No TSA PreCheck In Europe? Here's How You Can Still Skip Long Airport Lines

TSA PreCheck can make getting through airport security a breeze instead of a bother. However, if you've ever tried using TSA PreCheck in Canada, you know its benefits are meaningless once you cross the border. Unsurprisingly, the same also goes for travel within Europe.

TSA's expedited screening doesn't work in Europe, given that TSA is an agency operated by the U.S. government, and the EU doesn't have its own iteration of the PreCheck program. Thankfully, there's one way around long security lines when flying from a European airport: Reserve by Clear. Yes, the same Clear that can help you get through airport security faster in the U.S. has made its way to a handful of European airports, and the good news is you don't have to be a Clear member to use the service.

Reserve by Clear allows travelers to book a security screening appointment for free, eliminating the need to wait in line. Some of the continent's busiest airports have started offering the service, including Amsterdam Schiphol, Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, London Luton, and Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci. Don't be surprised if you find the reservation system being implemented in other European airports soon.

Clear is known in the U.S. for its facial recognition technology, but you don't need to step in front of a face scanner when using Reserve by Clear in Europe. Instead, you just have to go online — usually within a few days of your scheduled departure — and enter your flight information to set up your appointment. The exact website and process for booking varies by airport, so research your travel hub beforehand. Additionally, note that the service isn't available for all flights, and there's a limited number of passengers allowed during each time slot, so (as frustrating as it may be) don't be alarmed if you aren't able to complete your reservation.

On your travel day, arrive at the airport before your reserved security screening, making sure to still give yourself plenty of time to check in and organize your bags. At your scheduled time (or up to 15 minutes before or after, depending on the airport), roll up to the appointment lane and proceed through security as usual. If you aren't sure where to go for your screening, ask an airport security agent or follow the instructions provided in your digital booking confirmation.

If you're traveling from a European airport that doesn't offer Reserve by Clear time slots, you may still have access to fast lanes for free through airline benefits. Speedy lines may be available to passengers who purchase an upgraded (business or first class) flight ticket or are signed up for the airline's rewards program. Remember that fast lanes aren't available through all airlines and airports, so don't assume you'll get a pass just for being a member.

One example found throughout Europe is the Star Alliance Gold Track Security lane, a separate security check line for all Star Alliance Gold members and any passenger flying in first or business class on a flight operated by a Star Alliance airline. This system doesn't involve a time slot booking, unlike Reserve by Clear, but it still gives travelers access to a special lane with shorter wait times. A few of the many European airports with Star Alliance Gold Track Security lanes include Paris Charles de Gaulle, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas, Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos, and Zurich Airport.

If airline-affiliated benefits don't apply to you, one last option might work during your European travels. Depending on the airport you're departing from, you may be able to purchase a fast lane pass, which grants you entrance to quicker checkpoint lanes for a small per-use fee. You'll find this option in various hubs across the continent, including Brussels, Dublin, and Budapest.