TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, and CLEAR: Which Program Is the Best?
Updated
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Standing around in security lines probably isn't anybody's favorite part about going to the airport. Fortunately, there are three expedited security programs that help you go through checkpoints more quickly: TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, and CLEAR.
Signing up for one or more of these programs is worth it if you want a faster and easier time at the airport. Here's when you should consider each program:
For most travelers, Global Entry is the best expedited security program because of its benefits and reasonable fee. However, it also has the slowest processing times.
Here are the key details, benefits, and drawbacks of each expedited security program:
| Program | TSA PreCheck® | Global Entry | CLEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 (with Idemia) or $85 (with Telos) | $120 | $199 |
| Membership length | Five years | Five years | One year |
| Approval time | Up to 60 days (most applicants receive approval in three to five days) | Up to 11 months | Same day for immediate use |
| Fees when traveling with children | Free for minors traveling on the same reservation with a parent or legal guardian who has TSA PreCheck | $120 per child, children must have their own Global Entry membership | Free, family members under 18 can join you in the CLEAR lane |
| Benefit | Fast processing times and expedited security at over 200 U.S. airports | Expedited service going through immigration and customs at over 70 airports (including over 50 U.S. airports) | Gets you to the front of the security line at over 55 U.S. airports and offers approval in minutes |
| Drawback | More cost-effective to apply for Global Entry and get a membership to both programs | Slow processing times | Most expensive |
Details:
TSA PreCheck® provides a faster security process at participating U.S. airports. Once you're enrolled, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Enter this number when you make air travel reservations, and your boarding pass will be marked with a TSA PreCheck® icon.
Remember that being a TSA PreCheck® member doesn't guarantee expedited screening every time. You must be at an airport that offers it and fly with an airline that participates in the program. The TSA can also still decide to require a regular or a more thorough screening.
At the security checkpoint, you can go through dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes instead of standard security lanes. You don't need to take off your shoes, belt, or a light jacket. You can also keep your laptop, food, and liquids that meet the liquid size requirements in your carryon.
Considering how much time it saves you at the airport, TSA PreCheck® more than justifies its cost. Many of the top travel credit cards also cover a membership fee for either TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. If you travel exclusively within the United States, then this is the program for you. If you travel outside the country at all, then Global Entry is the better choice.
See our favorite picks: Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck®
Details:
Global Entry speeds up the process of going through immigration and customs when you arrive in the United States. As a member, you can go to a Global Entry kiosk instead of the immigration line. You then scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card and your fingertips, answer questions for your customs declaration, and receive a receipt.
Only members can use Global Entry kiosks. Travel companions, including children and spouses, must have their own memberships.
By presenting your receipt from the kiosk, you can pass through the Global Entry immigration counter. You can also go through a Global Entry line at customs, which is typically faster than the standard line. Just like with TSA PreCheck®, membership doesn't guarantee an expedited security process every time.
The entry process to the United States is much faster with Global Entry. While waiting in the immigration line can easily last half an hour or longer, using a Global Entry kiosk doesn't even take a minute.
Considering a membership costs $20 per year, Global Entry is a great value for international travelers. To make this program even better, it also includes a TSA PreCheck® membership. You get all the benefits of both programs for being a member of Global Entry. And there are quite a few credit cards to get through airport security faster with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit.
Details:
CLEAR has some notable differences from TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry. While those are both programs run by the government, a private company operates CLEAR. Instead of getting you through the security process more quickly, CLEAR offers front-of-the-line privileges at some U.S. airports. Using biometrics, it allows you to bypass the standard document check at airport security.
When you're a member, you can go to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your face, irises, and fingerprints. A CLEAR employee will then escort you to the front of either the standard security line or the TSA PreCheck line, depending on whether you're a member of that program as well.
This program isn't limited to airports. Certain sports and entertainment venues also have CLEAR service. Although this is a good additional perk, you don't need to pay for it. Anyone can sign up for a CLEAR Sports membership free of charge.
Whether CLEAR is worth getting depends on where and how often you fly. If you fly out of an airport with CLEAR kiosks several times per year, a membership could save you a lot of time. The main drawback is the high cost. Although there are sometimes discounts available, CLEAR costs much more than TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
If you want to cruise through airport security, you have a few options, and choosing between them isn't too difficult.
Just about every air traveler can benefit from TSA PreCheck®. Since Global Entry includes that program and its own benefits for only $3 more per year, it's usually the way to go. The right credit card will also pay for Global Entry, so you wouldn't even need to pay that small cost difference.
While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are useful for most travelers, CLEAR is more limited. You may decide it's worth getting in addition to Global Entry if you can use it enough. After all, getting front-of-the-line privileges at airports you frequent is nice. Or, you might feel that Global Entry is already enough and save yourself $199 per year.
Here are the approval timeframes for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, and CLEAR:
Yes, you can get TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry. The most cost-effective option is signing up for Global Entry, because that includes a TSA PreCheck® membership. If you already have TSA PreCheck®, you could also sign up for Global Entry later, but that means you'll need to pay both membership fees.
Here are the details on acceptance for each expedited airport security program:
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