United Airlines is launching a test program at LAX that lets you skip the TSA line with a reservation you can make on your smartphone

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United Airlines is launching a test program at LAX that lets you skip the TSA line with a reservation you can make on your smartphone
  • United Airlines has launched LAX Fast Lane at Los Angeles International Airport.
  • The new pilot program allows passengers to skip the TSA line by reserving a time slot in advance.
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United Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports have teamed up to quicken the TSA process for passengers traveling on United flights departing from terminals 7 or 8 at Los Angeles International Airport.

United Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports have teamed up to quicken the TSA process for passengers traveling on United flights departing from terminals 7 or 8 at Los Angeles International Airport.
United Airlines at LAX Angel DiBilio/Shutterstock

The pilot program, known as LAX Fast Lane, allows travelers to book a 15-minute time slot to pass through security. The time windows, which are available between 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the trial period, are released 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.

The pilot program, known as LAX Fast Lane, allows travelers to book a 15-minute time slot to pass through security. The time windows, which are available between 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the trial period, are released 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.
LAX Fast Lane Los Angeles International Airport
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There's a dedicated website for booking a time slot, meaning travelers can make a reservation straight from their mobile device. Bookings must be done at least an hour before departure.

There's a dedicated website for booking a time slot, meaning travelers can make a reservation straight from their mobile device. Bookings must be done at least an hour before departure.
Screenshot of booking tool online Taylor Rains/Insider

There is no sign-up or account required to use Fast Lane. Passengers simply make a reservation on the website by searching for their flight and entering the number of passengers in their party. Up to 10 travelers can use a single appointment.

There is no sign-up or account required to use Fast Lane. Passengers simply make a reservation on the website by searching for their flight and entering the number of passengers in their party. Up to 10 travelers can use a single appointment.
Passengers going through TSA at LAX Simone Hogan/Shutterstock
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Once booked, travelers will receive a QR code that they can present to the TSA agent to enter a dedicated expedited security lane. However, walk-in appointments are also available at the airport by scanning a QR code posted on LAX Fast Lane signs throughout the terminals.

Once booked, travelers will receive a QR code that they can present to the TSA agent to enter a dedicated expedited security lane. However, walk-in appointments are also available at the airport by scanning a QR code posted on LAX Fast Lane signs throughout the terminals.
LAX Fast Lane Los Angeles International Airport

Fast Lane is located at the east end of the checkpoint at terminal 7, which is where all passengers traveling through either terminal are screened. There is not a separate checkpoint for terminal 8.

Fast Lane is located at the east end of the checkpoint at terminal 7, which is where all passengers traveling through either terminal are screened. There is not a separate checkpoint for terminal 8.
LAX terminal 7 aerial view Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
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The pilot program is available for free to all customers traveling on United flights through LAX terminals 7 and 8. Those already enrolled in a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR who opt to use the Fast Lane will be subject to regular screening requirements, like taking out liquids and laptops.

The pilot program is available for free to all customers traveling on United flights through LAX terminals 7 and 8. Those already enrolled in a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR who opt to use the Fast Lane will be subject to regular screening requirements, like taking out liquids and laptops.
TSA Pre Check David Tran Photo/Shutterstock

The goal is to streamline the security process and make the airport experience easier and less stressful ahead of the busy holiday season. The trial period started on October 20 and will run for 90 days through January 18, 2022.

The goal is to streamline the security process and make the airport experience easier and less stressful ahead of the busy holiday season. The trial period started on October 20 and will run for 90 days through January 18, 2022.
Travelers at LAX airport Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock
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"Providing a service that allows our guests to know exactly when and how long it will take to get through airport security is a compelling service that holds great potential for busy travelers," said Los Angeles World Airports chief executive officer Justin Erbacci.

"Providing a service that allows our guests to know exactly when and how long it will take to get through airport security is a compelling service that holds great potential for busy travelers," said Los Angeles World Airports chief executive officer Justin Erbacci.
LAX Fast Lane Los Angeles International Airport

"We expect this to be a useful way to save time for customers, especially those traveling this upcoming holiday season, said United managing director of LAX Jonna McGrath. "We're thrilled to be the launch airline to work with LAWA and TSA to bring this option to United customers at LAX."

"We expect this to be a useful way to save time for customers, especially those traveling this upcoming holiday season, said United managing director of LAX Jonna McGrath. "We're thrilled to be the launch airline to work with LAWA and TSA to bring this option to United customers at LAX."
United Airlines at LAX Cassiohabib/Shutterstock
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