Checking in at the airport and going through security can be time-consuming and cumbersome. In order to streamline the experience, travelers can purchase different services that will end up saving a lot of time waiting in lines at the airport– especially for frequent flyers.
So, what is the difference between two such services– TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR? Find out which is right for you.
TSA Pre-Check
Cost: $85 per person for 5 years.
TSA PreCheck is a government-run service provided by the Transportation Security Administration. It expedites the physical screening process of going through security at the airport. Travelers with TSA Pre-Check have access to much shorter security screening lines. You also don’t have to remove shoes, belt, or jacket, or take out your laptop or liquid containers while going through security with TSA Pre-Check. This allows you to get from ticketing to post-security in about 10 minutes.
TSA Pre-Check is available at over 200 airports in the United States. It’s a great option for frequent domestic travelers because it will save you a lot of time and trouble getting through security. For frequent international travelers, Global Entry is the service you want. At $100, you will receive the same benefits for international flights for five years.
To apply for TSA Pre-Check, submit an online application on the official TSA website and schedule an appointment for an in-person interview and fingerprinting. There are more than 380 enrollment centers around the country. Your interview takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
CLEAR
Cost: $179 per person annually, and up to three family members for $50 each annually. Children under 18 can also use the service free of charge when traveling with CLEAR family members.
CLEAR is a separate service that is run by a private company in partnership with the airport security authorities. CLEAR expedites the travel document process when you check-in at the airport. CLEAR uses your biometric data including fingerprints and iris scans to get you through the line at the airport much quicker than the line to show your ID. CLEAR is available at a select number of airports around the country, and members also have free access to quicker clearance at participating sports stadiums and concert arenas with CLEAR.
To enroll in CLEAR, you can apply at any airport that supports CLEAR, or apply directly on the CLEAR website. You will need to get your fingerprints and iris scanned at a CLEAR enrollment center, and you can begin using the service as soon as your account is set up. CLEAR offers a 1 month free trial for their service.
In summary, TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR serve two different purposes, but both aim to speed up your waiting time at the airport. You can purchase each service on its own, or use both services together to have the speediest airport experience from check-in to post-security.
