If you've been to an airport lately, you have seen separate lines and signage for at least one, maybe multiple organizations that offer pre-approved screening. If you haven't signed up for a program yet and now are confused which is the fit for you, then read below the highlights of each to see which one best applies to your air travel needs.
TSA PreCheck- run by TSA department
- TSA PreCheck is available in over 200 airports & 54 participating airlines
- Go to tsa.gov/precheck to fill out online paperwork. You can find the nearest center to schedule an appointment (about 10 minutes) for a background check & fingerprinting. Takes about 2 weeks for processing.
-Once approved, you can access the TSA PreCheck only line to bypass long security lines.
-Don't have to remove laptops, shoes, light jackets, belts & liquids
-Children 12 & under can access line for free if traveling with an adult
-Cost: $85 for 5 years
I
CLEAR
- private run company that is currently in about 24 airports & some major stadiums (i.e. Yankee stadium)
-Go to clearme.com to start the online process. Find a Clear location (no appointment necessary) to finish the process (about 5-10 minutes).
-At participating airports, you start at the Clear Kiosk that uses biometric technology (iris & fingerprint scan). Once approved, a Clear agent will walk you to the screening line.
-Works in conjunction with TSA Precheck. Must use Precheck to avoid removing shoes, laptop, jackets, belts & liquids.
-Right now, Clear lines are usually shorter than TSA Precheck.
-Children 18 + under can access Clear line for free if traveling with an adult
Cost: $179 per year ($15/mo)
Which One for Me?
-If you are a frequent traveler especially with high traffic areas , Clear + TSA Precheck is your best bet to avoid long security times
-Clear is positioned to always have open lines. TSA Precheck lines are sometimes closed if agent is not on duty
-If you are an occasional traveler or family, TSA Precheck is probably the best choice for the price point.
-Clear users are most likely to be experienced travelers while TSA Precheck might have newbies. In high traffic airports, TSA Precheck lines might have longer wait times.
Global Entry- operated by US Customs & Borders
- If you travel internationally, consider Global Entry. Very similar to TSA Precheck, but allows you to access Global Entry points instead of the regular immigration lines.
-Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov to start application.