Key Takeaways
• Caribbean Airlines joined TSA PreCheck in October 2024, enabling faster security at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
• TSA PreCheck lanes operate extended hours across all FLL terminals starting July 10, 2025.
• CLEAR and Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival enhance expedited screening options for travelers at FLL.
Travelers flying out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are about to enjoy a much smoother journey to the Caribbean. Starting July 10, 2025, new direct flights and expanded security programs mean you can reach your island getaway faster—and skip the long TSA lines. With Caribbean Airlines and other regional carriers now part of the TSA PreCheck program, passengers have more ways than ever to breeze through airport security and start their vacation stress-free.
Caribbean Airlines and TSA PreCheck: A Game Changer for FLL Travelers

Caribbean Airlines, along with Red Air, joined the TSA PreCheck program in October 2024. This move is a big deal for travelers heading to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that lets approved passengers use special security lanes. These lanes are usually much faster, and you don’t have to take off your shoes, belts, or light jackets. You also don’t need to remove laptops or small liquids from your carry-on bag.
Now, with Caribbean Airlines participating, anyone flying to destinations like Trinidad, Jamaica, or the Bahamas can use these expedited lanes—if they’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this change is expected to save travelers both time and stress, especially during busy travel seasons.
Expanded Security Options at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has made big improvements to help travelers move through security faster. TSA PreCheck lanes are now open in all terminals:
- Terminal 1: 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Terminal 2: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Terminal 3: Concourse E (5 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Concourse F (5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Terminal 4: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
These extended hours mean that even early morning and late evening flights can benefit from expedited screening. FLL also offers CLEAR lanes in every terminal. CLEAR is another program that uses your fingerprints or eyes to quickly confirm your identity, letting you skip the regular ID check. If you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you can move through security even faster.
For international travelers, FLL provides Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival. This service lets people who are conditionally approved for Global Entry complete their interview at the airport, without needing to schedule ahead. You can do this in Terminal 1 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Terminal 4 (5 a.m. to midnight).
Direct Flights to the Caribbean: More Choices, Less Hassle
Caribbean Airlines isn’t the only carrier offering direct flights from FLL to the Caribbean. Bahamasair and BermudAir also provide nonstop service to popular destinations like the Bahamas and Bermuda. With these airlines now part of TSA PreCheck, travelers can enjoy a smoother experience from check-in to boarding.
The FLL official website and mobile app keep travelers updated on new routes, schedules, and which airlines participate in expedited screening programs. This makes it easy to plan your trip and make sure you’re getting the fastest, most convenient service possible.
How TSA PreCheck Works: Simple Steps for a Faster Journey
TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Here’s how you can sign up and use it for your next Caribbean trip:
- Apply Online: Start your application on the official TSA PreCheck website or through CLEAR if you prefer.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a time for fingerprinting and document checks at an enrollment center.
- Get Approved: Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
- Add Your KTN: Enter your KTN when booking flights with Caribbean Airlines or other participating carriers.
- Use the PreCheck Lane: At FLL, head to the dedicated TSA PreCheck lane during its operating hours.
- Show Your Boarding Pass: Make sure your boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck logo, then enjoy the faster screening.
Key Benefits of TSA PreCheck
- Speed: 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes at security.
- Convenience: No need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. Laptops and small liquids stay in your bag.
- Family Friendly: Children under 12 can go through the lane with a PreCheck-approved adult. Teens 13–17 must be on the same reservation and have PreCheck on their boarding pass.
- Long-Term Value: Membership lasts five years and costs between $76.75 and $85, depending on the provider. Many travel credit cards will pay you back for this fee.
CLEAR: Another Fast Lane Option
CLEAR is a separate program from TSA PreCheck. It uses your fingerprints or eyes to quickly confirm your identity. Once you’re through the CLEAR lane, you still go through regular or PreCheck security screening, but the ID check is much faster. If you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you can skip both the ID line and the regular security line, making your trip through the airport even smoother.
Global Entry: For International Travelers
If you travel internationally often, Global Entry can help you get through U.S. customs faster when you return. FLL offers Enrollment on Arrival, so you can finish your Global Entry interview right at the airport after your trip. This is especially helpful for travelers coming back from the Caribbean or other countries.
Expert Advice: Why Frequent Travelers Choose TSA PreCheck
Travel experts strongly recommend TSA PreCheck for anyone who flies often, especially out of busy airports like FLL. The time savings can be huge, especially during holidays or peak travel times. Airlines like Caribbean Airlines also encourage their customers to sign up, highlighting the smoother, less stressful experience.
The FLL Airport Authority has worked hard to expand these programs and bring more airlines into the fold. Their goal is to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re flying for business or pleasure.
Background: How TSA PreCheck Became Essential for Modern Travel
TSA PreCheck started in 2011 as a way to help trusted travelers move through airport security faster. Since then, it has grown to include over 250 airports and more than 100 airlines. The addition of Caribbean Airlines in late 2024 was a major milestone, especially for South Florida, where many people travel to the Caribbean for family visits, vacations, or business.
