the airport. 

On the other hand, passengers flying on Delta and other eligible carriers can only book a screening time after they’ve arrived at Sea-Tac. 

Appointments are available for flight schedules between 4:00 am and 12:00 noon local time. Those traveling in groups are allowed to book under a single reservation. All appointments have a 15-minute grace period. Those arriving early can also check-in for screening 15 minutes ahead of their schedule. 

As we always suggested, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and Clear remain the must-have combo for any road warrior. This advice does not change. Having the option to skip the lines for a small fee is excellent news for those who are not traveling often and do not have the premium cards that sponsor TSA PreCheck and Clear. 

As Wikimiles, we hope to see more and more services create innovative solutions for travelers to efficiently navigate the airports!