Here’s how one everyday traveler maximizes his miles and cracks the credit-card code.

Ill start with three non-negotiables:Clear,Global Entry, andTSA PreCheck.

They all cost money but I justify the expense by considering the time I save.

An illustration for a story abourt travel subscriptions.

Credit:Illustration by Carlos Coelho

Global Entry lasts for five years and includes free enrollment in PreCheck, which also lasts five years.

Clear, meanwhile, needs an annual renewal.

Airport lounges are another money-saver hidden in plain sight.

Free-to-join programs can also offer great benefits.