Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ all make different parts of the airport experience easier, but they’re not interchangeable. Here’s what each program actually does, what it costs, and which one, or combination, makes the most sense for the way you travel.
I love finding ways to make travel days a little less stressful. And if you’ve ever stood in a long airport security line watching people breeze through a shorter one, you’ve probably wondered whether you’re missing out on some kind of travel secret.
Enter Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR.
You’ve likely heard these names thrown around, but they’re not the same thing. They each help you get through a different part of the airport process, and depending on how often you travel, one might make more sense for you than another.
Let’s break down what each one actually does, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth getting.
First, What’s the Difference between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck & CLEAR?
The easiest way to remember it:
- TSA PreCheck: Helps you get through airport security faster when departing from participating U.S. airports.
- Global Entry: Helps you get through U.S. customs and immigration faster when returning from international travel. It also includes TSA PreCheck.
- CLEAR+: Uses identity verification to help you bypass the standard TSA document check line at participating airports.
Think of it this way: TSA PreCheck helps with security screening, Global Entry helps with international arrivals, and CLEAR+ helps speed up the identity check portion of airport security.
1. TSA PreCheck
Best for: Travelers who want a smoother airport security experience.
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that gives approved travelers access to expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.
When you use the TSA PreCheck lane, you can generally keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave your laptop and compliant liquids in your carry-on. You still go through security screening, but the process is designed to be more convenient.
A few things to know:
- It’s useful for domestic trips and for the U.S. departure portion of international trips.
- It’s available at participating U.S. airports and airlines.
- Children 17 and under may accompany an eligible adult through the PreCheck lane when the appropriate indicator appears on their boarding pass.
- You’ll need to add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation so the TSA PreCheck indicator can appear on your boarding pass.
What does it cost?
New enrollment currently starts at $76.75 for five years through the official website, although the price can vary by enrollment provider. Check the current fee before applying.
You can apply through the official TSA PreCheck website.
2. Global Entry
Best for: Travelers who take international trips and want to speed up their return to the United States.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program for preapproved travelers. It helps you move through the U.S. arrival process more quickly when returning from abroad, using designated processing technology at participating airports.
If you’ve ever landed in the U.S. after a long international flight and faced a seemingly endless passport-control line, you can appreciate why this one is appealing.
Global Entry can make that arrival process much smoother. You’ll still need to follow customs requirements, and additional inspection is always possible, but you may spend less time waiting in the standard immigration line.
Here’s the other big perk: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible members. That means you get expedited screening for many U.S. departures, too.
A few things to know:
- You must apply and be approved.
- The application process includes a background check and an interview.
- It is useful when returning to the U.S. from international travel.
- Each traveler needs their own membership, including children.
- Global Entry doesn’t eliminate customs requirements or guarantee that you won’t be selected for additional screening.
What does it cost?
Global Entry currently costs $120 for five years. Eligible children under 18 can receive membership without an application fee when the required parent or guardian conditions are met.
You can apply through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website.
My take: If you travel internationally with any regularity, Global Entry is worth looking into because it includes TSA PreCheck. You don’t need to pay separately for both programs.
3. CLEAR+
Best for: Travelers who want another way to speed up the airport security process.
CLEAR+ is a private, paid membership that uses identity verification technology to confirm who you are at participating airport security checkpoints.
Instead of waiting in the standard line to have your identification checked, you use a CLEAR lane and verify your identity through the service. A CLEAR ambassador then directs you into the appropriate security screening process.
Here’s the important distinction: CLEAR+ does not replace TSA security screening. You still have to go through it.
CLEAR+ also isn’t the same as TSA PreCheck. CLEAR helps with the identity-check portion, while PreCheck provides access to an expedited screening lane with different screening procedures.
Some travelers use both together. If you’re enrolled in CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck, you may be able to use CLEAR to speed through the ID check and then enter the PreCheck security lane.
A few things to know:
- CLEAR+ is a private membership, not a government Trusted Traveler Program.
- It is available only at participating locations.
- It doesn’t include Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Children under 18 can generally accompany a CLEAR+ member through the CLEAR lane at no additional cost, subject to the program’s rules.
What does it cost?
CLEAR+ currently costs $219 per year. Unlike Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, it renews annually.
Some credit cards offer a statement credit that can offset some or all of the membership cost. Check your card’s current benefits and terms before paying out of pocket.
You can find details and participating airports at the official CLEAR website.
Can You Have More Than One?
Absolutely! In fact, some travelers combine them.
TSA PreCheck + Global Entry: You don’t need both memberships because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible members.
Global Entry + CLEAR+: This combination can help with two different parts of your trip: returning to the U.S. from abroad and getting through the identity-check portion of airport security when departing.
TSA PreCheck + CLEAR+: This combination can be useful for frequent domestic travelers who want to use CLEAR for identity verification and PreCheck for expedited screening.
Just remember that CLEAR+ is an additional annual expense, so consider how often you fly from airports where it’s available before signing up.
Is Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR Worth It?
That depends on how you travel.
If most of your trips are domestic, TSA PreCheck may be all you need. If you travel internationally, Global Entry may make more sense because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits. And if you fly frequently from airports with CLEAR lanes, CLEAR+ may be worth considering as an additional convenience.
Before paying for any of these programs, check your credit card benefits. Some cards reimburse eligible membership fees, which could save you money.
One final reminder: none of these programs guarantees you’ll skip every line or avoid additional screening. They’re designed to make specific parts of the airport process more convenient, not eliminate every step.
And if you’re traveling with kids, remember to check the rules for each program. An expedited lane is a lot more useful when everyone in your travel party is eligible to use it!
The Bottom Line
You don’t necessarily need all three. For many travelers, Global Entry is a practical option because it combines expedited U.S. arrival processing with TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck alone may be sufficient if you mainly travel domestically, while CLEAR+ is an optional add-on for those who want to speed up the identity-check process at participating airports.
The best choice comes down to where you travel, how often you fly, and whether your credit card already covers the cost.
Because the less time you spend standing in airport lines, the more time you have to enjoy the trip you worked so hard to plan.
FAQs
1. Do I need both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you travel internationally, Global Entry is generally the better choice.
2. Is CLEAR the same thing as TSA PreCheck?
No. CLEAR speeds up the identity-check portion of airport security, while TSA PreCheck gives you access to an expedited security screening process. You can have both and use them together.
3. Can my kids use my Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Not automatically. Global Entry memberships are individual, and TSA PreCheck eligibility for children depends on their age and who they are traveling with. If you’re traveling as a family, check the current rules before assuming everyone can use the same lane.
4. Which one should I get if I travel internationally?
For travelers who take international trips, Global Entry is usually the best place to start because it helps when returning to the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. CLEAR+ can be added if you frequently fly from airports where CLEAR is available and want an additional way to speed up the security process.
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And if you’re looking for more ways to make travel a little easier (and a lot more enjoyable), check out 7 Smart Travel Upgrades Every Traveler Should Consider.
