Navigating busy airports like LAX can be a headache, but programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are designed to streamline your experience, reducing wait times and making travel less stressful. Here’s how these programs can benefit you when flying in and out of LAX.

1. Expedited Security with TSA PreCheck

One of the biggest perks of TSA PreCheck is the ability to use dedicated security lanes, which significantly reduce your wait time. You also don’t have to deal with the usual hassles—like removing shoes, belts, or laptops from your bag—which makes the entire process smoother. At a busy airport like LAX, where security lines can stretch for miles during peak travel hours, PreCheck can save you a lot of time. In fact, over 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes to get through security. If you frequently fly out of LAX, this can make a huge difference in your travel routine.

2. Seamless Re-entry with Global Entry

If you travel internationally, Global Entry takes the pain out of clearing U.S. Customs when you return. Once you land at LAX after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is stand in a long customs line. Global Entry gives you access to automated kiosks, where you can scan your passport or use biometric information to zip through customs in a matter of minutes. Even better, Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, so you don’t need to apply for both programs separately.

This dual functionality is a huge advantage, especially at airports like LAX where both domestic and international traveler traffic is heavy. Instead of getting stuck in lengthy customs lines, Global Entry users are often out of the airport before others even get close to finishing.

3. Cost and Convenience

The application fee for Global Entry is $100, and it’s valid for five years, which means you pay just $20 per year for the convenience of bypassing long lines. Although the price for Global Entry is slightly higher than TSA PreCheck’s $85 fee, it includes all of TSA PreCheck's perks, making it a better value for travelers who frequently go abroad. Several credit cards also offer reimbursement for these fees, making the programs even more accessible.

4. Time-Saving at LAX

Given the sheer size and number of passengers passing through LAX, saving time can be the biggest draw of these programs. TSA PreCheck is available at many of LAX’s terminals, including the highly trafficked Tom Bradley International Terminal, where security lines are known to be long and tedious. The same applies for Global Entry at customs, where the wait times can be dramatically reduced.

In short, both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are invaluable tools for frequent travelers, especially when flying through busy airports like LAX. If you find yourself in airports regularly, investing in either program will save you time, reduce stress, and make the entire airport experience more pleasant.