Enjoy the quickest route through security at JFK — now complimentary with Priority Pass

Terminal 1 at JFK in New York might just be the least favorable terminal. Lines are rampant, especially during the busy afternoon and evening hours.

Dining options after security are quite limited, and the airline lounges leave much to be desired. Security checks can drag on endlessly, and you can't bypass the queues with Clear or TSA PreCheck here; Clear isn't available, and there's no dedicated TSA PreCheck line.

Imagine having a VIP service that allows you to bypass the security queue entirely! Read on to discover my experience with VIP One, now offered at no cost with an eligible Priority Pass membership.

The VIP One experience

After checking in for my recent Brussels Airlines flight, I made my way to the main security checkpoint at JFK's Terminal 1 to see what was happening.

As expected, lines were everywhere. Security personnel were loudly instructing passengers to take out liquids and laptops from their carry-on bags.

Choosing VIP One was definitely the right decision for me.

Rather than going through the main security checkpoint, I veered to the southeast side of the main area and discovered a subtle entrance to VIP One's security lounge situated between check-in Rows E and F.

A gentleman was stationed at the lounge entrance, and he warmly welcomed me after verifying that I had indeed purchased the service. (VIP One now accepts Priority Pass, so your card will likely be scanned here before entry.)

The lounge had a few seats available, but the standout features were the two credenzas positioned in the center of the space.

Upon entering, the agent set some security bins on the credenzas and requested that I take out the items from my pockets, along with my laptop and jacket.

I promptly complied, and then the magic unfolded.

The agent took the bins along with my carry-on and opened a side door, leading me directly to the front of the security line. A Transportation Security Administration agent was there to check my passport, and in just seconds, I was expedited to the X-ray machine.

The VIP One agent loaded my items into the machine and wished me a safe journey after I passed through the metal detector.

What would have been a 30-minute (or longer) wait for security turned into a seamless 60-second experience.

VIP One with Priority Pass

The exciting news is that VIP One now accepts Priority Pass memberships. If you hold an eligible credit card that comes with a Priority Pass, you can access this pre-security lounge and dedicated TSA lane prior to your flight.

Simply present your Priority Pass membership card alongside your boarding pass for same-day travel to gain entry to this lounge.

Purchasing VIP One packages

For those without a Priority Pass membership, VIP One has three available packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. I opted for the Silver package, which provides VIP fast-track security only. This service cost $45 before tax and appeared as professional services on my credit card statement. Children under 12 are included under a single service fee.

Purchasing the service was a breeze. After visiting the VIP One website, I selected my preferred package and entered my name and credit card details. Moments after finalizing my purchase, I received a call from an employee providing instructions on where to go upon arriving at Terminal 1.

If you're flying first class with Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, or Lufthansa, you can access the Silver package at no charge.

VIP One also provides Gold ($100) and Platinum services ($200), which include VIP fast-track security along with a personal escort from the moment you arrive at the airport until you reach your gate.

This individual welcomes you at your car, assists with check-in, navigates you through security, guides you to the lounge (if you have access), and ultimately helps you preboard your flight.

VIP One also offers a membership option that can be purchased at the airport for an undisclosed price.

Overall impression

I've always found the ground experience at JFK's Terminal 1 to be daunting. The terminal is typically overcrowded, and security can be a lengthy ordeal.

Thanks to VIP One's services, the security process becomes effortless, especially since it's currently complimentary for Priority Pass members.

Even without a Priority Pass, airlines usually offer priority boarding and fast-track security packages for $15 or more, making $45 a reasonable price for a VIP security experience that surpasses both TSA PreCheck and Clear. It might even make you look forward to the security process at Terminal 1.