CLEAR is a bit unclear (hah) as to how it compares with TSA Pre√ and Global Entry so let me try to make it more clear. (Please stop).
First, let’s once again take a quick look at TSA Pre√ and Global Entry before we move to CLEAR…
TSA Pre√ is the best option for people that primarily fly within the United States. The program allows low risk travelers, who have a Known Traveler Number, to experience the benefit of expedited screening through the TSA Pre√ lanes. So basically, when you need to get on the security line at the airport, you are able to go to a separate line, which most of the time (in my experience), has a shorter line. This shorter line helps you to get to the TSA Officer, who checks your IDS and boarding passes, quicker (this fact is important for later when you are reading about Clear). Also once you get past this officer and proceed to the separate physical security screening lanes, you do not have to take off your shoes and belts or remove your laptops from their cases in these TSA Pre√ lanes. To get TSA Pre√, you need to fill out an online application and then schedule an appointment. The fee for TSA Pre√ is $85, which is good for five years (you may have a card that reimburses you for the fee). Family members ages 12 and under traveling with an eligible parent or guardian with TSA Pre✓ can use the lanes too. We got TSA Pre√ back in 2015. You can learn more about TSA Pre√ here.
Global Entry is a better option if you travel internationally. (Note, if you get Global Entry, it automatically comes with TSA Pre✓but not vice versa. ) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low risk travelers an expedited means of clearing customs upon reentering the country. Travelers with Global Entry use kiosks that read their passports, fingerprints, and customs declarations, allowing them to bypass the customs official and the accompanying line when returning home. To apply for Global Entry you need to fill out an online application. After you have undergone a thorough background check and are approved, you will be able to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. The fee for Global Entry is $100, which is good for five years (you may have a card that reimburses you for the fee). Unlike TSA Pre√, Global Entry travelers cannot bring family members (even young kids) through the Global Entry kiosks. We upgraded to Global Entry this past year. You can learn more about Global Entry here.
CLEAR is not a government run program, but rather a private company. Travelers who have enrolled in CLEAR have their own separate automated kiosk authenticating them either by fingerprints or an eye scan. This step is in lieu of a TSA officer checking your ID and boarding pass. However, after the CLEAR kiosk, you still must go to a TSA physical screening checkpoint (where you put your stuff in the bins and walk thru a metal detector). If you have PreCheck then you will go to the Pre√ screening section, if you do not then you’ll go to the regular screening section. So a nice combo to have (albeit expensive), is Clear with TSA Pre√ so you can get right to an authenticating kisok and then get right to a expedited physical screening line.
At the time of this post, CLEAR is available at 35+ airports, stadiums, and other venues (ie-New York friends-Yankee Stadium and CitiField and it just opened at JFK Terminal 4). See the full list of locations here. To apply for CLEAR, you can walk in and sign up at a CLEAR location at one of the airports that has CLEAR or fill out an online application and then get to a CLEAR location. With either method, you will receive an iris and fingerprint scan at the CLEAR facility. The fee for CLEAR is a hefty $189 (plus $50 per additional family member on the same account) BUT children under 18 may use the CLEAR line for free when traveling with a paid member.
My quick thoughts in case you are interested 🙂
My thoughts in 2022-Now having a kid at school in LA and often having to go the the very busy and chaotic LAX Airport, I have been grateful for having Clear almost every time I have flown to LA. Also, since I originally wrote this post back on 2018, Amex Platinum and Business Platinum now offer $189 annual statement credits for Clear. It was a no-brainer for me to get it because of the statement credit, and I am so happy I did. Thanks Amex for helping me discover it!
My thoughts back in 2018…Since having TSA Pre√, I can only remember one time that we were disappointed with the size of the Pre√ line. We usually get the to the agent that checks our boarding passes and IDS pretty quickly, so for us, I do not see the benefit of having CLEAR. However, if you do not have TSA Pre√, then I think CLEAR is worth considering, especially if you have a CLEAR facility at an airport near you. You may have to go on the regular physical screening line, but you won’t have to wait on that first big line to get to a TSA agent. Also, for families, the kids under 18 being covered is also appealing.
Coming soon I will be writing about Mobile Passport and how that fits into the equation.
For now, I hope I cleared things up bit.