If you travel regularly, you’ve probably heard people raving about Global Entry, CLEAR, or TSA PreCheck. They all promise to make airport travel faster and less stressful, but they work in different ways — and choosing the right one depends on how you travel, where you fly, and what inconveniences you want to avoid.
Below, we will break them down side by side, looking at how each works, how to sign up, and the pros and cons so you can decide what’s worth your time and money.
TSA PreCheck – Smoother Security in the U.S.
What It Is
TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and lets you use expedited security lanes at more than 200 airports in the U.S. These lanes typically have shorter lines and fewer screening requirements.
With TSA PreCheck, you can:
- Keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on
- Leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on
- Move through security faster — in many cases, under 5 minutes
Who Benefits Most
TSA PreCheck is ideal for:
- Travelers who fly several times a year domestically
- People who hate unpacking and repacking electronics and liquids
- Families — children 12 and under can use PreCheck with a parent’s membership
How to Sign Up
- Apply online at the TSA PreCheck website.
- Schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center (often located at airports or in city offices).
- Bring required ID (passport or driver’s license plus proof of citizenship).
- Pay the $78 fee (valid for 5 years).
If approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enter when booking flights. Your boarding pass will then show “TSA PreCheck” when eligible.
Pros
- Affordable ($78 for 5 years — about $15.60/year)
- Widely available in U.S. airports
- Kids 12 and under included with an adult member
- Saves time at security
Cons
- Only works for security screening — it doesn’t speed up customs/immigration
- Not all airports or airlines participate (though most major ones do)
- You may still face occasional random full screenings
Global Entry – Fast-Track Through U.S. Customs & Immigration
What It Is
Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is designed for travelers entering the U.S. from abroad. It lets you skip the regular passport control lines and instead use self-service kiosks (or, increasingly, facial recognition) to get through in minutes.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost.
Who Benefits Most
Global Entry is best for:
- Frequent international travelers
- Travelers who want both faster customs clearance and expedited TSA security
- People who value minimal airport time after long-haul flights
Example: If you fly from Paris to New York, you can bypass the long customs lines and head straight to baggage claim or your connecting flight gate in minutes.
How to Sign Up
- Apply for Global Entry online through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
- Pay the $100 fee (valid for 5 years). (Some credit cards will reimburse you for Global Entry)
- Wait for conditional approval (can take weeks to months depending on volume).
- Schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (often located at major airports).
- Bring your passport and another form of ID.
Some airports also offer Enrollment on Arrival, meaning you can complete your interview after landing from an international trip.
Pros
- Global Entry Includes TSA PreCheck
- Saves significant time when returning to the U.S. from abroad
- Works at many U.S. airports and select international pre-clearance locations (like Dublin and Abu Dhabi)
Cons
- Global Entry has a higher cost than TSA PreCheck alone ($100 for 5 years)
- Requires an in-person interview, which can be difficult to schedule
- Only useful if you travel internationally — not worth it for strictly domestic flyers
CLEAR – Skip the ID Check Line at Security
What It Is
CLEAR is a privately run program that speeds up the ID check process at security checkpoints. Instead of showing your ID to a TSA agent, you scan your boarding pass, verify your identity with biometrics (fingerprint or facial scan), and then are escorted directly to the physical screening.
CLEAR works alongside TSA PreCheck or standard security — it doesn’t replace either.
Who Benefits Most
CLEAR is ideal for:
- Travelers who use busy U.S. airports where the ID check line is the bottleneck
- Frequent flyers who already have TSA PreCheck but want to make security even faster
- People who value convenience and don’t mind paying more for speed
Example: At airports like Atlanta (ATL) or Denver (DEN), the TSA PreCheck line can still be long during peak hours. With CLEAR, you bypass that initial wait and go straight to the front.
How to Sign Up
- Apply online at the CLEAR website.
- Pay the annual fee ($189/year — discounts available for certain credit cards and airline loyalty members).
- Complete biometric enrollment at a CLEAR location (often takes just minutes).
Pros
- Very fast security entry — bypasses ID check lines entirely
- Works with TSA PreCheck or standard security
- Can also be used at some stadiums and event venues
Cons
- Much higher cost ($189/year)
- Only available at about 50 U.S. airports
- Doesn’t speed up customs or immigration
Choosing the Right Program
If You Mostly Fly Domestically
TSA PreCheck is the best value — it’s inexpensive, widely available, and makes security far less painful.
If You Fly Internationally Several Times a Year
Global Entry is the winner — you’ll get TSA PreCheck included and breeze through customs on return trips.
If You Hate Waiting in Line — Anywhere
CLEAR is worth considering, especially if you already have TSA PreCheck but still encounter long lines. It’s expensive, but in certain airports it can save 15–30 minutes during peak travel times.
Combining Programs for Maximum Speed
Some travelers choose both Global Entry and CLEAR for the fastest possible airport experience.
- Global Entry: Handles customs on arrival and includes TSA PreCheck.
- CLEAR: Skips ID check lines at security.
With both Global Entry and Clear, you can move from curb to gate with almost no waiting — especially useful if you travel through busy hubs like LAX, JFK, or ATL.
Final Thoughts
Think of these programs like tools in a traveler’s toolkit.
- TSA PreCheck = Essential for frequent domestic travel.
- Global Entry = The upgrade for international travelers.
- CLEAR = The luxury speed pass for those who hate any form of waiting.
The right choice depends on how often you travel, where you fly, and how much you value your time at the airport. For many travelers, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry will cover 90% of needs — and CLEAR is the cherry on top for those who want to move even faster.
See also: