TSA Pre-check vs. Global Entry vs. Clear

Last updated on Jul 02 2021 by Gennady Podolsky

We are approaching a post-pandemic world, and the travel space is responding enthusiastically. Already airports are seeing a huge increase in travelers, and as summer heats up, things are going to get busy. If you are planning a post-pandemic vacation, buckle up! And be prepared for big crowds in U.S. airports. 

As more people get vaccinated and feel confident about traveling again, they will take to the roads, the airports, and the train stations. All that pent-up demand equals longer lines and longer waiting times…for everything.

Global Entry, TSA Pre-check, and CLEAR are services that take some of the headaches out of getting through airport security by avoiding long lines. We took a closer look at these programs and here is the skinny.

The Basics of Each Program

TSA Precheck is the best option for those who fly domestically without a passport. This service will ensure you get in the fast lane through security in every major airport in the U.S. It costs $85 and is good for 5 years before you have to renew. It does require a background check, an in-person interview, and your fingerprints, but it saves you time through security, and you don’t have to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, etc. Also, your children less than 12 years of age can go through the line with you without their own TSA Precheck membership. Most travelers will breeze through security in less than five minutes. 

Global Entry is only $15 more ($100 for 5 years), which includes TSA Precheck and is the best option if you fly internationally. It has all of the advantages of TSA Precheck. To sign up, you need a current passport, go through a background check, and an in-person interview. It puts you in the fast lane through customs and immigration upon returning to the U.S. from international border points, whether by air, land, or sea. No awkward interviews with a customs agent; members of Global Entry use the Customs Kiosks when returning to the U.S. from an international trip. Unlike TSA Precheck, children will need their own Global Entry membership.

CLEAR is still new to the game and is run by a private commercial entity, unlike TSA Pre and Global, which are run by the federal government. With only 30 or so airports in the program, this service is much less widespread. You can sign up at any participating airport, and after scanning your eyes and fingerprints at a Clear kiosk (and showing your ID only once when you sign up), you get to the front of the line. No need to show any further documents. However, you will still need to remove your shoes, laptop, etc. through security (unless you also have TSA Precheck). 

The price is also much higher at $179 per year. That is a bit steep and indeed a roadblock for many, but the advantage is that you can tack on Clear Sports for free, which will get you through the lines quicker at select stadiums around the country. This means a “fast pass” to get into sporting events and concerts in these stadiums. In addition, Clear offers Health Pass, which serves as a vaccine passport. So if a venue requires proof of vaccination (and many inevitably will), you have it in your Health Pass. In addition, you can add up to three family members at only $50 each, and those under 18 can use the kiosk when traveling with a Clear family member. It also offers a free 2-month trial.

So Then…Which is the Better Option?

That all depends on your personal travel needs. For international road warriors, Global Entry is almost certainly a no-brainer, especially since one of these credit cards will cover the cost. (Any road warrior should have at least one of these in their wallet) There is no need to apply for a separate TSA Precheck because it is included with your Global entry.

We also recommend getting Clear for travelers who frequently fly domestically in the U.S. and are based in a city where the airport offers Clear services. The normal price for Clear is $179 every year. If you have AmEx Platinum they will cover this amount annually as part of your membership by giving you $179 credit annually. If you are a member of Delta’s SkyMiles or United Airlines’ MileagePlus frequent flyer programs, the cost would be much less, as these airlines offer discounts when signing up for Clear. You could actually get it for less through the United or Delta and get other family members for $50 and still be covered under $179 AmEx Platinum annual benefit

Having a membership makes sense, even if you primarily use other programs. Signing up for these frequent flyer programs is free, and while time-saving with Clear may be minimal, the real value of this service is the assurance that you will glide through airport security in minutes as long as you have all three (Global Entry, TSA Precheck, and Clear) in place.

Therefore, if you are based out of an airport that offers Clear and are also an international flyer, then getting Clear and Global entry is the way to go. Similarly, Clear airport users who fly only domestically would do well to get both Clear and TSA Precheck.

Having said all of that, if you value your privacy, all three do require your personal information in some form, even though neither the government nor Clear will willingly sell your information to other countries. So that is something to take into consideration. 

What is the Bottom Line?

What do most people hate about air travel? That’s right – the long lines and hassle of going through security. One or a combination of all of these will do a lot to alleviate this long-standing headache. 

For those of you who are light packers and don’t usually check-in luggage, you have an even greater advantage in that you no longer have to arrive at the airport more than an hour before your scheduled departure. This saves you precious productivity time. Even if you do arrive early and breeze through security, you can spend that extra time in the lounge or at your gate catching up on work or the like, rather than standing in line.