Lea Diele, CTIE, VTA
Vice President, Education | Educational Services, Travel Leaders Network

Being an independent contractor and getting clients booked is just one aspect of your service. You can add additional value by coaching them how to navigate busy airports, especially during peak travel seasons. Sometimes the biggest challenge for our clients is managing the air to get to their destination and back. Here are a few options to help guide your clients.

Be Prepared for Security Procedures:

• Arrive at the airport well in advance, especially for international flights, to allow ample time for check-in, security screening and potential lines.
• Pack your carry-on bag strategically to ensure easy access to laptops, liquids and other items that need to be removed during security checks.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove and put back on at security checkpoints.

TSA PRECHECK

The TSA will now allow teens age 13-17 who are not yet enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program to go through the PreCheck lane if their parents or guardians are enrolled and they are traveling on the same reservation. Children 12 and under are already allowed to do the same.

• See a full list of TSA PreCheck airports in the U.S.
• Read more on teen access to TSA Precheck

CLEAR

In the Clear lane, step up to the pod and scan your boarding pass. You’ll be prompted to verify who you are with your eyes or fingerprints. Once verified, an employee will escort you to the front for the physical screening. Clear is offering one month free. You can complete a form for free Clear access for one month. Clear plans to expand lanes at major airports such as Atlanta Hartsfield and Washington Dulles and has increased its airport staff 35% this year compared with 2022. Clear is privately run, independent of the government. There have been some recent media reports that could signal changes to Clear. Always check the details of your flight departure and the latest news and procedures for any expediting service you are hoping to use during your travels.

• More information regarding Clear
• Find a Clear lane near you
  

NEXUS

Nexus is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States for low-risk, pre-approved travelers. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Nexus memberships are valid for five years. There is a $50 (USD) non-refundable application processing fee. Traveling with your family? Everyone needs their own card to benefit. Children under 18 are free. Both U.S. and Canadian residents can apply for Nexus.

• More information regarding Nexus
• Where you can use Nexus

Have you heard about the Apple Wallet coming to an airport near you?

Apple iPhone users at certain airports have a new feature to utilize which places their driver’s license in their phone for TSA agents. Travelers in four states are now able to use the Apple Wallet ID on their iPhone to get through security, and more airports are on the way. Read more in this article from AFAR.