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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports .

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.

Another upcoming processing technology option for travelers will be the Global Entry Mobile App. This app will enable members to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

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Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

Before your summer travels overseas, you should look into whether you've got one of the best international phone plans for staying connected during your upcoming adventures. In the U.S., all the major wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans , but they also have supplementary packages for travelers to augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might cover different countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile offers an expanded array of plans, though most of its unlimited data plan options have some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Magenta, Magenta Max, Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1584493&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone-plans&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - t-mobile.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over Magenta Max for world travelers, even if the latter plan is $5 cheaper for a single line. That's because Go5G Plus customers get more data when traveling in Mexico and Canada (15GB vs. 10GB for Magenta Max) and 10GB more hotspot data. Otherwise, the two plans are identical: You can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). The cheaper Go5G and Magenta plans ($75/month and $70/month, respectively) also feature travel benefits, including high-speed data in 11 European countries. Otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds now reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to either the standard Magenta or Go5G plans and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to either Magenta Max or Go5G Plus, both of which cost $15 more a month than their respective base plans. In that case, you can benefit from 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Magenta Max and Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you go with the standard Magenta or Go5G option, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 5GB of data whether you've got Magenta or Magenta Max; speeds are slowed to 2G after that. Go5G customers get 10GB of data in those two countries, while Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15733793?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.verizon.com/plans/unlimited/" data-link-merchant="verizon.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15735111?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.att.com/plans/wireless/" data-link-merchant="att.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $10-a-day International Day Pass, which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan. (Note that each device you take overseas will need its own Day Pass.) That service is available in 210-plus countries, and you can add extra phones for just $5 a day.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses cellular towers of T-Mobile and US Cellular to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | <a href="https://fi.google.com/about/plans/" data-link-merchant="fi.google.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular networks and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Globla Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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Should you take The Mountain Pass or The Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3

What’s the best way to reach the Moonrise Towers?

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Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game of choice. Sometimes that choice is complex and political, like picking sides in a three-sided war. And sometimes the choice can seem as simple as “which route should I take to the next story mission?”

The latter of those two decisions is one you’ll face near the end of act 1, when you have to decide how you and your crew want to reach Moonrise Towers . Should you take the fungal, dark path of The Underdark ? Or should you delve into the mysterious Mountain Pass ?

In this Baldur’s Gate 3 guide, we’re going to tell you which path to take and break down the two different routes to the Moonrise Towers.

Should you choose The Mountain Pass or The Underdark?

There are character-critical story quests on both routes, so the answer to “should you go the route of The Mountain Pass or The Underdark” is, simply: Do both. Just make sure you do each route before you get too far into the Moonrise Tower quest, as some players report a point of no return in the latter parts of act 2 .

Should you do the Mountain Pass or the Underdark first?

So if the answer is just “do both,” let’s reframe the question: Should you do The Mountain Pass or The Underdark first ? That is also an easy one, albeit for reasons that will differ player to player.

The Underdark is significantly harder and longer. If you go through it first, you’ll blast through The Mountain Pass no problem. On the other hand, if you do The Mountain Pass first, you might have a bit of a harder time with the handful of combats encounters there, but you’ll be able to enter The Underdark with more XP under your belt and a ton of magical items from the First Light Inn shops.

Ultimately, we suggest doing The Mountain Pass first , but for reasons entirely divorced from combat or difficulty: Gale .

Gale is a wonderful party member and a delightful person to keep around in camp, but his constant need to consume magical items is a real bummer — especially in the early parts of the game, when magical items are hard to come by. But on your journey through The Mountain Pass, you’ll meet an old mentor of Gale’s — Elminster — who can progress your Wizard’s story quest and put a pause on his hunger for your items.

Because The Mountain Pass route is so much shorter and easier (relatively speaking) than The Underdark, it’s easy to pop over, grab Elminster, stop Gale’s curse, reach the First Light Inn, get the Waypoint, grab some new items, and start your adventure in The Underdark beefed up and ready to party.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and your second path will be made easier by whatever trials and tribulations you experience on your first path. Like all things Baldur’s Gate 3 , take the information the game gives you, pair it with some of the context we’ve provided below, and choose what sounds best for your role-playing experience and party.

What to expect from The Mountain Pass

The Mountain Pass is an entirely new area located west of the Goblin Camp . And if you click on the loading door for it, it will scare you with a message that encourages you to wrap things up in the starter region first — almost as if it’s suggesting you can’t come back. This is a bizarrely worded warning, as you can still leave The Mountain Pass the way you came in and complete quests you missed earlier in the game.

Anyway, The Mountain Pass route is relatively quick and straightforward. Once you enter the area, you only have two options. You can head to the Abandoned Monastery for Lae’Zel to complete part of her sprawling side quest. Or you can follow the main quest and head straight to the Shadow-Cursed Lands , which is where you’ll find the Moonrise Towers and the Last Light Inn town.

The main route here is very quick, and we only ran into a single combat on our way through the pass to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. It’s also the road you’ll meet Elminster on.

What to expect from The Underdark

The Underdark is a dangerous path, but a fun one. You can get in a few different ways, but we recommend taking the path under the Goblin Camp , through the Defiled Temple puzzle . This will spit you out right before a Waypoint, a handful of cool monster battles, and within spitting distance of the Grymforge and Adamantine Forge — which you’ll need to pass through on the way to the Moonrise Towers.

You’ll also be able to nab some sweet gear from the nearby Arcane Tower , if you want a neat side quest to jump into.

Unlike The Mountain Pass — which offers several interesting conversations — The Underdark route is mostly about combat. You’ll need to battle many different monsters and fend off at least one ambush if you want to reach your destination alive. (If you haven’t grown accustomed to quick-saving early and often, The Underdark will be sure to help the muscle memory set in.)

It’s also worth mentioning that this is where you’ll find Shadowheart ’s companion quest. If she’s your main squeeze, or maybe just your favorite party member, this route will allow you to progress her story.

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Luxury travel for less: Your guide to free airport lounge passes

O ne of the most stressful aspects of travel involves the airport experience. When you’re not being hassled at security checkpoints, you’re spending way too much time (and money) finding reasonably priced, healthy food options and a comfortable place to relax before a flight. Airport lounges can solve these options by providing a serene and comfortable oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of busy terminals.

These exclusive spaces can run the gamut from basic to ultra-luxurious, with some even providing complimentary spa services. There are many reasons travelers pay to access airport lounges, but with the right credit card or membership, you may be able to get airport lounge passes for a steep discount—or even free. 

What is an airport lounge pass?

An airport lounge pass is a ticket or membership granting access to select airport lounges. These lounges give travelers a more comfortable environment to relax before a flight. They typically offer comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks and high-speed Wi-Fi. The more premium lounges even offer a la carte dining options, shower suites, nap rooms, and spa services. The quality of a lounge typically corresponds to the airline it's operated by. Premium airlines like Singapore and Emirates typically offer superb lounges, especially abroad.

Meena Thiruvengadam, travel expert and founder of Travel With Meena, finds the most value in airport lounge access when traveling abroad. “Having a comfortable place to shower before a long flight, do my skincare routine or nap during a long layover makes travel feel less exhausting. And there’s nothing like getting where you’re going—or getting home—and not feeling completely wiped out.”

Can you get into an airport lounge for free?

Generally, accessing an airport lounge for free is only possible if you hold a premium class ticket or have a membership or credit card that grants you access. International business or first-class passengers often enjoy lounge access as part of their ticket benefits. Some lounges also extend complimentary access to military members in uniform. Additionally, those who have an active lounge membership can sometimes bring up to two guests without paying a fee. 

Most other travelers can gain entry to airport lounges by purchasing a day pass. These typically cost between $25-60, depending on the lounge. Some lounges are so exclusive that you can’t even pay for access but need a specific membership or credit card. The American Express Centurion lounge is a prime example, restricting access to Amex Platinum and Centurion members only. Even guests have to pay a $30-$50 fee to accompany a qualifying cardmember into the lounge unless the cardmember reaches a spending threshold. 

8 ways to get into an airport lounge  

While spending $25-60 on a lounge pass may be worthwhile to some, attaining these luxurious spaces doesn’t have to cost a thing. Credit cards, particularly those with travel-centric perks, often grant lounge passes or memberships as part of their cardholder benefits. Additionally, standalone lounge memberships or programs like Priority Pass offer a wider range of lounges across different airlines. Savvy travelers can also secure free access through elite status within loyalty programs or by booking premium cabin seats using airline miles. Here are eight ways you can secure airport lounge passes for your next trip:

Airline rewards cards 

Many airline credit cards grant cardholders access to their lounges. These cards typically carry high annual fees but include airline lounge membership, along with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and annual credits towards airline elite status. Examples of airline cards that offer lounge access include the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, the United Club℠ Infinite Card and .

Travel rewards cards

Many premium travel rewards cards provide airport lounge access at thousands of lounges worldwide through networks like Priority Pass. Additionally, many of these cards offer annual travel credits that can be applied towards airport lounge visits, though each card is different. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers $200 in annual airline fee credits, plus access to a vast lounge network that includes Amex Centurion, Escape, Lufthansa, Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges. 

Elena Nikolova, founder of Muslim Travel Girl , often travels solo or with her four-year-old daughter. She recently renewed her high-annual-fee Amex Platinum Card for the lounge benefit alone: “The ability to relax, eat, drink, freshen up and not chase a child over the terminal is what makes travel enjoyable. We can't always travel in business class (although I try my best) so having a card that gives you free access even in economy and independent of an airline is what makes it worth the high fee.” Nikolova estimates she’s saved $2,000 on lounge passes in the last year alone, all while flying budget airlines sound Europe.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a network of over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including airline lounges and select restaurants. Annual memberships range from $69 to $469, with higher tier memberships including unlimited lounge visits. Priority Pass can provide excellent value for frequent travelers, though guest access comes with a $35 per-visit fee. The great news is many premium travel cards offer complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which includes guest access. Examples of these cards include the , and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

For those who don’t have access through credit cards or memberships, many lounges offer day passes that can be purchased at the airport. These passes allow one-time access in exchange for a fee of $25-60, though the exact fee varies by lounge. Some credit cards even include annual day passes as a cardholder perk, like the United Explorer Card . Day passes are ideal for occasional travelers seeking a comfortable space during layovers or delays. 

Guest access

Some lounge memberships allow cardholders to bring guests into the lounge, free of charge. Guest access policies can vary in terms of the number of guests allowed. For example, Priority Pass Select members can bring two guests with them free of charge. The same goes for Capital One Venture X and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders, who can bring up to two additional guests into Capital One lounges without charge.

Fly international business or first class

Passengers flying business or first class on international itineraries also get complimentary lounge access. If the airline doesn’t have its own lounge, qualifying passengers will typically be directed to a partner airline’s lounge. While this seems like a far-fetched idea, premium cabin travel is actually pretty attainable through airline miles and credit card points. 

Airline elite status

Nearly every domestic frequent flyer program offers lounge access as a perk to members who achieve elite status. You don’t have to be a top-tier elite member either to take advantage of this benefit – it’s available for most mid-tier elite members on international flights:

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Complimentary lounge access for MVP Gold, Gold 75K and Gold 100K members traveling on Oneworld airlines to destinations outside of the U.S., Canada or Mexico.
• American Airlines AAdvantage: Complimentary lounge access for Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members traveling on international flights operated by American or partner airlines to select international destinations. 
• Delta Air Lines SkyMiles: Complimentary lounge access for Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members traveling in Delta Premium Select cabins or Delta One. 
• United Airlines MileagePlus: Complimentary lounge access for  United Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K member traveling on an international Star Alliance flight.

Military members

Members of the U.S. military traveling in uniform and their families can access USO airport lounges free of charge. In addition, many domestic airlines offer complimentary lounge access to qualifying military personnel and their families. To gain access, most lounges require military members to be in uniform or present an I.D. with leave orders.

The takeaway  

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, airport lounges can vastly improve your travel experience. Lounges can elevate any trip by providing a quiet place to unwind and load up on snacks and drinks without paying outrageous airport prices. By leveraging the right credit cards and taking advantage of membership-based benefits, you can enjoy free airport lounge passes without breaking the bank.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date but are subject to change at any time at the issuer’s discretion. Before applying, please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card (Which One is Best for You!)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 25, 2023

By far the most asked question when it comes to Switzerland train travel is whether to get a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.

And when it comes to answering that question, it will always come down to the cost breakdown & convenience factors based on your particular itinerary.

This overview is here to help you make the best-informed decision possible for your trip to Switzerland.

By the end of reading through, I hope you will better understand the thought process between choosing the Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Switzerland Travel

When traveling around Switzerland, the main mode of transport will be the vast train network that runs throughout all corners of the country.

In addition to the train network, there are also busses, boats, mountain railways, cable cars, & more to help travelers get from point A to point B.

Now, for those taking a trip to Switzerland, odds are these modes of transport will be used frequently. And since Switzerland is not a cheap country to visit, you can imagine that all of these various rides will add up in cost.

That is where Switzerland travel passes come into play.

Instead of paying full fare for each and every train, bus, cable car, and boat ride you take, there are ways to drastically cut down on the costs.

While there are a few different travel pass options to consider (all of which I will talk about), the main two passes are the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half Fare Card.

You can learn more about general transport by reading through the Train Travel in Switzerland guide up on the site.

2) Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card Overview

To better help you understand the comparison from a high level, below are the main differences between the Swiss Travel Pass & Half Fare Card:

Swiss Travel Pass

• The Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited travel on the public Switzerland train/bus/boat network over a certain period of time for one cost.
• You can purchase a pass that covers 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days (either Second or First class tickets).
• While much train, bus, & boat travel is unlimited, not all transport is included . With a Swiss Travel Pass you will get discounted prices on mountain transport (25% – 50% discounts). Some mountain transport is included though (i.e. Mount Rigi).
• In addition to the transport, there are over 500 museums that are included with the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass. This can end up saving you hundreds if museums are a large part of your travels.
• With a Swiss Travel Pass, you do not need to purchase individual train tickets ahead of time . Simply show up to the station, hop on the train, and show the conductor your Swiss Travel Pass and passport.
• However, when taking mountain transport, you will still need to purchase those tickets beforehand (and receive a discount at the ticket office by showing your pass). Same holds true for some of the scenic panorama train rides, where a seat reservation may be required to purchase ahead of time.
• The pass can also be purchased as a Swiss Travel Pass Flex . Instead of having consecutive days, you can use it for a certain number of days within a month long time period. This will in turn make it more expensive to purchase, but it may make financial sense based on your itinerary (usually best for those that only plan to travel on a lower proportion of days during their trip).
• Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass ahead of time to get you all set for Switzerland!

Half Fare Card

• A Half Fare Card gives you the ability to purchase all your public train, bus & boat transport at 50% off the full fare ticket over a 30 day time period.
• Similarly, Half Fare Cards also apply to mountain transport , where you will usually get 50% off the full fare rate. There are instances though when the discount may be lower (i.e. 25%).
• When it comes to museums, there is no discount available . You will simply just need to purchase a ticket to the museum of choice.
• With the Half Fare Card, you will ALWAYS need to purchase tickets ahead of time (whether they are regular train rides or mountain transport). When buying tickets online or at the ticket office, you will need to choose the “Half Fare” option. Once on the train, the conductor will then check your tickets & half fare card.
• It is only available to non-residents of Switzerland and Lichtenstein .

Swiss Family Card

One of the top benefits of purchasing either a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, is the free Swiss Family Card that is offered along with it.

In essence, if one family member has a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, then any children between the ages of 6 to 15 years old can travel for free with them (children under 6 do not require a Family Card and can travel for free either way).

This essentially means that if a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 16 are traveling, only the parents need to purchase train passes, while the 2 kids travel for free. What may have first seemed like a much more expensive trip, just turned into half the cost to travel around.

The card can be acquired at any Switzerland railway station across the country.

Other Passes

There are two options for those that are looking for unlimited one day travel in Switzerland – the Saver Day Pass and 1 Day Travelpass.

1 Day Travelpass (Day Pass)

The 1 Day Travelpass (75 CHF) gives you unlimited travel on trains, boats & busses (and some mountain transport) for just for one single day. This can only be purchased if you already have a Swiss Half Fare Card.

The thought here is if you have one big day of travel with some expensive routes, purchasing this pass will end up being more economical friendly for you than just purchasing tickets with the Half Fare Card.

Saver Day Pass

There is also a Saver Day Pass for those that don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card (although it still can be purchased if you have a Half Fare Card). For one price, you will be able to travel on public trains, boats & busses for free.

Prices vary depending on how early you book the pass (starting at 29 CHF) and can be bought ~60 days in advance.

3) What is Included?

Now that you have a good understanding on what these two travel passes are, let’s talk about exactly what is and what is not included with each one.

What Is Included with the Swiss Travel Pass?

• All public train routes, bus routes, and boat routes in the country are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Most mountain transport is 50% off with select routes at a 25% discount (and some mountain transport is completely included – Rigi, Stoos, and Stanserhorn).
• There are also over 500 museums in the country that are covered with the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Seat reservations for panorama trains are not included, and must be purchased separately.

What Is Included with the Half Fare Card?

• All public train routes, bus routes, and boat routes in the country will receive a 50% discount with the Half Fare Card.
• Most mountain transport is 50% off with select routes at a 25% discount (there are even some routes that offer better discounts than the Swiss Travel Pass).

You can check out the map that shows the various areas of validity and discounted routes ( PDF version linked ).

4) Swiss Travel Pass & Half Fare Card Prices

Due to the fact that these two cards work in very different ways, the prices of course will be reflected accordingly.

Swiss Travel Pass Prices

Below are the prices for the Swiss Travel Pass based on number of days & class:

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

Below are the prices for the Swiss Travel Flex Pass based on number of days & class:

Half Fare Card Prices

Half Fare Card are simply 120 CHF for the 30 days, so that should make things a bit more simple.

5) How to Purchase

When it comes to purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card, you can do so ahead of time online or at train ticket booths.

• Swiss Travel Pass -> purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online
• Swiss Travel Pass Flex -> purchase the Swiss Travel Pass Flex online
• Half Fare Card -> purchase the Half Fare Card online

6) Pros & Cons

To summarize the main pros & cons of the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card:

Swiss Travel Pass Pros

• For one price, you will have access to all public trains, boats, and busses in Switzerland.
• There is no need to purchase individual tickets for any of those included rides. Simply show up with your pass and hop on the train.
• In addition, the pass offers free admission to over 500 museums all throughout the country. This can be very beneficial for those that include museum hopping on an itinerary.

Swiss Travel Pass Cons

• The pass is only valid for a limited number of days (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15). However, the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass Flex does give you the flexibility to travel a certain number of days over a month’s time.
• Most mountain transport is not included and you must purchase these tickets separately with a discounted fare (25% – 50%).
• Seat reservations for panorama train rides are not included and must be purchased separately beforehand.
• The Swiss Travel Pass is expensive. To figure out if it is worth the purchase, you must do the calculations (and take into consideration the ease of not needing to buy tickets for each ride).

Is Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

There are several reasons why the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it. Some of these include:

• If you are planning a lot of travel throughout your trip, especially longer & more expensive routes in the country.
• Not needing to worry about purchasing individual tickets for the journey (unless its mountain transport). Simply show up and be on your way.
• The idea that you can always be flexible with your travel plans and change them at a moment’s notice without any financial impact. Since train travel is unlimited, you may have more freedom to go back & forth as you see fit.

Purchase Today : If the Swiss Travel Pass is best for you, don’t forget to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass ahead of time to get you all set for your trip to Switzerland!

Half Fare Card Pros

• The Half Fare Card is cheaper than the upfront money needed for the Swiss Travel Pass. However, doing the math is always needed to better understand what is the best choice.
• All public train/bus/boat transport is 50% off. Most mountain transport is 50% with some at 25% (with some routes being even cheaper than the Swiss Travel Pass).
• The card is valid for up to one month, which does give travelers more flexibility when it comes to traveling.

Half Fare Card Cons

• With a Half Fare Card, you must purchase tickets for every route you take. This is much less convenient than the Swiss Travel Pass in that regard.
• There are no museums that are included with the Half Fare Card. If going to a museum in Switzerland, you must pay the full fare.

Is Swiss Half Fare Card Worth It

In general, the Half Fare Card is worth it if you are not traveling as much within your time in the country.

You can still get that large 50% discount on the routes that you do take, and the 120 CHF + 50% discount can certainly be less than purchasing tickets at full cost.

However, if you have more and more travel planned, you may need to consider the Swiss Travel Pass instead.

And remember, with the Half Fare Card, you still need to buy those individual train tickets each time.

7) Example 10 Day Itinerary Calculations

When it comes down to which pass is best for your trip, a financial calculation must be done.

Now, the financials may not be the only deciding factor. You may also consider the convenience factor & flexibility of the Swiss Travel Pass. But of course, the numbers are always important to think about.

Every trip to Switzerland is going to be different. So, without understanding each and every route you want to take, it will be difficult to give an exact answer.

However, I do have several itineraries up on the site. One of which is this 10 Day Switzerland Itinerary . Below is a breakdown of the costs – full fare, Swiss Travel Pass, & Half Fare Card for this itinerary.

There are some assumptions & things to note:

• Prices reflect second class tickets throughout the trip
• This would be using the 8 day Swiss Travel Pass, with the first day of use on day #2. Days 1 & 10 would have limited (if any) transport needed anyways.
• If buying full fare tickets or the Half Fare Card, it is possible to save even more using the 1 Day TravelPass or Saver Day Pass.
• Assumes overnights in Interlaken during the Jungfrau Region portion of the trip

As you can see, given the itinerary provided, the Half Fare Card is slightly less expensive compared to the Swiss Travel Pass (~60 CHF).

However, the idea of not needing to purchase individual tickets for most of these journeys + the flexibility to add more transport at no extra cost, makes me still inclined to buy the Swiss Travel Pass in this exact situation.

As I said though – every itinerary is different, and it will all depend on your exact route/s in order to choose the best option for your trip.

Purchase Today : If the Swiss Travel Pass is best for your trip to Switzerland, don’t forget to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass ahead of time!

I hope that helps you best decide whether to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also, be sure to check out the other Switzerland itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Related posts:

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Sunday 3rd of March 2024

I will be in Zurich for one day and will need a round trip ticket to and from Lucerne. Would I purchase the half off pass?

