15 Airport Services That Save You Serious Time

Air travel doesn’t have to feel like a marathon of waiting in lines and rushing through terminals. Modern airports offer dozens of services designed to streamline your journey, though many travelers never know they’re available. These aren’t just luxury perks for the wealthy. Many are surprisingly affordable and can transform your travel experience from stressful to smooth.

Smart travelers know that the key to hassle-free flying lies in preparation and knowing which services actually deliver on their promises. Here is a list of 15 airport services that can genuinely save you serious time on your next trip.

TSA PreCheck

Denver, Colorado, USA-August 15, 2024-A clear and inviting sign marks the entrance to the TSA PreCheck lane at Denver International Airport DIA. The blue sign with white lettering guides travelers — Photo by urban_light

TSA PreCheck turns the usual security nightmare into a five-minute breeze. Instead of removing shoes, belts, and laptops while juggling your carry-on, you simply walk through a standard metal detector with most of your gear intact. The dedicated PreCheck lanes typically move three times faster than regular security lines, especially during peak travel times. For $78 over five years, it’s like buying express lane access that works at over 200 airports nationwide.

Clear

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Clear takes airport efficiency to the next level by replacing document checks with biometric scans. You scan your eyes or fingertips at a kiosk, and within seconds, you’re escorted directly to the front of the security line. Think of it as a VIP pass that cuts through the longest parts of airport delays—the initial ID verification bottleneck that can stretch for hundreds of yards during busy periods. While it costs $189 annually, frequent travelers often recoup this cost through time savings on just a few trips.

Global Entry

Minneapolis, Minnesota – April 19, 2023: Hand holds up a brochere after being approved for TSA Global Entry program
 — Photo by mkopka

Global Entry transforms the often brutal customs experience into a 60-second airport exit. Instead of waiting in lengthy immigration lines after international flights, you scan your passport at a kiosk, place your fingerprints on the scanner, and walk straight out. The service includes TSA PreCheck benefits domestically and works at over 75 international airports. At $100 for five years, it’s practically free considering it can save you an hour or more on each international return.

Mobile Passport Control

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This free app from U.S. Customs essentially gives you Global Entry Lite for international arrivals. You complete your customs declaration on your phone before landing, then use a dedicated line that’s typically much shorter than the standard immigration queues. While not as fast as Global Entry, it still cuts processing time significantly and costs absolutely nothing. The app works at most major U.S. airports and is particularly valuable for travelers who don’t fly internationally often enough to justify Global Entry.

Curbside Check-In

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Curbside check-in lets you skip the airline counter entirely by handling baggage and boarding passes right outside the terminal. For a typical $3–$5 tip plus any baggage fees, you can avoid the often chaotic ticket counter lines inside. This service shines during peak travel periods when indoor check-in lines can stretch for an hour or more. Many airlines offer this at major airports, and it’s especially valuable when you’re running late or traveling with heavy bags.

Priority Security Lanes

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Most major airlines sell access to priority security lanes for $15–$25 per person, even if you don’t have elite status. These lanes are typically shorter and move faster than general security, though they’re not as efficient as TSA PreCheck. Think of them as the middle ground between standard security chaos and premium expedited services. They’re particularly useful at airports where TSA PreCheck availability is limited or during times when even PreCheck lines get backed up.

Airport Lounges

Dubai international airport gates and lounges photo date 23-08-2020 Dubai, UAE — Photo by usmanmalik965

While lounges are known for free food and Wi-Fi, their real value lies in proximity to gates and priority boarding announcements. Most lounges are strategically located near major gate clusters, cutting your walking time significantly. Day passes typically cost $25–$50, but many credit cards include lounge access as a perk. Beyond comfort, lounges often provide real-time flight updates and dedicated staff who can assist with rebooking during delays, potentially saving hours during travel disruptions.

