Must Have Travel Memberships For Stress Free Travel
Make Travel easier using Lounges, Global Entry, and more.
As an avid traveler, it is important to make the process as smooth as possible. Over the past few years, I have signed up for various programs that have made my travel life easier saving me time, money, and resources. I enjoy the convenience of being able to stop by the lounges during layovers or going to the airport a little early and grabbing breakfast. Also, I like not having to unpack my electronics at security as I normally travel with an iPad, Mac, and now my drone.
Below you will find a list of memberships I have that could be beneficial for your travel lifestyle as well.
Travel Membership
| Membership | How to get it | Why |
| Priority Pass | Credit Card(Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capitol One Venture X) or Buying a Pass Online | Airport lounges where you can eat and drink for free while waiting for your flight. |
| Delta Skyclub | Delta Amex Reserve and American Express Platinum Card | Airport lounges where you can eat and drink for free while waiting on your flight |
| Centurion Lounge | American Express Platinum and Delta Sky Miles Reserve | Lounge where you can eat and drink for free while waiting on your flight |
| Global Entry + Pre-Check | Amex Delta Platinum, Capitol One Venture, and many other cards offer a credit for it. You can also purchase it for $100. It will be increasing to $120. | Allows you to get into the country faster and/or get security faster without removing your shoes. |
| Point.me | Pay for an account, American Express Credit Cards and Bilt Credit Card provide free limited access accounts | Allows you to search for award bookings without going to each site individually, It also shows you how many points and how to transfer them |
| Mobile Passport Control | Free, need to download the app | If you do not have Global Entry, You can utilize Mobile Passport Control when trying to re-enter the country at some Airports |
Should I purchase Clear?
As you are reading through, you have probably noticed that I did not include Clear. I choose not to have a Clear membership. First, because it is not available at all airports. Second, I utilize my TSA Pre-check that came with enrollment in Global Entry. Most recently I started using Digital ID when flying Delta Airlines. I do not see myself purchasing Clear any time soon.
Furthermore, if you travel mainly within the states, you can sign up for TSA Pre-check only. It costs $78 and can be covered by some credit cards. The fee gives you access to pre-check for 5 years.
After writing this article, there is a new membership that combines TSA Pre-check and Clear. It will cost $199.95. You can find out more information about it here.
Which one should you sign up for: Clear, TSA Pre-check, Global Entry?
I would suggest that those just starting out sign up for Global Entry especially if you have a card that will cover it. Your global entry application will provide you with TSA Pre-check for 5 years as well. The additional $22 is worth it. For a more thorough review, check out Which one, TSA Precheck, Clear, Global Entry, or Mobile Passport Control.
Conclusion
Ultimately, As I travel, comfort and expedited entry are important to me. I aim to eliminate concerns about missing flights due to lengthy queues or overspending at airport restaurants where a burger by itself can cost $25.
If you want to learn more about how I fund my travel, check out this guide.
If you are a beginner and want ways to fund your travel, check out 8 Ways to Fund your Travel as a Beginner.
I do like the sound of Global Entry although we have it pretty good in the EU, automated passport readings and entry really quickly (to our own country) if the passport e-gates are switched on and, if the border agency isn’t deciding to check everyone manually!
These are great tips for frequent travellers to look into. Anything that makes flying easier is a plus.
Hi Stephanie! How do credit card travel memberships compare to standalone travel memberships in terms of benefits?
Standalone travel memberships are great if you do not have a credit card that covers to cost. I prefer using my credit cards because then I can get multiple benefits!
Great tips. I do like going into a lounge if we have a long layover. And not having to take off shoes or take out my MacBook and iPad, that sounds like pure bliss.
Great tips. I do like going into a lounge if we have a long layover. And not having to take off shoes or take out my MacBook and iPad, that sounds like pure bliss.
Do these programs work for non Americans? In particular Canadians? These sound great I’m just unsure if I would qualify.