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It’s been a rough year for domestic and international travelers. Marred by issues related to understaffing, many airlines have found themselves in a precarious position — in this case, not having enough planes and crew members to accommodate so many travelers — leading to lots and lots of flight cancellations.

So far this year, over 130,000 flights have been canceled. For reference, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from 2013 to 2021 — with the exception of 2020 — the number of flight cancellations never exceeded 80,000. At this rate, that number could end up close to the record 263,941 number of flights that were canceled in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Needless to say, it’s been a stressful time for those who have had to fly. And as demand for travel remains strong, it’s predicted that this will be a long-standing issue.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to make your next trip to the airport a little bit easier, especially if you have the right credit card.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you simply want to make your upcoming flight less of a headache, these seven credit cards are worth considering, as they each include complimentary lounge access and statement credits toward expedited airport security to make your next travel experience less stressful.

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Best credit cards for lounge access and expedited security

Statement credits for expedited airport security

Before you hit the airport lounge, you’ll need to get through a potentially long security line. While wait times are completely out of your control, there are a

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TOUR

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR

February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 Thomas B. Stewart

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on about flying, it’s that nobody likes a long security line at the airport. Thankfully, when it comes to paying a little extra to skip the crowds, there are a few options to choose from.

Increasingly, statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (of up to $100 every four years) are becoming a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards. And with a third alternative added to the mix, CLEAR®, the decision of which program to choose for expedited security at the airport can be a difficult one to make.

If you travel often, these are great benefits that can save you both time and money — but which program does what?

Below, CNBC Select reviews the difference between each travel perk — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR.

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TSA PreCheck

If you rarely travel abroad and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. If you don’t have a U.S. passport, this is the best option.

For anyone who has experienced TSA PreCheck, the process is also less invasive than the standard security screenings. You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop or TSA-approved liquids.

To apply, you have to submit an online application and then schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at one of the many enrollment centers. The appointment includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival