Traveling is great, but before you board a flight, you first need to go through airport security. In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recorded a record number of travelers at U.S. airports, and many travelers reported longer wait times than ever to get through security. Standing in a long line can be one of the most frustrating parts of traveling.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce that wait time. Understand below how you can speed up this part of your trip by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck, or Trusted Traveler Program, is offered by the government to eligible passengers considered low risk. It allows these travelers to bypass certain parts of the airport security process. The program, available on flights departing from the U.S., offers a separate and exclusive line, often much shorter. (According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less.) Passengers with PreCheck do not need to remove shoes, belts, and jackets – and do not need to remove laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags.
Those eligible for TSA PreCheck are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have not committed any disqualifying crimes, which include espionage or murder, and are not on the terrorist watch list.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry operates similarly to TSA PreCheck but is aimed at travelers who make more frequent international trips. The program allows those returning from abroad to receive expedited re-entry into the U.S. after landing. Instead of waiting in a long line at customs, those with Global Entry head to dedicated kiosks, which take photos of travelers to confirm their identity and allow them to go directly to a customs officer.
U.S. citizens and citizens of certain foreign countries are eligible for Global Entry, as long as they are also considered low risk and have no customs violations or convictions on their record. Applying for Global Entry requires candidates to schedule an in-person interview and complete a more time-consuming application process than TSA PreCheck. Currently, the processing time for applications is about four to six months, so you will need to plan ahead if you have an international trip on the horizon and want to take advantage of Global Entry.
How much do they cost?
In 2024, it costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck, while Global Entry costs $100. Once approved, enrollment in either program is valid for five years. Additionally, certain credit cards will reimburse you for the fees charged by TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
If you are interested in both programs, know that enrollment in Global Entry also includes the TSA PreCheck benefit, as well as your expedited customs screening – so it may be worth paying a slightly higher fee if you have any international travel planned. All you need to do to obtain the TSA PreCheck benefit is ensure you use your traveler number when booking a flight.
What is CLEAR?
If you want to speed up your time at the airport even more, consider also enrolling in CLEAR. While TSA PreCheck shortens the screening process at security, CLEAR allows travelers to bypass security lines. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA officer to inspect your physical identity, CLEAR has dedicated kiosks at select airports that use biometric technology to verify your identity. A CLEAR staff member will escort the traveler to the front of the security line to go through the scanning machines.
Unlike TSA PreCheck, CLEAR is managed by a private company. And it is not as widely available. In 2024, there were about 55 airports nationwide with access to CLEAR. The cost is also higher: $189 per year (compared to $78 for five years with PreCheck). However, enrolling in both programs is often the fastest way to get through airport security. Just like PreCheck, there are also several credit cards that come with CLEAR membership, so you can be rewarded for the additional cost.
What should I do to obtain TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and do not have any of the disqualifying infractions on your record, you can apply online for TSA PreCheck. From there, you can find an enrollment center near you and schedule an in-person visit to finalize the process.
The application process is similar for Global Entry. Travelers will fill out a form, pay a fee, and attend an interview. As long as the interview is successful, they will receive the Global Entry card.
Meanwhile, CLEAR is available to travelers aged 18 and older who have one of the following: U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport, or state-issued ID. Travelers can enroll in this program online or at one of its kiosks at any participating airport. Enrollment takes five minutes and no interview is required.
Can children use Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR?
There is no age requirement for TSA PreCheck. Children under 12 traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck can go through the fast lane with them. However, if the child is 13 years or older, they must use the regular security line, even if the parents are using TSA PreCheck.
There is also no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. However, regardless of the age of the person you are traveling with, all members of your group must also have Global Entry to benefit from the program.
For CLEAR, minors under 18 are free when accompanied by a member and do not need to enroll.
Source: Daily Passaport