Sunday 26th of November 2023

Hi. Ok soo on the itinerary and prices. The Swiss pass came out more expensive than the half pass? Sorry if I didn't understand

Hi Jenny - yes you saw that correctly. Take a look at some of the comments I made underneath that though - you also need to think about the flexibility of the pass too / not needing to purchase tickets. The itinerary is only one very specific example, which can easily be expanded based on an individual's travel schedule. Hope you have a great trip.

Saturday 15th of July 2023

I plan to buy flex 15 days STP. Do I need to activate STP if I only use it for a mountain travel discount on certain days?

Sunday 16th of July 2023

Hi Stephen - from my understanding if you use the travel pass for just the mountain travel discount, it still counts as one of your days.

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

We are purchasing a Consecutive Day Swiss Travel pass, do we need to purchase cable cars or mountain excursions (ie Matterhorn) at time we buy pass? Can we use pass to purchase those tickets at a later time to get discount?

Hi there - no need to purchase the cable cars ahead of time. I would recommend doing so the day of just in case the weather is not ideal. You simply need to show up at the ticket office and show your travel pass. They will give you the discount when buying tickets. Enjoy!

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TSA PreCheck vs. Clear: What to Know

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Table of Contents

The difference between Clear and TSA PreCheck

What is tsa precheck, what is clear at the airport, is clear better than precheck, tsa precheck vs. global entry vs. clear, final thoughts on choosing clear or tsa precheck.

TSA PreCheck and Clear can both get you through airport security faster. But which is better?

Here’s a look at the benefits, requirements and price of TSA PreCheck versus Clear to help you decide which will work best for you — and whether you should get both. Plus, learn all the ways you can get one (or both) for free .

Here are three main differences between Clear and TSA PreCheck:

Bypassing security vs. shortening the wait. TSA PreCheck allows you to go through a shorter security line and undergo less strict screening requirements (i.e. don’t need to take off shoes). Clear allows you to skip the security line completely because instead of waiting in line, you approach a Clear kiosk where your ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. Once that quick process is complete, a Clear agent escorts you right to the front of security. No waiting required.

Cost. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for five years while Clear costs $189 per year.

Organization type. Clear is owned by a private company while TSA PreCheck is a government program.

One program doesn’t replace the other. They are complementary to one another.

TSA PreCheck and Clear aren’t available at every airport, so many frequent travelers find it best to have memberships to both. This improves the odds of faster and smoother airport experiences.

Luckily, there are many credit cards that completely cover the cost of both programs, allowing you to pay nothing out-of-pocket for both benefits.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards might surprise you

TSA PreCheck , managed by the Transportation Security Administration, is available to low-risk travelers who undergo an advance screening process. Open to U.S. citizens and certain foreign citizens, this includes a background check to determine eligibility for passing through airport security without having follow certain protocols.

Examples include removing your shoes and belt, taking out liquids or electronics (like laptop computers), and taking off outer garments, like a light jacket.

How does TSA PreCheck work?

Once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, you’re issued a Known Traveler Number, which you provide to your airline by storing it in your frequent flyer account or entering it into your reservation . Your boarding passes will henceforth include a TSA PreCheck designation that authorizes you to use an expedited security screening lane in more than 200 domestic airports. More than 85 domestic and international airlines participate in the program.

TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you’ll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, more than 89% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited five minutes or less in March 2023.

TSA doesn't guarantee expedited screening with PreCheck. Occasionally, you may have to go through a random secondary check of your bags by security personnel.

If the TSA PreCheck designation doesn't appear on your boarding pass, you can ask an airline agent to reenter your information. This usually fixes the problem, and an agent can reprint the boarding pass with the necessary TSA PreCheck information.

» Learn more: Skip long lines at the airport — without spending a dime

How to apply for TSA PreCheck

U.S. citizens and foreign citizens who meet particular residency requirements are eligible to apply online and pay the $78 fee (good for five years and easy to renew online for $70 per renewal after five years). After applying online and receiving conditional approval, your final application step is to visit an enrollment center for a brief interview.

Children under 12 can also apply, but if you travel with them, they can also access the TSA PreCheck line with you without paying to be a member. Children 13-17 years old can also accompany TSA PreCheck member parents/guardians but must have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass to do so.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. (A TSA PreCheck fee waiver is also available as an optional reward for Platinum members of the Orbitz Rewards program .) Among those cards:

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

If you have been approved for Global Entry, you do not need to apply separately for TSA PreCheck. It comes automatically with Global Entry, so do not double pay.

If you travel internationally often, applying for Global Entry would make more sense, but if you are a mostly domestic traveler, you should stick to TSA PreCheck as the application process is simpler.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

Using biometric data to identify travelers (rather than manually checking photo identification), Clear machines allow flyers to bypass long security queues and get to a TSA screening point faster. Clear does not include the membership features of TSA PreCheck, however.

After passing through a Clear kiosk, if you have PreCheck, you can go directly to the PreCheck lane (ahead of other passengers waiting in line); if not, you must use the regular screening line (also ahead of other passengers waiting in line). The real benefit of Clear is saving time.

This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind removing items and passing through a body scanner, then Clear may be worth it on its own.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, Clear is only available at a few dozen domestic airports. Members use a faster line to scan their fingerprint or iris before moving directly to the security lane. Clear is also available at other venues that require lining up for a security check, like stadiums.

As an added perk, Clear membership will also get you complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program . Avis Preferred Plus status includes perks like:

A free, single-car class upgrade upon availability.

The ability to earn additional bonus points on each rental.

Access to exclusive offers and promotional discounts.

You would typically need to spend $4,000 on qualifying Avis purchases or complete 10 rentals in a calendar year to qualify for Avis Preferred Plus.

How to apply for Clear

You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification. Unlike TSA PreCheck, there is no background check needed to apply for Clear, although you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident 18 or older.

Clear costs $189 for an annual membership (auto-renewals are possible and do not require any additional verification), and members can add up to three family members for an additional $60 per person. Children under 18 can use a Clear lane for free if they are traveling with a Clear member.

Clear offers a free two-month trial if you want to test it out, and if you are a United Premier 1K or Delta Diamond Medallion member, you get an annual membership free of charge. Other Delta and United elite members get a discount.

Cards that offer Clear membership

Several cards will reimburse you if you pay for Clear membership with the card. This includes The Platinum Card® from American Express , the American Express® Green Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express . Each offers a statement credit up to $189 per year for purchasing Clear access. Other cards offering a fee credit for the Clear application include the United℠ Explorer Card , United Club℠ Infinite Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Since TSA PreCheck is available at more airports and provides expedited security wait times, as well as an easier screening process, TSA PreCheck is better than Clear if you want to only get one. Those with Clear membership only have access to faster security lanes. Without TSA PreCheck, Clear members must still remove their shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear.

But the choice of TSA PreCheck versus Clear doesn't have to be an either-or proposition. Many TSA PreCheck members value having Clear, as it further expedites moving ahead of the occasionally long TSA PreCheck lane in dozens of airports.

Still, TSA PreCheck remains the best way to make your way airside without wasting time in lines.

The only real upside to having Clear alone, without TSA PreCheck, is if you plan to use it exclusively at stadiums, where it will get you to the front of the line faster.

Not all U.S. citizens will be approved for TSA PreCheck for various reasons, including problems with a background check. If that’s you, Clear alone can be worthwhile if you fly regularly from an airport that has Clear lanes.

» Learn more: How Known Traveler Numbers work

Many travelers learning the differences between TSA PreCheck and Clear often have questions about another popular Trusted Traveler program, Global Entry. Here is a closer look at TSA PreCheck versus Global Entry versus Clear.

TSA PreCheck is the best option for frequent travelers. If you can apply for and afford both TSA PreCheck and Clear, you are even better off. Why waste time in line when you can be on your way to the gate or a comfortable airport lounge ?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

• Get Paid To Travel

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Individual Tickets: Which Is the Better Option?

