Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by ETC Team
As more and more people travel by air, TSA lines are starting to reach record levels. Luckily travelers have airport security programs to get around them, if they are willing to pay extra. But trying to figure out what those options are and which one to pick can be challenging.
We’re talking about TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and Global Entry. Below we’ll talk about what each service is. We’ll cover what they cost and who runs them. How much time can they really save you at the airport. And most importantly, how they can benefit you on your next trip to the airport.
TSA PreCheck
First we’ll dig into TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck gets you in and out of security faster. This happens in a special, shorter line that reduces the amount of hoops you have to jump through. We’re all looking for ways to make air travel easier these days. An $85 fee pays for a background check that clears you for more relaxed security measures.
This PreCheck line is made up of only people who have also completed the same background checks. According to the TSA, that’s about 4 million people right now. But on top of that, you also get a faster, relatively hassle-free process. Your belt stays on. You can even keep your liquids and laptop in your luggage. You still need to keep your liquids under 3 ounces and in a baggie, though.
PreCheck is the most popular of the airport security programs, and it works well. PreCheck is in place at over 200 airports and 90+ airlines. That $85 fee gets you faster security clearance for a total of five years. And they claim that 99% of PreCheck members had wait times of 10 minutes or less going through security. Frequent fliers will love this program. Also, Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass. If you’ve ever had to wait in a security line with a restless child, you understand that’s a big deal.
It’s not without its downsides, though. The registration process is frustrating. You have to make an appointment in advance, then go to a physical location to actually register. There are currently over 500 places to register, along with the occasional pop-up registration point. Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days. TSA does say some applications can take up to 60 days, so you’ll want to get the process started well in advance of your next trip.
CLEAR
While TSA PreCheck gets you through the security process faster, you still have to stand there and wait for them to check your ID and or passport. CLEAR removes that part of the process. The TSA Agent whose job it is to match your ID to your ticket is replaced with a computer. CLEAR isn’t a TSA program; it’s a private company that takes your fingerprints and/or your retina. You’ll then use them to skip that whole first part of the line. That’s right! Once you scan you’re finger or iris at a CLEAR kiosk, you’ll move directly to the security checkpoint X-Ray machines and the conveyor belts for your luggage.
The good news is that CLEAR lets you jump what is far and away the biggest part of the security line with little more than the touch of a finger or a scan of the eye. And in large cities where even the PreCheck line is can be longer, that’s a massive plus. Clear has even partnered with select sports arenas to allow easy entry to sporting events and concerts. They are CLEAR-ly looking for ways to reduce the amount of time we spend waiting in lines throughout our busy lives.
But there are downsides. Not everybody’s comfortable letting some upstart company just have their retinal scan lying around, especially in this day and age of ridiculous data breaches and cyber attacks. Plus, you may get past that first checkpoint, but you don’t get anything beyond that. You’re stuck taking off your shoes and pulling out your bag of hand lotion in line with everyone else. Not to mention, CLEAR is pricey at $189 per year. Another of its downsides is location. Right now, CLEAR is only located at 57 airports. In addition to expanding CLEAR to Delta hubs across the country, the airline is offering it at discounts to their SkyMiles members – Diamond members even get it for free.
Global Entry
The next service is third on our list of airport security programs. This program is called Global Entry and it is geared towards international travelers. Global Entry is also run by Homeland Security but through Customs and Border Protection agency. You pay $100 for a 5-year membership, and it actually includes TSA PreCheck, so that makes this program really appealing. But there are a few extra steps and some extra perks.
You need a passport or a lawful permanent resident card in order to apply, and in exchange, you get expedited processing at customs at any of the 70+ airports that participate. Oh, and that application fee is covered by some credit card companies. These are the card companies top tier cards like Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire, and Capitol One Venture, so if you’re already carrying one of those cards, you may be able to save some money.
The expedited processing is very straightforward. You bypass the line and walk straight up to a Global Entry kiosk. You give your machine-readable passport or resident card to the machine, and fill out your customs declaration right there at the kiosk. There’s even a handy “No to all” box that spares you the grief of having to answer each question individually if you don’t have anything to declare on the form. The machine then scans your fingerprints, takes your photo, and gives you a receipt to hand to the agent as you head out. This reduces the customs process to just minutes.
On the downside, you have to pay $100 to apply, and that money is nonrefundable even if, for some reason, your application is denied after the 10-14 days it takes to go through preliminary screening. Not to mention that even though you’re heading out through an automated process, you can still get selected for a little extra TLC from customs, which is frustrating, even if it may be understandable.
Airport Security Programs – Key Differences
Coverage And Specialty
TSA PreCheck is for expedited security screening within the U.S. for domestic flights only. CLEAR focuses on identity verification at security checkpoints within the U.S. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits and is primarily for expedited customs and immigration clearance when entering the U.S. from international destinations.
Application Process
Each of these airport security programs has its own application process, waiting period, and fee structure. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry require online applications, followed by an in-person appointment for biometric data collection and an interview. CLEAR’s application process involves registering online and completing an identity verification process at a CLEAR enrollment center, which is also done in-person.
Cost
TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a 5-year membership, CLEAR costs $189 per year, and Global Entry costs $100 for a 5-year membership (which includes TSA PreCheck benefits). The costs reflect the services they provide and the convenience they offer in streamlining different parts of your travel experience. There’s no way around it. All of these airport security programs has a fee.
Airport Security Programs – Choosing The Right One
Domestic Travelers
Opt for TSA PreCheck if you primarily travel within the U.S. and want faster security screening. The time you’ll save by not removing your shoes, jacket or belt. There is also no requirement to remove 3-1-1 liquids from your travel bags. Combine this with the added bonus of allowing children under the age of 18, who are traveling with you, to also take advantage of the PreCheck benefits.
Frequent Fliers
If you are a frequent traveler and the majority of your flights originate at major U.S. hubs, then CLEAR could be a big advantage for you. The ability to skip the line for the ID verification process upon arrival to the airport makes you feel like an efficiency expert. Often this initial line, just to verify that you are indeed taking a flight that day, can take some time to get through.
Travelers are often unprepared to produce their ID’s and boarding passes further slowing the process. You can also combine the CLEAR service with TSA PreCheck and you’ll look like an airport dynamo as you breeze through the two most important yet slowest processes you’ll encounter at the airport. This combined with CLEAR being implemented at sporting and concert venues, just might make this the service for you.
International Travelers
If you are a frequent international traveler, Global Entry is the most comprehensive of the airport security programs as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits and expedited entry into the U.S. The time you can save by expediting your entry through automated kiosks will feel well worth the $100 when the immigration line is snaked through the terminal. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited entry benefits in other countries with mutual agreements, such as Canada through NEXUS and certain European countries through the FLUX program.
The Wrap
When deciding between airport security programs, there’s a lot to consider. Whether it’s TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry, it’s essential to consider your specific travel needs and preferences.
TSA PreCheck is ideal for those who primarily travel within the United States and want to fast-track their security screening at domestic airports.
CLEAR offers a high-tech and speedy experience through ID and security checkpoints at participating airports and stadiums, enhancing convenience.
With Global Entry, the real benefit is for frequent international travelers, providing expedited entry into the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck benefits for extra value. Each program offers distinct advantages tailored to different aspects of travel. Choosing the right one depends on where and how often you travel internationally or domestically.
No matter which of the airport security programs you choose, you’ll find you have more time to EXPLORE, TRAVEL, and CONNECT.