Fast-Track Immigration

BANGKOK – FEB 9: Check-in counters at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport Feb 9, 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand
 — Photo by 1000Words

Many international airports offer paid fast-track immigration services that create express lanes through passport control. For $10–$30, you skip the main immigration queues and use dedicated lanes with shorter waits. This service is particularly valuable at busy European and Asian airports where immigration lines can stretch for over an hour during peak times. Unlike Global Entry, these services work for any nationality and don’t require advance enrollment.

Baggage Wrapping Services

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 23, 2013: Luggage wrapping service in Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, Russia
 — Photo by mariakray

Professional baggage wrapping protects your luggage while potentially speeding up baggage claim. Wrapped bags are easier to spot on crowded carousels, and the distinctive appearance helps baggage handlers prioritize them. The service costs around $10–$15 per bag and takes just a few minutes at stations throughout most major airports. While primarily protective, many travelers report faster baggage delivery times, possibly because wrapped bags are less likely to get caught in automated sorting systems.

Airport Concierge Services

Gatwick Airport, UK- May 3, 2022: Airport Concierge desk at Gatwick Airport
 — Photo by swilphotos

Professional concierges can handle everything from rebooking flights to arranging ground transportation while you focus on other tasks. These services typically cost $50–$100 per hour but can save significantly more time during complex travel situations. They’re particularly valuable during weather delays, when rebooking flights yourself might take hours on hold with airlines. Many airports offer these services, though they’re not widely advertised and often require advance booking.

Premium Ground Transportation

landrovermena/Flickr

Pre-arranged car services and airport shuttles eliminate the time spent figuring out transportation upon arrival. Unlike rideshare apps that require waiting and surge pricing during peak times, scheduled services are ready when you land. Many services offer flight tracking, adjusting pickup times automatically if your flight is delayed. While more expensive than public transportation, the time savings and reliability often justify the cost, especially for business travelers or those with tight connections.

Airline Mobile Apps

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Modern airline apps handle check-in, seat selection, and boarding pass storage, but their real power lies in real-time rebooking capabilities. When flights get delayed or canceled, you can often rebook directly through the app, while others wait in customer service lines. The apps also send push notifications about gate changes and boarding times, helping you stay ahead of crowds. This technology essentially puts airline customer service in your pocket, available 24/7 without phone hold times.

Priority Boarding

DepositPhotos

Purchasing priority boarding for $15–$25 ensures overhead bin space and eliminates the stress of rushing to board. While you’re not actually flying any faster, you avoid the bottleneck of waiting in boarding groups and searching for luggage space. This service is particularly valuable on full flights where overhead bins fill quickly, forcing late boarders to gate-check bags and wait at baggage claim. Priority boarding essentially guarantees a smooth departure experience.

Airport Wi-Fi Premium Tiers

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While basic airport Wi-Fi is often free but slow, premium tiers offer significantly faster speeds for $5–$10 per day. Fast internet enables efficient work, quick video calls with family, and rapid download of entertainment for your flight. During layovers, reliable internet can help you stay productive instead of just killing time. Many airports also offer premium Wi-Fi in specific zones, allowing you to choose faster service only when you need it most.

Express Customs Lanes

Mineralnye Vody, Russia – August 27, 2021: Mineralnye Vody Airport. International airport. M.Yu. Lermontov. Arrival terminal
 — Photo by MaykovNikita

Some airports offer paid express customs lanes for arriving international passengers, separate from Global Entry. These services typically cost $20–$40 and provide dedicated lanes with shorter waits and faster processing. While not as comprehensive as Global Entry, they’re available to travelers of any nationality without advance enrollment. The service is particularly useful at airports where Global Entry kiosks are limited or when traveling with family members who don’t have trusted traveler status.

Why These Services Matter More Than Ever

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Airport efficiency services have evolved from luxury perks to practical necessities as travel volumes return to pre-pandemic levels while staffing remains inconsistent. The time savings from these services compound throughout your journey—TSA PreCheck gets you through security faster, which gives you more time to reach your gate, which reduces stress and lets you focus on what matters. Smart travelers now budget for time-saving services the same way they budget for flights and hotels, recognizing that a few extra dollars upfront can prevent hours of frustration and missed connections down the line.

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