We have just returned from an 8 day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, including incredible panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and the Golden Pass. We booked our own itinerary using the Swiss Travel Pass and the number one question we got was “is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it”?

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unbeatable advantages in terms of cost savings, convenience and flexibility. But are you unsure whether to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass or individual train tickets? Don’t worry, we are here to help you decide. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision about whether the Swiss Travel Pass really is worth it.

Switzerland is more than just the Swiss Alps and chocolate. It is home to some of the world’s most picturesque views. Switzerland is postcard perfect and has so many hidden gems and treasures waiting for you to discover. Explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures with the Swiss Travel Pass . Let us show you in this post whether we think the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it and how to best benefit from it.

If you plan on travelling extensively around Switzerland and visiting multiple cities, then the Swiss Travel Pass really is a good investment. It can save you a lot of money and give you a more flexible travel experience, especially if you are travelling as a family with small children, as children under 6 travel for free.

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Individual Tickets: Which is the Better Option? Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland but feeling overwhelmed with the transportation options? With so many choices, it can be hard to decide what’s best for your travel needs and budget. In this travel guide, we will explore the pros and cons of two popular options: the Swiss Travel Pass and individual train tickets. From the benefits and drawbacks of each to when to select one over the other, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey to Switzerland, read on to discover which option is the right one for you.

While a Swiss Travel Pass might seem like an excellent value for those planning to travel extensively in Switzerland, it may not always be the best option. Consider your itinerary carefully, and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a final decision. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable trip that you’ll remember for years to come!

What is a Swiss Travel Pass and how does it work?

If you’re considering the Swiss Travel Pass as an option for your trip to Switzerland, you may be wondering just how it works. The Swiss Travel Pass is a versatile ticket that offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and some cable cars within Switzerland. Valid for either three, four, eight, or fifteen days, the pass allows you to explore the country at your own pace without worrying about purchasing individual tickets for each leg of your journey. Not only does this save you time and hassle, but it also provides a cost-effective way to experience everything Switzerland has to offer. In short, the Swiss Travel Pass is a type of ticket that allows you to travel on most forms of public transportation throughout Switzerland with added benefits, such as free entry into over 500 museums.

Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes, picturesque cities, and charming rural towns have long been a popular travel destination. But this beauty can come at a price, especially if you want to see multiple cities at once. With the country’s relatively high cost of living, exploring Switzerland can be expensive. That’s where the Swiss Travel Pass comes in. We visitied Zurich, Thun, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, Chur, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne and St. Gallen during our 8 days in Switzerland and we could not have afforded this without the Swiss Travel Pass. Not only does the Swiss Travel Pass make transportation easier and more convenient, it can also save you money. Depending on your travel plans and the duration of your stay, the Swiss Travel Pass may be more cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets.

What Is Included In Swiss Travel Pass?

Swiss Travel Pass includes the following:

• Regular trains and Panoramic trains in Switzerland
• Buses and boats on Swiss lakes
• Public transportation in all cities
• Certain mountain excursions (but not all)
• Over 500 museums in Switzerland

How to use a Swiss Travel Pass

Once you purchase your Swiss Travel Pass , it’s important to understand how to use it effectively. The process is simple and straightforward, and with a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be able to navigate the Swiss transportation system with ease.

You simply need to show your Swiss Travel Pass to the conductor or ticket inspector when boarding a train or other mode of transportation. There’s no need to purchase individual tickets or worry about validating them – the pass serves as your ticket and is all you need to board. You will also need to show it when entering a museum or other attraction that is included in the pass. There’s no need to book tickets in advance (unless it is a panoramic train), which makes it easy to be spontaneous on your travels.

You can either print off your ticket or store it as an e-ticket (in the form of a PDF file) on your phone. Things worth noting are that the travel days are consecutive, in that if you book a 3 day pass but don’t travel on day 2 it still counts. Time of first use doesn’t matter. Your ticket becomes valid at midnight of the date it was booked for and expires at 5am on the date following the last day it was booked for.

Now that we’ve established what the Swiss Travel Pass is, let’s dive into its many benefits.

The Benefits of a Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass offers numerous benefits beyond just the ease and convenience of transportation. For one, it provides unlimited access to a wide range of transportation options throughout Switzerland including trains, buses, boats, and even some cable cars and funiculars. This makes it the ideal choice for those who plan on travelling extensively throughout the country, especially those who plan on exploring multiple regions.

One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility it provides. With the pass, you can travel wherever and whenever you like, without having to worry about schedules or timetables. This makes it ideal for exploring the country at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds without feeling rushed or constrained.

The Swiss Travel Pass also offers a variety of additional perks and discounts. These include free admission to over 500 museums across Switzerland, discounts on popular tourist attractions like Mount Rigi and the Jungfraujoch, as well as discounts on some hotel stays. This can help make your trip more affordable overall, especially if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing or staying in Switzerland for an extended period of time.

The Swiss Travel Pass also provides peace of mind. With the pass, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or purchasing tickets at each destination. Instead, you can simply present your pass and hop on your chosen mode of transportation. This is not only convenient but also a great way to reduce stress and enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Overall, the Swiss Travel Pass offers a number of compelling benefits for travellers to Switzerland. From its wide range of transportation options to its additional perks and discounts, it can help make your trip more enjoyable and affordable. However, as we’ll explore, there are also some drawbacks to consider before purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass and seeing if the Swiss Travel Pass really is worth it.

The Drawbacks of a Swiss Travel Pass

While the Swiss Travel Pass offers many benefits, it’s important to consider the drawbacks before making a purchase. One potential drawback is the cost of the pass itself, which may not be worthwhile if you only plan on taking a few small trips during your visit to Switzerland. Additionally, the pass does not cover all modes of transportation, such as cable cars and some mountain railways, which may require additional fees. Seats on the beautiful panoramic trains also need to be reserved, even with the Swiss Travel Pass, with extra charges. It’s important to weigh the cost and potential limitations of the Swiss Travel Pass before making a decision on whether it’s the best option for your travel needs.

Considering these factors, it’s worth exploring why individual tickets may be a better choice for some travelers, especially for those with a more flexible itinerary.

Why You Might Consider Buying Individual Tickets Instead

While the Swiss Travel Pass provides a range of benefits, it may not be the best option for everyone. If you have a flexible itinerary and plan on taking only a few trips, purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective. This can be particularly true if your travels include lots of cable cars or mountain railways that are not covered by the pass.

However, if you do plan on taking multiple trips and want to take advantage of the pass’s discounts on attractions and museums, it might make more sense for you. So, how do you decide? The next section will explore when to use a Swiss Travel Pass and when to buy individual tickets.

When to Use a Swiss Travel Pass and When to Buy Individual Tickets

To determine if the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you, consider your travel plans and the discounts and benefits offered with the pass. If you plan on travelling extensively throughout Switzerland, taking multiple train, bus, and boat journeys, the pass may save you money and provide more flexibility. The pass also offers discounts on popular tourist attractions, which can make it an even better value.

However, if you only plan on taking a few trips or if your travels include cable cars or mountain railways that are not covered by the pass, it may be more cost-effective to purchase individual tickets. Additionally, if you have a set itinerary and know exactly where you want to go, individual tickets may be the best option.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Swiss Travel Pass is most beneficial for travellers who have a flexible schedule and are able to make use of public transportation frequently throughout their trip. If you prefer to rely on taxis or rental cars, the pass may not offer the same value for money.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass will depend on your personal preferences and travel plans. Keep in mind that the pass offers convenience and flexibility, but it may not be the right choice for every traveller. Consider the benefits and discounts offered with the pass and compare them to the cost of buying individual tickets for your specific trips.

