It’s smooth sailing for travelers at the security checkpoints at some airports.
Elsewhere, the partial government shutdown and staffing shortages are creating hours long waits on security lines snaking through the terminals and, in some cases out onto sidewalks and into parking garages.
At some airports, TSA Precheck, TSA Precheck Touchess ID and Clear lanes may still be moving faster than the general lanes.
But at some airports these expedited options are shut down, along with entire security checkpoints.
Skip the long TSA line. Reserve your screening time
While you may not be able avoid long security at all airports, for travelers without paid memberships in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, there are free virtual queuing cueing programs at select airports.
The program is like making a restaurant reservation. Passengers can go online several days before their flight, reserve a time slot and receive a QR to show at a dedicated lane at the airport.
In some cases, you may be able to make a reservation on your way to the airport or when you are the airport. And in most cases, reservations can be made for up to 10 people traveling together.
Slots are limited at all airports that offer the service. But we were able to make ( and then cancel) reservations for later this week at some of the airports listed below:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA Spot Saver is available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Checkpoints 2 and 4. Bookings can be made up to 5 days before your flight for up to 10 passengers.
Denver International Airport (DEN): DEN Reserve appointments are available daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for flights departing between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
However, a DEN airport spokesperson told us DEN may discontinue the program now that the airport’s East and West Security Checkpoints are open and providing average wait times at or below 5 minutes.
Orlando International Airport (MCO): MCO Reserve allows travelers to book a time slot up to 7 days in advance. Security screening times are available from 5:00am to 5:00pm for flights departing between 6:30am and 8:30pm. There are dedicated Reserve lanes in Terminals A, B and C.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): PHX Reserve is currently avialable 24 hours a day at Terminal 3. Reservations can be made up to six days before your flight.
Minneapolis International Airport (MSP): MSP Reserve slots are available in Terminal 1 from 3:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. at the North Security Checkpoint and in Terminal 2 from 3:45 – 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Checkpoint 2. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): T4 Reserve is only available in JFK Terminal 4. Reservations can be made up to 7 days ahead of your flight.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) discontinued it’s Fast Lane reservation program in January, 2026
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