As more airlines join the program, the benefits for travelers continue to grow. FLL has become a leader in offering these services, making it a top choice for anyone heading to the Caribbean.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for FLL and Expedited Screening
The TSA and FLL plan to keep expanding their expedited screening options. More airlines are expected to join TSA PreCheck, and new Caribbean destinations may be added soon. FLL is also investing in better infrastructure and new technology to make the airport experience even smoother.
These changes are part of a long-term plan to keep up with growing passenger numbers and higher expectations for convenience and speed. As travel continues to bounce back, these improvements will help FLL stay ahead of the curve.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using TSA PreCheck for Your Caribbean Getaway
If you’re planning a trip from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to the Caribbean, here’s how to make the most of TSA PreCheck:
- Step 1: Enroll in TSA PreCheck. If you’re not already a member, apply online and schedule your in-person appointment.
- Step 2: Book Your Flight. Choose a participating airline like Caribbean Airlines, Bahamasair, or BermudAir.
- Step 3: Add Your Known Traveler Number. Enter your KTN when booking your flight or add it to your reservation later.
- Step 4: Arrive at FLL. Go to the terminal for your airline and look for the TSA PreCheck lane.
- Step 5: Show Your Boarding Pass. Make sure the TSA PreCheck logo is on your boarding pass before you reach the security checkpoint.
- Step 6: Enjoy Expedited Screening. Move quickly through security and head to your gate, ready for your Caribbean adventure.
What This Means for Different Travelers
- Families: Parents can bring children under 12 through the PreCheck lane, making family trips less stressful.
- Business Travelers: Faster security means less time waiting and more time to prepare for meetings or relax before your flight.
- Vacationers: Skip the long lines and start your vacation sooner, with less hassle at the airport.
- Frequent Flyers: The time savings add up, making TSA PreCheck a smart investment for anyone who flies often.
Official Resources and Contacts
For more information or to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit the official TSA PreCheck page. You can also check the FLL official website for updates on flights, security programs, and airport services.
- FLL General Inquiries: 866-435-9355
- FLL Lost and Found: 954-359-2247
- TSA PreCheck Enrollment: tsa.gov/precheck
- CLEAR Enrollment: Available at FLL terminals during posted hours
Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience
- Check Your Airline: Make sure your airline participates in TSA PreCheck before booking.
- Update Your Reservation: Always add your Known Traveler Number to your booking to get the PreCheck logo on your boarding pass.
- Arrive Early: Even with expedited screening, give yourself plenty of time, especially during busy travel periods.
- Use the FLL App: Get real-time updates on security wait times, flight status, and terminal information.
Community Impact: Making Travel Easier for South Florida
The expansion of TSA PreCheck and new Caribbean flights at FLL is good news for the local community. South Florida has strong ties to the Caribbean, with many residents traveling back and forth for family, business, or leisure. Faster, more convenient airport screening helps everyone—whether you’re visiting relatives, heading to a beach resort, or traveling for work.
Airlines like Caribbean Airlines play a key role in connecting these communities. By joining TSA PreCheck, they’re helping to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
What Travelers Are Saying
Many passengers have already noticed the difference. “I used to dread the long security lines, especially with kids,” says Maria, a frequent traveler to Jamaica. “Now, with TSA PreCheck, we get through so much faster. It makes the whole trip less stressful.”
Business travelers agree. “Time is money,” says David, who flies to Trinidad for work. “TSA PreCheck at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport saves me at least 30 minutes every trip. That’s huge.”
Final Thoughts: The Future of Caribbean Travel from FLL
With new direct flights, expanded TSA PreCheck access, and other fast-track programs like CLEAR and Global Entry, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is making it easier than ever to reach the Caribbean. These changes reflect a bigger trend in air travel—airports and airlines working together to give passengers a better, faster, and more comfortable experience.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the addition of Caribbean Airlines and other regional carriers to TSA PreCheck is a major step forward. It shows a strong commitment to meeting the needs of travelers and keeping up with the latest in airport security and convenience.
For anyone planning a Caribbean getaway, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these new options. Enroll in TSA PreCheck, book your flight, and get ready for a smoother, faster trip from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to your favorite island destination.
For the latest updates and more details, always check the official TSA PreCheck page and the FLL airport website before your trip.
Learn Today
TSA PreCheck → A U.S. trusted traveler program allowing expedited airport security screening with simplified procedures.
CLEAR → A biometric identification program that speeds up airport ID verification using fingerprints or iris scans.
Global Entry → A U.S. Customs program letting preapproved travelers bypass long customs lines upon international arrival.
Known Traveler Number (KTN) → A unique identifier given to TSA PreCheck members to access expedited security lanes.
Enrollment on Arrival → A service permitting Global Entry applicants to complete interviews upon arriving at participating airports.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting July 2025, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers faster Caribbean trips. Caribbean Airlines joins TSA PreCheck, expanding direct flights and expedited security for a hassle-free travel experience.
— By VisaVerge.com