How to Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass or Individual Tickets

When it comes to purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or individual tickets, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The easiest way to buy a Swiss Travel Pass is online , where you can choose the duration and type of pass you want, and have it sent to you via email.

Another great place to get your Swiss Travel Pass is on the GetYourGuide site which is really user-friendly. Buying online is the most convenient option, allowing you to purchase the pass before you leave for your trip and saving you time when you arrive in Switzerland.

Alternatively, if you prefer to purchase the pass in person, you can do so at any train station in Switzerland. The SBB counter is usually located near the main entrance of the station and is typically marked with the SBB logo. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or ID card, when purchasing the pass in person.

If you decide to purchase individual tickets, you can buy them at the train station, ticket vending machines, or online. Keep in mind that if you plan on travelling during peak season or holidays, it may be wise to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out trains. You can also save money by purchasing tickets in bulk or opting for a regional pass, which allows you to travel within a certain area for a set amount of time.

In any case, it’s always a good idea to research your options ahead of time and compare prices. The SBB website offers a helpful fare calculator that allows you to compare the cost of individual tickets versus a Swiss Travel Pass for your specific itinerary. Don’t forget to take advantage of discounts and promotions, such as the Swiss Family Card, which allows children to travel for free when accompanied by a parent with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Overall, purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass is a straightforward process that can be done online or in person. Once you’ve bought your pass, you’ll be all set to explore the beautiful landscapes and charming cities of Switzerland without having to worry about transportation costs.

Make sure to take advantage of the additional perks that come with the pass, such as discounts on mountain excursions, museums, and even local cheese tastings. These experiences can add depth and variety to your trip, and it always feels good to get a good deal.

While the Swiss Travel Pass is undoubtedly a valuable investment, it’s advisable to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize its usage. With proper planning, you can make the most of your time in Switzerland and explore all the hidden gems the country has to offer. But make sure to do your research, compare prices, and keep in mind any discounts and promotions that may be available. And remember individual tickets may be a better option for those with shorter stays or a more limited itinerary. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey through Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.

So is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it ? In our opinion the Swiss Travel Pass is the perfect solution for travellers looking to explore Switzerland’s stunning natural landscapes without breaking the bank. With its many advantages, including unlimited travel on public transportation and free entry to museums and attractions, the pass is an exceptional value for any budget. Plus, purchasing the pass is simple and easy, with options available online and in-person. Don’t let the high cost of travel in Switzerland deter you from experiencing all this beautiful country has to offer. Make sure to consider the Swiss Travel Pass on your next adventure and take advantage of the incredible savings. As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Don’t miss out on an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and explore a truly incredible country.

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Nominated as top 6 travel bloggers in Ireland we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

** Disclaimer:  Our trip on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland was hosted by  Swiss Travel System . We only ever work with brands that we are 100% happy to recommend to you guys and happily pay for ourselves. Complimentary travel passes allowed us to fully experience Switzerland, give honest reviews and create content for you guys to enjoy. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links meaning that if you book through one of our links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us create the wonderful travel guides that we do**

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If you liked this then you may also like:

9 Things to enjoy on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Best Things to do in St. Gallen Old Town

Princess Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers

How travelling is good for the soul

Until next time you crazy kids!

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This article goes on a bit but you don’t mention single country interail tickets which gives you the same train access but are considerably cheaper. Plus you can get flexible days They don’t include the museums though. But if you just want trains….

Thanks Stephen.

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Swiss Travel Pass VS. Half-Fare Card – Which Should You Get?

It’s no secret that things in Switzerland are pretty darn pricey. And hence, every little bit saved counts! If you’re planning on visiting multiple locations within Switzerland, chances are that you’ll be embarking on numerous train rides. 

The trains in Switzerland are modern, clean and impeccably on time. And not surprisingly, the tickets can cost quite a fair sum too. In such cases, train passes can really be a godsend – especially when they can also be used for discounted mountain excursions, bus rides and more.

Two well-known passes are the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half-Fare Card . 

Extensive research is required to know which to pick; you have to take various factors into consideration such as duration of your trip, which activities you intend to participate in, which types of trains you’re intending to take and so on. The thought of doing all this research might seem incredibly daunting, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be!

Here’s a breakdown of the 2 different passes and their benefits or restrictions.

Swiss Travel Pass

Image credit: Klook

Think of the Swiss Travel Pass as your golden ticket to getting around Switzerland. The Pass can be valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days, depending on the duration of your trip. You can also get the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, which will allow you to use the pass for a certain number of days per month, albeit at a higher price. 

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll be entitled to unlimited rides on trains, buses and boats. You’ll also be able to ride on premium panorama trains such as the Glacier Express , Bernina Express, Golden Pass entirely for free! Do note that you might have to top up for seat reservations or additional surcharges for certain trains. In addition, the pass also grants you free entry into over 500 museums all over Switzerland.

This is great if you’re planning to visit multiple places in Switzerland over a fixed number of days. The Swiss Travel Pass also allows for spontaneity, as you can easily hop on and off trains without worrying about being penalised. The Swiss Travel Pass is also for those who prefer ticketless travelling; all you’ll have to do is to show the conductor your pass and you’ll be good to go!

Costs for a 2nd-class Swiss Travel Pass:

3-day: EUR228 (~SGD356)

4-day: EUR276 (~SGD431)

8-day: EUR410 (~SGD640)

15-day: EUR503 (~SGD786)

Prices are derived from the Swiss Travel Pass website , where you'll also be able to find prices for the 1st-class pass.

As you can see, the Swiss Travel Pass does require quite a significant initial investment that many might balk at. It’s hence apt to do your own research and calculate how much each segment of your trip would cost – just to ensure that your purchase will be worth it.

Read: Places to Visit On Your First Trip to Switzerland

Half-Fare Card

The Half-Fare Card entitles you to 50% off unlimited trains, buses and boats for an entire calendar month. You’ll also enjoy 50% off most mountain excursions – yes, even for Jungfraujoch! – attractions, and premium panorama rides.

The Half-Fare Card is great for those who desire a little more flexibility with their dates; the Swiss Travel Pass will otherwise confine you to a set number of consecutive days. The catch is that you’ll have to buy individual point-to-point tickets with the Half-Fare Card. You can do so either at the train stations itself or online with the SBB app.

Costs: EUR118 (~SGD184)

Price is derived from the Swiss Travel Pass website .

The Half-Fare Card costs significantly less than the Swiss Travel Pass for a whole month – but you’ll still need to factor in all the different train journeys and so on. Similarly, you’d also need to calculate the price of your transportation options and mountain excursions, and do a comparison to see which would be more worth it for your trip.

Here’s a comparison of some mountain excursions and attractions that you’ll be able to embark on – either for free or with discounted rates – with the Swiss Travel Pass and Half-Fare Card:

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe 

Swiss Travel Pass: Trains to Grindelwald or Wengen are free; enjoy 25% off the train from Grindelwald or Wengen to Jungfraujoch.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off the trains to Grindelwald or Wengen and up to Jungfraujoch.

The extra 25% off with the Half-Fare Card as compared to the Swiss Travel Pass can amount to quite a bit, especially as the Jungfraujoch mountain excursion is the most expensive of the lot! 

To put it into perspective, without either travel pass, the return trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch itself can set you back roughly around CHF235 (~SGD348) in summer and CHF185-210 (~SGD274-311) during winter and the rest of the year. 

Read:  Journey to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland: Start with the Mannlichen Royal Walk ;  Hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg ;  Things to Do at Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe

Mount Pilatus

Swiss Travel Pass: Trains to Lucerne or Alpnachstad are free; enjoy 50% off the cableway or train from Kriens or Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus. Alternatively, the bus from Lucerne to Kriens is free as well, on top of the boat ride on Lake Lucerne.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off the various transportation methods.

Read: Top Things to Do at Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Rhine Falls

Swiss Travel Pass: Trains to the Rhine Falls are free; no discount given for boat trips at the falls itself.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off trains to the Rhine Falls; no discount given for boat trips at the falls itself.

Read:  Visiting the Rhine Falls Near Zurich, Switzerland

Mount Titlis

Swiss Travel Pass: Trains to Engelberg are free; enjoy 50% off the cable car from Engelberg to Mount Titlis.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off both trains to Engelberg and cable cars up Mount Titlis.

Read:  Experience Winter All-Year-Round at Mount Titlis, Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass: All transports up Mount Rigi are free.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off all modes of transportation up Mount Rigi.

Read:  Exploring Mount Rigi, Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass: Enjoy 50% off trains from Zermatt to Gornergrat.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off trains from Zermatt to Gornergrat.

Read:  Catching the Sunrise at Gornergrat, Switzerland

Chateau du Chillon, Montreux

Swiss Travel Pass: Entry to Chateau du Chillon in Montreux is free.

Half-fare Card: No discount for entry to Chateau du Chillon.

Read:  How to Spend 24 Hours in Montreux, Switzerland

Glacier Express

Swiss Travel Pass: Ride on this premium panoramic line for free; however, you’d need to top up CHF43 (~SGD61) for a mandatory seat reservation.

Half-Fare Card: Enjoy 50% off (or more with a Saver Day Pass); exclusive of CHF43 (~SGD61) for a mandatory seat reservation.

Read:  All Aboard the Glacier Express, a Panoramic Train Ride in Switzerland

Which card to get really depends on what you prioritise – I calculated all possible expenses for both cards and found the Half-Fare Card to be more suitable for my 14-day trip.

In a nutshell, here’s what I did for 14 days:

• Train from Zurich to Lucerne
• Mountain excursion from Lucerne to Pilatus
• Mountain excursion from Lucerne to Titlis
• Mountain excursion from Lucerne to Rigi
• Train from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen
• Mountain excursion from Lauterbrunnen to Lake Oeschinensee in Kandersteg
• Mountain excursion from Lauterbrunnen to Mannlichen and Jungfraujoch
• Mountain excursion from Lauterbrunnen to Murren
• Mountain excursion from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald
• Train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken
• Panoramic train from Interlaken to Montreux
• Train from Montreux to Zermatt
• Mountain excursion from Zermatt to Gornergrat
• Panoramic train from Zermatt to St Moritz
• Train from St Moritz to Filisur
• Train from Filisur to Zurich
• Train from Zurich to Rhine Falls and back
• Train from Zurich to Bern and back
• Train from Zurich to Airport

The full-fare (transportation + activities) of the entire trip would have cost me almost SGD2000. I would have saved around SGD750 with a 15-day Swiss Travel Pass, and around SGD985 with the Half-Fare Card.

I was initially going to opt for the Swiss Travel Pass due to its ticketless feature but eventually decided to go with the Half-Fare Card to save that additional SGD200+. 

I booked most of my tickets online with the SBB app – all I had to do was to select the half-fare option and book my tickets on the spot. When the conductor came around, I simply showed them my e-ticket in my app together with my Half-Fare Card. It was extremely easy and fuss-free! The SBB app also has super-saver tickets, which can help to shave more off your total cost.

Read: Top Tips for Travelling in Switzerland

However, no matter which you pick, investing in a train pass will definitely amount to immense savings. Do remember to do your research before choosing which pass to buy – you won’t regret it!

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Hundreds of people bypassed parts of airport security in last year

More passengers are sneaking past id checkpoints and going the wrong way through one-way exit lanes.

An earlier version of this article misquoted TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston. He said lapses in airport security are a "larger number" than the agency realized, not a "larger problem." The article has been corrected.

Hundreds of people have bypassed some Transportation Security Administration measures at airports in the past 12 months, the agency told The Washington Post, revealing a vulnerability in air travel that has been reflected in a series of incidents.

In November, for instance, two women were arrested at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for breaching a secured exit when they were running late to their flight. Then there was a ticketed traveler at Palm Springs International Airport who walked through an unstaffed body scanner on Feb. 22, leading authorities to evacuate post-security areas as a precaution.

Also in February, a woman at the Nashville International Airport bypassed TSA officers who check IDs and sneaked into the bag-screening line. After her belongings passed through the X-ray, she boarded an American Airlines flight without a ticket. She flew to Los Angeles International, where she was detained by the FBI. She has not been charged; the FBI said it could not comment on a pending investigation.

“It is a larger number than we realized,” said TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston.

Since March 2023, there have been at least 300 instances of people bypassing parts of airport security, Langston said. He described security lapses as a “trend” that has caught TSA’s attention — and an issue the agency is attempting to mitigate. Security experts say airports and airplanes remain some of the safest public spaces in the United States. But a rise in passengers bypassing security increases the chances, no matter how small, of someone dangerous sneaking through.

TSA declined to share documents that show annual statistics for security lapses or detail individual incidents due to the sensitive nature of information about law enforcement. After this article published, TSA said they don’t consider these incidents to be full security breaches because passengers underwent some checks by airport security or were stopped after getting through.

Since March 2023, TSA reported more than 200 people bypassed “ exit lanes ” that direct passengers to leave “sterile,” post-security terminals so they can get to pre-security areas like baggage claim and passenger pickup zones. These areas are often marked with “no reentry” signs.

Another 80 people evaded the travel document checker, or TDC podium, where TSA agents review travelers’ IDs and boarding passes. Langston said that amounts to about one person in 10 million. Of that 80, Langston said about 85 percent were stopped in the checkpoint area; all people who were caught skipping TDC podiums were still screened by metal detector or body scanner, he said. TSA said there were 29 lapses in 2019, the last full year of air travel before the pandemic. In 2022, there were 72.

From the incidents TSA reviewed, the agency offered different motives for passengers who bypassed security. Langston said the “vast majority do not seem to have evil intent.” Some travelers bypass checkpoints on accident. Some, like the woman in Nashville, want to sneak onto flights. Others may be tired of waiting.

“A lot of people lose their patience with the line regardless of how long or what the wait time might be,” Langston said.

Thomas Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey, said unhoused people and people with mental disabilities are among those breaching exit lanes, often because they’re confused. But, he said, most unlawful entries through exit lanes are attributed to absent-mindedness or passengers going back for forgotten items.

“Many times it’s left-behind property; people get very upset, it’s almost like they lose their minds. ‘I have to get my cellphone. I have to get my laptop,’” Carter said.

Carter noted a rise in security lapses in Newark before TSA acknowledged a wider trend. He isn’t sure why more people are sneaking through security but said a “change in behavior” among travelers in the aftermath of the pandemic may be a contributing factor.

Tom Mockaitis, a counterterrorism expert and DePaul University professor, agreed with Carter’s assessment of security breaches. “But if it happens at all,” he said, “it’s a concern.”

Mockaitis said since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States has gotten “pretty good at hardening airports and aircrafts,” reducing the risk of a terrorist attack. Between TSA and airport law enforcement, which may be affiliated with local sheriff or police departments, airports are equipped to deter or quickly shut down attackers. From the moment you’re dropped off at departures, “you’re under a lot of surveillance when you’re there,” Mockaitis said.

