Level Up Your Airport Experience with Credit Card Perks!

Hey travel enthusiasts! Philip here, from Points of Phillip, and I'm here to ask you a question: Are you ready to transform your airport experience with the power of your credit card?

For the past year, I've been mastering the art of airport travel, and I'm excited to share my secrets. Credit cards can unlock three key benefits that make your time at the airport smooth, fast, and maybe even enjoyable (gasp!).

We're diving into:

• Clear Plus: Breeze through security lines with facial recognition.

• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Enjoy expedited security screening.

• Lounge Access: Relax and recharge in exclusive airport lounges.

These perks have helped me speed through security in Orlando in about 10 minutes! Let's get started:

Clear Plus: Skip the Line

Clear Plus is a service that uses facial recognition to verify your identity and whisk you to the front of the security line.

How it Works:

1. Sign up through the Clear app. You'll need to upload images of your passport and driver's license.

2. Visit a Clear enrollment location at an airport with full Clear machines (not just mobile locations).

3. They'll scan your documents, capture your facial biometrics, and escort you to the front of the TSA line.

4. If you have TSA PreCheck, Clear gets you to the front of the PreCheck line!

5. As long as you're traveling domestically, you don't even need to show your ID to TSA!

Is Clear Plus Worth It?

While some airports may have longer Clear lines, having the option to skip the regular line can be a lifesaver. In my experience, especially in busy airports like Orlando, Clear is a game-changer.

How to Get Clear Plus (Potentially) for Free:

Clear Plus costs around $209 per person annually. But don't pay full price! Here's how to potentially get it reimbursed through credit card perks:

• American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, Green Card, Hilton Honors Aspire Card, and Centurion Card: These cards offer a statement credit to cover the cost of Clear Plus. Important Note: This benefit is limited to ONE Clear Plus membership per card account. Authorized users do not get their own credit.

• Family Plans: You can add family members to your Clear Plus account at a reduced rate. However, you can't combine multiple credit card credits to cover a family membership.

• Discounted Clear Plus: Certain Delta SkyMiles cards (Gold and above) and United cards (Explorer, Gateway, Club, Quest, Business, and Business Club) offer discounted Clear Plus memberships.

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Speed Through Security

TSA PreCheck gives you access to a dedicated security line with expedited screening procedures. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus speeds you through customs when returning to the US.

TSA PreCheck Perks:

• Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on.

• Leave laptops and liquids in your bag.

• Less hassle, less time in line!

The Holy Grail: Clear Plus + TSA PreCheck

Combine Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck for the ultimate airport experience. Clear gets you to the front of the TSA PreCheck line, and PreCheck lets you breeze through security. I've gone from curbside to the tram in Orlando in about 10 minutes using this combo!

How to Get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry for Free:

Many credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Since TSA PreCheck lasts for 5 years, most cards offer this credit every 4 years.

Here are some cards that offer this perk:

• Aeroplan Credit Card

• American Airlines Credit Union Visa Signature card

• Bank of America Premium Rewards card

• Capital One Spark Miles

• Capital One Venture

• Venture X

• Venture X Business

• Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

• Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Card

• Citi Prestige card

• Delta Sky Miles Platinum card

• Delta SkyMiles Reserve card

• HSBC cards

• IHG Rewards Premier Card

• IHG Rewards Premier Business Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

• Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card

• One Key Plus card

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit card

• Truist cards

• United Club Infinite card

• United Explorer card

• United Quest card

• USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature credit card

• US Bank Altitude Connect

• US Bank Altitude Reserve

• US Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express card

Global Entry Application Tips:

Global Entry requires an interview with a customs agent, so schedule your appointment well in advance. Approval can take several months.

Lounge Access: Relax and Recharge

Lounge access can transform your time at the airport from stressful to relaxing.

• Delta Sky Club: The Platinum Card, Centurion Card, and Delta Reserve Card offer access to Delta Sky Clubs. The Platinum Card gets you 10 visits per year. The Reserve Card gets you 15 visits per year. If you spend $75,000 or more on the Platinum or Reserve Card, you get unlimited guest access.

• Centurion Lounges: The Platinum Card, Centurion Card, and Delta Reserve Card offer access to Centurion Lounges.

• Priority Pass: The American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, and Centurion Card offer complimentary Priority Pass membership, giving you access to a network of lounges worldwide.

My Airport Routine:

Check-in, breeze through Clear and TSA PreCheck, relax in a lounge until boarding time. It's a stress-free way to travel!

I hope this helps you upgrade your airport experience. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!