How to Decide Between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR for Your Next Vacation
If you’re like me, the thought of missing your flight because you get caught in an endless airport security line is terrifying.
As soon as I started flying on my own (without my mom to keep me on schedule), I knew I needed to figure out how to get in those expedited security lines, and that it was worth paying for.
And yes, before I figured it out I did miss a flight… or three. But I’m not here to talk about that in this post.
Read on for a breakdown of each type of program, the pros and cons, and who I think is best suited for each type.
BEFORE WE START - please make sure you are using the OFFICIAL UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WEBSITES for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to enter your information and apply. There are many alternative sites out there that will charge you more and steal your information.
Here’s how to make sure the site is legitimate:
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.The official website to access both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is: https://ttp.dhs.gov/
TSA PreCheck
What it is: TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government-run program that allows travelers to pay to apply, and if approved, use expedited security lines in United States airports to speed up the screening process. Find more details on the official government website.
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents that do not have a U.S. passport and will not be traveling outside of the United States.
AKA: U.S. TRAVELERS THAT ARE NOT TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY AND DON’T PLAN TO WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Benefits: TSA PreCheck travelers get access to shorter security lines, and don’t have to take off their jackets, shoes, or belts. They also don’t need to remove TSA approved liquids or electronics from their bags.
BONUS: Kids 12 and under traveling with a TSA PreCheck traveler can join them in the expedited lines, rather than having to apply and be approved for their own TSA PreCheck account.
BONUS: Some credit cards offer a perk to cover your TSA PreCheck application!
Cons: TSA PreCheck doesn’t apply for re-entry into the United States, meaning TSA PreCheck travelers will have to use the regular lines for customs when flying back into the United States.
Cost: The current cost to apply for TSA PreCheck is $78
Duration: TSA PreCheck travelers don’t have to renew their accounts for 5 years
How to apply: Visit the official TSA PreCheck government website and follow the steps to fill out your application. If you’re conditionally approved, you’ll be able to schedule your 10 minute in person interview.
How to use: Your TSA PreCheck number is also known as your Known Traveler Number, or KTN. Add your KTN to your airline reservations to take advantage of the program. You can also add your KTN to your airline loyalty profiles to have it applied to any reservation you make while logged in to your account
Good to Note:
Make sure you are using the OFFICIAL government website to apply.
TSA PreCheck is NOT available in every U.S. airport
Global Entry
What it is: Global Entry is also a U.S. government-run program. Global Entry travelers enjoy expedited entry back into the United States, and includes access to TSA PreCheck as well. Find more details on the official government website.
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals that will be traveling outside of the country at least once in the next five years
Benefits: Global Entry travelers get to skip the huge lines at customs when returning to the United States. Additionally, self-service kiosks and facial comparison technologies mean Global Entry travelers don’t have to fill out any paperwork upon entry to the U.S. Global Entry is in use at more than 75 airports in the United States.
BONUS: Some credit cards offer a perk to cover your Global Entry application!
Cons: Global Entry holders cannot extend their benefits to any travel companions. Each traveler, regardless of age, needs to have their own Global Entry account.
Cost: The current cost to apply for Global Entry is $100
Duration: Once approved, Global Entry is good for 5 years.
How to apply: Visit the official Global Entry government website and follow the steps to fill out your application. If you’re conditionally approved, you’ll be able to schedule your 10 minute in person interview.
How to use: Your Global Entry number is also known as your Known Traveler Number, or KTN. Add your KTN to your airline reservations to take advantage of the program. You can also add your KTN to your airline loyalty profiles to have it applied to any reservation you make while logged in to your account
Good to Note:
Global Entry includes access to all the perks of TSA PreCheck
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has special arrangements with other countries to help expedite security screenings even further. Look over the list of partner countries at this link
Make sure you are using the OFFICIAL government website to apply
You can also add your KTN to your airline loyalty profiles to have it applied to any reservation you make while logged in to your account
You can compare TSA PreCheck and Global Entry on the official government website to help decide which is the right option for you based on your upcoming travel plans!
CLEAR
What it is: CLEAR is a privately owned company that uses travelers’ biometric data to expedite screening. Global Entry travelers enjoy expedited entry back into the United States, and includes access to TSA PreCheck as well. Find more details on the official government website. CLEAR offers a service called CLEAR PLUS, which enables travelers to use the CLEAR kiosks in the airport to scan their biometric data and be escorted to a security line by a staff member.
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents over the age of 18
Benefits: CLEAR Plus travelers can add up to three adult family members (18 years old and up) for $60/year per person under an existing CLEAR Plus membership. Children under age 18 are free and do not need to enroll in their own CLEAR Plus account when traveling with a CLEAR Plus enrolled family member. Some airlines, including Delta and United, offer CLEAR discounts to their members. CLEAR Plus membership includes CLEAR SPORTS, which provides expedited access into sports events and concerts, and a COVID pass or digital health card.
BONUS: Some credit cards offer a perk to cover your CLEAR Plus application!
BONUS: The free CLEAR app provides access to sporting events, concerts, and the digital health card
Cons: CLEAR Plus membership does not include access to TSA PreCheck.
Cost: For expedited airport security, the annual cost for CLEAR Plus membership is $189. Members can cancel their membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of their yearly membership.
Duration: Once approved, CLEAR is good for 1 year.
How to apply: Visit the official CLEAR website and follow the steps to fill out your application, or complete your entire application in a few minutes at an airport with CLEAR kiosks.
How to use: You are able to use your CLEAR Plus membership as soon as you’ve registered your biometric data. Head to a CLEAR checkpoint at your airport and use your fingerprints or retinal scanners to verify your identity, and head right to the security line.
Good to Note:
CLEAR does not include access to all the perks of TSA PreCheck
Make sure you are using the OFFICIAL CLEAR website to apply.
CLEAR is NOT available in every U.S. airport
MIXING AND MATCHING
You can absolutely apply for multiple memberships! If you are considering TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Global Entry INCLUDES TSA PreCheck access. CLEAR is a good option to get with either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, but it is the most expensive option.
MY PREFERENCE
For my family, the best option is to have Global Entry for everyone. When we travel domestically, we get all the perks of TSA PreCheck (and we love not having to unpack our bags or take off our shoes). When we return home from traveling abroad, we get to skip right past the HUGE line of people waiting to go through customs.
We have always gotten through security very quickly using our Global Entry status to take advantage of TSA PreCheck, so paying extra for CLEAR hasn’t been necessary for us.
For additional FAQs about the Trusted Traveler Programs for the U.S. (TSA PreCheck and Global Entry), visit this link.
What is your plan for breezing through security on your next trip? Click the button below to start planning with us, and we can help you ensure that your KTN and/or CLEAR membership is applied correctly so you can stress less and enjoy your adventure more!