How I Skip TSA Security Quickly at JFK Terminal 1 With VIP ONE
Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Erin Donahue
In the current travel climate, everyone talks about TSA PreCheck and CLEAR like they’re the only ways to save time at the airport. But if you’re flying out of JFK Terminal 1, there’s a faster, quieter, and way more premium option that almost no one knows exists.
It’s called VIP ONE, and it’s secretly included with Priority Pass, which you probably already have if you have one of the following premium credit cards: Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Amex Platinum. It’s Priority Pass’s most underrated perk, and it completely changes how you move through Terminal 1.
What is VIP ONE at JFK Terminal 1?
VIP ONE is a private fast-track service inside JFK Terminal 1 that gives you an expedited security experience separate from the main TSA line. Priority Pass members get access without paying the premium rate. If you hold one of these cards below, you already have the key to VIP ONE.
- Capital One Venture X
- Amex Platinum (with enrolled Priority Pass)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
Where is VIP ONE located in JFK Terminal 1?
You’ll find the VIP ONE entrance in JFK Terminal 1 by following the purple signs between check-in counters E and F. It’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for the purple signs, but once you see it, enter the staffed entrance for the VIP ONE security lounge. When you enter, you can choose to either hang out in the lounge area or go directly through security.
I have a bad habit of arriving at the airport less than an hour before my flight, so it’s the latter for me. The agents scan your boarding pass and Priority Pass, then escort you through a side door to the front of the security screening.
How do you use Priority Pass to access VIP ONE?
- Walk to the VIP ONE reception desk in Terminal 1.
- Open your Priority Pass app and show your membership QR code.
- Present your same-day boarding pass for any T1 airline.
- A staff member escorts you to the security line
No need for elite status.
No need for business class.
Is VIP ONE better than TSA PreCheck or Clear?
Like all things, it depends. Whenever I’ve flown out of JFK’s Terminal 1, mainly to Asia, it’s always been on a red-eye flight, so the crowds are minimal and the security line is quick. However, since most travelers don’t even know VIP ONE is included with Priority Pass, I just want to use the perk.
Which airlines depart from JFK Terminal 1?
International long-haul traffic makes T1 one of the busiest and most unpredictable terminals in New York. You can use VIP ONE if you’re flying with one of these airlines:
- Air China (CA)
- Air France (AF)
- Air New Zealand (NZ)
- Air Serbia (JU)
- Asiana Airlines (OZ)
- Austrian Airlines (OS)
- Azores Airlines (S4)
- Brussels Airlines (SN)
- Cayman Airways (KX)
- China Eastern (MU)
- EgyptAir (MS)
- EVA Air (BR)
- Gulf Air (GF)
- ITA Airways (AZ)
- Korean Air (KE)
- Lufthansa (LH)
- Neos (NO)
- Philippine Airlines (PR)
- Royal Air Maroc (AT)
- Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV)
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK)
- SWISS (LX)
- TAP Portugal (TP)
- Turkish Airlines (TK)
- Viva Aerobus (VB)
VIP ONE Services For Travelers Without Priority Pass
If you don’t have Priority Pass, or if your specific Priority Pass membership doesn’t include VIP ONE, you can still purchase access à la carte. VIP ONE offers four paid tiers, each designed for different levels of service depending on how hands-off you want your airport experience to be.
Silver — $45
Silver is the simplest option and gives you the core benefit most travelers want: skipping the long terminal-wide security line. With Silver, you get expedited access to TSA through VIP ONE’s exclusive departure lounge.
Gold — $100
Gold includes everything in Silver, plus a personal agent who meets you curbside, helps with your bags, escorts you to your airline’s check-in counter, and guides you all the way to your gate. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or just want the extra support.
Platinum — $200
Platinum is the highest-touch service VIP ONE offers. It includes everything in Gold but adds full, personalized assistance from curbside all the way until boarding (if you want it). You essentially have an agent staying with you every step of the way.
Lounge + Fast Track — $65
This option gives you access to both the lounge and the fast-track lane for a single price. It’s a middle ground between Silver and Gold—faster security with a place to relax before your flight.
Is VIP ONE worth it at JFK Terminal 1?
Absolutely, especially if you already have Priority Pass through one of the major premium travel cards. VIP ONE turns an ordinary departure into a premium experience without the premium price. It’s fast, and most importantly, something most Priority Pass members don’t even realize they have access to!
FAQ
Q: Is VIP ONE free with Priority Pass?
A: VIP ONE is free for most Priority Pass members, including those with Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum premium travel credit cards. Your membership covers the fast-track security access with no extra fee.
Q: Can I use VIP ONE even if I’m not flying business class?
A: Yes. VIP ONE works for all passengers, regardless of airline status or cabin class.
Q: Where exactly is the VIP ONE entrance in Terminal 1?
A: It’s located between check-in counters E and F, marked by purple VIP ONE signs.
Q: Does VIP ONE replace TSA PreCheck or Clear?
A: VIP ONE doesn’t replace PreCheck or Clear, but it gives you a separate fast-track lane. You still follow TSA screening procedures, but you cut the line from VIP ONE’s lounge.
Q: Can I pay for VIP ONE if I don’t have Priority Pass?
A: Yes. You can buy Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Lounge + Fast Track access directly from VIP ONE. Prices start at $45.
Q: How early should I arrive at the airport if I use VIP ONE?
A: Give yourself the standard airport buffer times. While VIP ONE is fast, check-in cutoffs still apply to your airline.