TSA provides the first layer of defense at the airport, screening travelers, luggage and cargo, and deploying air marshals . TSA agents aren’t law enforcement, however, so they don’t physically stop someone in a breach. Their protocol is to call in an incident and direct authorities to the scene. These type of “controlled incidents” make up the vast majority of exit lane breaches, Carter said.

In cases when TSA loses track of a trespasser, or didn’t know about the incident right away, they have to shut down airport operations and evacuate the terminal for screening.

When the traveler in Palm Springs walked through an unmanned body scanner in February, a TSA officer reported the incident to a supervisor. TSA told KESQ News that the airport stopped flights, and travelers in the terminal were required to go through security a second time. The concourses and post-security areas were cleared and searched. The trespasser was not arrested, but local law enforcement referred the case to federal authorities.

Travelers caught intentionally evading security procedures can be arrested and fined anywhere from $140 to thousands of dollars, among other punishments. Entering a sterile area without undergoing screening is a violation that carries up to $4,480 in civil penalties. The two women late to their Phoenix flight were booked with felony charges. Marilyn Jean Hartman, the “serial stowaway” who’s flown illegally at least 22 times, has been given prison sentences for her repeated offenses.

In addition to TSA officers, air marshals and airport law enforcement, airline workers provide another layer of vigilance, including ticket-checking gate agents and watchful flight attendants.

A flight crew caught a George, Tex., man who took a photo of a female minor’s boarding pass to get on a Delta flight . The 26-year-old legally cleared TSA’s security checkpoint with a Southwest Airlines buddy pass. The crew caught him on the plane after noticing he was spending “a significant amount of time” in the bathroom, then checking his name against the plane’s reservations.

The private screening service Clear, which provides an expedited alternative to TSA queues, has also come under scrutiny following breaches in the past two years. Last year, a person passed Clear security after using a boarding pass they found in an airport garbage can. In 2022, TSA officers flagged ammunition in a man’s luggage before realizing he had used false identification to pass through Clear.

The company has since upgraded its screening process; instead of confirming identity using a customer’s iris and fingerprints, Clear will now use technology that screens the entire face. All Clear members are required to update to the new system .

Even with the recent rise of security incidents, Mockaitis says the overall number of breaches is “not a lot” given the millions who fly each year.

“It’s a cause for concern but not alarm,” he said. “I think it should be said [TSA does] a good job performing a challenging task and they’re constantly working to improve it.”

A recent visit to Newark Liberty International Airport illustrated one beefed-up — if low-tech — security measure TSA has introduced: installing solid plastic or glass barriers in place of stanchions with nylon retractable belts. Carter explained the most vulnerable moment of the security process is when a TSA officer is engaged with another passenger.

Mark Howell, a regional spokesman for TSA, told the New York Times that the Nashville stowaway got past TDC by going under a stanchion.

In New Jersey, Carter said these new plastic barriers have “been very effective in helping us prevent any access control events or attempted breach past the TDC.” He said they’ve added even more of barriers to other terminals in the past six months.

TSA says adding more mitigation efforts like physical barriers could bring down the number of security lapses. But Langston said there is no clear plan on how many to add or when, because every airport is different.

“Every single airport knows that this is an issue and it has some mitigation effort employed,” he said.

There are also automated deterrents, like one-way gates that prevent “back flow” through exit lanes. These glass passageways close behind travelers as they move through. They can be found across the country, from the D.C. area to Tulsa to Las Vegas.

However, adding such gates is complicated. In Newark’s terminal B, for example, Carter said exit lanes are too small to accommodate the technology. There’s also the issue of budgets.

“If you look at it from a TSA perspective, if we went to Congress and said ‘We want to put these in every 450 airports in America,’ you’d have a pretty big price tag,” Carter said.

According to a TSA study , in fiscal year 2023 the Department of Homeland Security allocated $94.1 million for roughly 1,300 airport security officers to staff exit lanes. The study found that the money saved from relying on electronic gates would cover the cost of installation within three to five years. TSA also notes in the study that “periods of low activity” around exit lanes can lull security officers into inattentiveness, “increasing the likelihood of human error.”

Some airports have found the funding to build automated exit gates, while others have not, said Christopher R. Bidwell, senior vice president of security for the trade group Airports Council International — North America (ACI-NA).

“We have long been an advocate of Congress providing the funding to TSA to purchase and deploy technology, because at the end of the day, it would save TSA manpower if that technology was deployed,” Bidwell said.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

This diagram shows what happens during a total solar eclipse

• A total solar eclipse will be visible from Texas to Maine on Monday.
• This cosmic event occurs when the Earth, sun, and moon align perfectly.
• One diagram shows how a total solar eclipse works, and why it darkens the sky in the middle of the day.

A total solar eclipse will turn afternoon skies dark from Texas to Maine on Monday.

During the eclipse, the moon will cross between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun's light. If you're in the moon's shadow, the sky will go dark for about three to four minutes, depending on your location.

It's the climax of a cosmic dance between our planet , the moon, and the sun.

What causes a total solar eclipse

During a total solar eclipse, three key conditions happen at the same time: The moon is in the "new moon" phase; the moon crosses the plane of the Earth's orbit ; and the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

When those conditions are just right, the Earth, sun, and moon line up. This diagram shows how that looks:

Then, if you're in the path of totality — which is basically the center of the moon's shadow, called the umbra — the moon appears to obscure the sun.

If you're in the penumbra — the outer region of the moon's shadow — you'll see a partial solar eclipse , where the moon appears to partially overlap the sun.

A total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth about every 18 months on average. It's rare for one to occur in any single place, though, because of the complex movements of the Earth and moon.

The moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days, while Earth has its own orbit around the sun. The moon's orbit is tilted about five degrees, which is large enough to keep its shadow off the Earth and the Earth's shadow off the moon most of the time.

There are two points — called nodes — where the moon's orbit crosses the Earth's plane. In the diagram above, the moon is lined up on a node.

Related stories

The moon aligns with the nodes and the sun about twice per year, which is how we get eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when the moon is between the Earth and sun. A lunar eclipse happens when the moon is on the other side of the Earth, farthest from the sun.

What the total solar eclipse will look like

In the path of totality on Monday, where the moon's umbra falls over Earth, the total solar eclipse will have 10 distinct phases , each with different amounts of the sun visible from the ground.

The phenomenon kicks off with what's called first contact, when the moon starts to pass across the sun. After about an hour, the moon will almost completely mask the sun, and you'll start to see a bright light radiate out of the sliver of remaining sun, known as the "diamond ring."

Then the moon will fully eclipse the sun, turning the sky dark in the middle of the day.

During totality only the sun's outermost atmosphere, called the corona, will be visible glowing around the dark disc of the moon.

After that, the moon will continue to travel across the sky to form another crescent. The eclipse ends when the moon ceases to cover the sun.

Types of solar eclipses

There are three types of solar eclipses .

Total solar eclipses, like this one, occur when the moon appears to completely cover the sun. If the moon only somewhat covers the sun, that's a partial eclipse . Many people who are near the path of totality, but not in it, on Monday will see a partial eclipse.

The third type, an annular eclipse , occurs when the moon is too far from Earth to fully block out the sun from our perspective. The outer edge of the sun remains visible as a bright ring around the moon.

A total solar eclipse is considered the most spectacular. Globally, only about a third of all solar eclipses are total.

The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous US will be in 2044.

How to watch the eclipse

If you plan to watch the eclipse, make sure you are wearing ISO-certified eclipse glasses . These are 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. Without them, staring at the sun could damage your eyes.

The only safe time to look at the eclipse without glasses is during totality.

Leanna Garfield and Anaele Pelisson contributed to an earlier version of this post .

Watch: Why the sun has two giant holes, and what that means for Earth

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