Do you know what’s worse than the long security lines at the airport? Standing in that long line, watching travelers with TSA Precheck or CLEAR breeze past and continue onto their gate. It’s like being stuck in gridlock rush hour traffic, as a commuter train speeds around the congestion and quickly disappears into the horizon. And whenever I encounter either, I quietly vow to be one of those lucky passengers or travelers next time.
Of course, what follows is diving into the different options available, and ultimately hitting a wall of choice paralysis. Which one do I choose? Which is the best option for my lifestyle and amount that I travel? Shouldn’t I be focusing on more important things, rather than researching expedited security screening services? Well, we’re putting an end to this indecision. We’ve completed a thorough investigation and laid it all out. Now, all you have to do is read these quick summaries and decide which service would benefit you the most.
TSA PreCheck
How it’s different
This short cut through the security line is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which regulates the overall security line. Because it’s regulated from within TSA, you may have previously received free TSA PreCheck status in the past. It works by bypassing the long security lines, into the designated TSA PreCheck lines. The lines are usually smaller and faster because you don’t remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids.
What’s the application process?
Users subscribing to TSA PreCheck fill out a short online form. Then, one must schedule an interview with a TSA agent to finish the evaluation process. The interview is typically conducted at a TSA office, meaning you will likely need to drive to your closest airport to conduct the interview. Fortunately, TSA frequently promotes events outside of the airport to complete the process.
Cost
A $85 non-refundable fee that covers a 5 year membership. (That comes out to just $17 a year.)
Upside
- Because it runs through the existing TSA, it has been implemented thoroughly throughout the U.S. It is currently in more than 200 airports and 53 airlines.
- They are already rolling out new advanced technology in select TSA PreCheck security lines, like facial recognition technology, and only using your driver’s license.
Downside
- There have been recent criticisms that TSA PreCheck is potentially the slowest of these advanced security screenings. Largely due to TSA PreCheck being run by the government, it is more likely to be understaffed with long lines during high use times.
- The $85 application fee is non-refundable, even if you are not accepted into the program.
- Having TSA PreCheck eligibility status is included in Global Entry, so paying for it individually may not be the most effective use of a membership.
Who should sign up
Any frequent business traveler who travels within the US. It is the best deal out of all of the services, but does have some potential drawbacks.
Global Entry – Trusted Traveler Programs
How it’s different
This is the only service that focuses on international travel by reducing the time spent in customs lines. Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, its biggest advantage is it can be used in customs lines coming back into the U.S. Once flying back to the States and reaching customs, Global Entry members will pass to a designated kiosk, where they will scan their fingerprints and continue through the on-screen prompts.
Other Trusted Traveler Programs include Nexus and Sentri, expediting service between only the U.S. & Canada, and the U.S. and Mexico, respectively.
Cost
$100 one-time fee for application. Includes a 5 year membership. (That comes out to $20 a year)
What’s the application process?
An online application, plus the fee. If your application is approved, an interview with a Customs & Border Protection agent will be scheduled at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Your fingerprints will be taken, which will later be used as identification when you use a Global Entry kiosk at customs.
Upside
- The best option for international travel.
- Includes TSA PreCheck membership
Downside
- The wait time for your interview can be lengthy, sometimes six months out.
- If you are denied entry into the program, your $100 application fee will not be returned.
Who should sign up
International travelers. Even one or two trips to another country could justify the price.
CLEAR
How it’s different
CLEAR is the only private service, not developed through the government. As a standalone service, it addresses the long security lines from a different angle. Rather than reducing the wait time in existing security lines, they instead created their own line. It scans your identity with a fingerprint scan and an eye scan.
Cost
$179 per year (that’s $15 per month)
What’s the application process?
A simple registration form, followed by a 5 minute set-up at an enrollment center. You will need your driver’s license to continue. CLEAR can be used through airport security that same day.
Upside
- Easiest application process
- Does not require any additional identification through the line process, just your boarding pass.
- Can be used concurrently with TSA Pre-check Eligibility. Use CLEAR to verify your identity, then skip ahead to the Precheck line.
- CLEAR is branching out into other avenues, like sports stadiums, arenas, and more. Potentially, you could use it in your everyday life.
Downside
- The most expensive option, by far.
- Limited availability in airports, though it is growing. Currently it’s in only 30 airports in the US.
Who should sign up
A very frequent business traveler, who knows that CLEAR is available in the airports he/she frequents.
