There are ways to breeze through airport security checkpoints

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's been a busy week of Thanksgiving travel at airports across the country. And if you were one of them, you likely suffered through long security lines. There is a way to breeze right through those lines, but it will cost you.

While you were battling the security lines at the airport this holiday weekend, Ellen Yarrell had no such trouble.

Her secret?

"I got the Pre-check and then I went and got the Global and I would not travel without either one," she said.

Ellen says TSA Pre-check lets her skip lines, keep her shoes on, her hat on and her coat on, too.

"I travel all the time so it is really worth it to me," she said.

You don't have to be a star to get the TSA Pe-check treatment. You just have to apply online and pass the security check. It's not free, though. TSA Pre-check costs $85 and lasts for 5 years before you have to enroll all over again.

You start the process online, but the TSA does require an in person visit for Pre-check applicants.

"You visit one of the enrollment centers and provide fingerprints and some additional information and then we do an intelligence based background check," said TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon.

Another aid for travelers who want to avoid delays is the Global Entry program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"From the time that a person comes in internationally, it takes them about 5 minutes to process," said Tomas Gonzalez with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Most of the time they will beat their luggage downstairs."

Like Pre-check, this service will cost you. It's $100 dollars, requires an in-person visit and is good for 5 years. Despite the costs and the extra scrutiny up front, TSA officials thousands of passengers are signing up for the services every day.