This is the fastest way to clear security at JFK — and it's free with Priority Pass

01.11.2023 - 20:37 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy

Terminal 1 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) may just be the airport's worst terminal. There are lines everywhere, especially when traveling during the afternoon and evening rush hour.

The airside food options are limited, and the airline lounges aren't great. Clearing security can take forever, and forget about skipping lines with Clear or TSA PreCheck. The terminal doesn't have Clear, and there's no dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.

What if I told you there's a VIP service that lets you completely skip the security line? Read on to learn more about my experience with VIP One, which is now free with an eligible Priority Pass membership.

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After I checked in for a recent Brussels Airlines flight, I headed to the main security checkpoint at JFK's Terminal 1 to observe what was going on.

Unsurprisingly, there were lines everywhere. Security screeners were loudly shouting at passengers to remove liquids and laptops from carry-on baggage.

I'd definitely made the right choice to opt for VIP One.

Instead of entering the main security checkpoint, I went off to the southeast side of the main security area and found a nondescript entrance to VIP One's security lounge between check-in Rows E and F.

There was a gentleman guarding the entrance to the lounge, and he quickly welcomed me after confirming that I'd indeed paid for the service. (VIP One now accepts Priority Pass, so presumably your card will be scanned here before entering.)

There were a few seats in the lounge, but the main feature was the two credenzas in the center of the room.

Once inside, the agent placed some security bins atop the credenzas and asked me to remove the items in my pockets, as well as my laptop and jacket.

I quickly obliged, and then magic happened.

The agent took the bins and my carry-on and opened a side door, where I found myself right at the front of the security line. There was a Transportation Security Administration agent waiting there to check my passport, and within seconds I was whisked right to the front of the X-ray machine.

The VIP One agent placed my belongings into the machine and then wished me a safe flight after I walked through the metal detector.

What would've been a 30-minute wait (if not longer) for security was a painless 60-second process.

Perhaps the best news is that VIP One now accepts Priority Pass memberships. This means that if you have an eligible credit card that includes a Priority Pass, you'll be able to use this presecurity lounge and dedicated TSA lane before your flight.

All you need to do is flash your Priority Pass membership card along with your boarding pass with confirmed same-day travel