TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: What’s the Difference?

17.10.2023 - 16:13 / afar.com

No one enjoys wasting their time in long airport lines—especially when there’s an exciting vacation at the other end. Fortunately, there are programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear that can save travelers valuable time and hassle at the airport. Before takeoff, TSA PreCheck and Clear allow travelers to go through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security lines faster. After landing, Global Entry speeds up checks at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) international checkpoints. All three have their own designated lanes, if they’re available at the airport.

But if you’re still unsure of how TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear are different from one another, read on for an in-depth overview of how each program works.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear are all expedited screening programs that help you get through U.S. airport security checkpoints faster. The main difference is that TSA PreCheck and Clear save you time at the initial TSA security screening, while Global Entry speeds up the process at customs after you return to the USA from an international destination. Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck, whereas PreCheck on its own is $78 (after that it’s $70 to renew). Both fees are often reimbursed or covered by travel credit cards and both programs are valid for five years.

Clear, which relies on biometric technology to pre-verify ID checks, allows travelers to go directly to baggage screening at TSA checkpoints (though you’ll still need TSA PreCheck if you want to avoid the general security line altogether). Clear is also present in several U.S. stadiums and event venues, such as Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Citi Field in New York City, extending membership benefits beyond the airport. Clear costs $189 per year. And with the right credit card or frequent flier affiliation, you can score a free or heavily discounted annual membership.

If you’re not sure which one to get, we recommend applying for Global Entry since you can enroll in TSA PreCheck at the same time for an additional $22, essentially bundling the two programs. The only downside is that appointment times for Global Entry application interviews at larger, more trafficked airports can be hard to get. Interview appointments for Global Entry at smaller airports or for TSA PreCheck only are much easier to find.

If your home airport is one of the dozens with Clear and you’re a frequent traveler, the program is worth signing up for on top of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck—especially if you’ve noticed your TSA PreCheck lines slowly growing as more people get approved and join the program.

First implemented in 2013, TSA PreCheck serves as a way to screen travelers before they arrive