Owais Crawford
There are several ways to obtain airport security clearance, with the most common being TSA PreCheck, Clear, and Global Entry. TSA PreCheck is a Transportation Security Administration program that allows certain qualified airline passengers to use separate, shorter security lanes. It is available at over 200 airports in the US and its territories, and costs $85 for five years. Clear, on the other hand, is only available at about 30 airports but also works at some venues other than airports, such as stadiums and ballparks. It costs $179 per year and allows users to skip the ID check line and head directly to security. Global Entry is ideal for international travel, as it provides benefits when entering the US from another country. It costs $100 for five years and includes enrollment in TSA PreCheck. Each of these options has a different enrollment process, but they all require valid US government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Airport Security Clearances | TSA PreCheck, Clear, Global Entry |
| TSA PreCheck | Available at over 200 US airports; costs $85 for five years; expedited security check process; keep your laptop, liquids, shoes and jacket on; separate boarding pass line |
| Clear | Available at 30 airports; costs $179 per year; valid for a year; family plan available; also available at some stadiums and ballparks |
| Global Entry | Available at all major US airports; costs $100 for five years; includes enrollment in TSA PreCheck; skip customs process |
| Application Process | Fill out an application form online or at a Clear airport kiosk; provide valid U.S. government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship; get fingerprints and irises scanned |
| Time Taken | The security clearance process can take about three months to complete, but timelines can vary |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck
With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and your electronics and liquids can remain in your bag. Children aged 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can start the application process online or in person at an enrolment centre. You will need to provide valid US government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship (a passport, or a driver's license and birth certificate). You will also need to complete an in-person interview. The whole process should take a couple of weeks.
Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which you will provide when booking your flight. A special designation will be added to your ticket, letting airport security staff know that you have TSA PreCheck. When you arrive at the screening area, show your ticket to the security staff, and they will direct you to a separate boarding pass line.
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Global Entry
To apply for Global Entry, you must create an account online and pay a non-refundable $100 application fee. Once you have received conditional approval, you can schedule an in-person interview at an approved location. The whole process can take several months.
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Clear
To enrol in CLEAR, you must first fill out an application form, which can be done online or at a CLEAR airport kiosk. You will then need to visit a CLEAR enrolment centre, housed within each of the airports that use the system, to verify your identity and complete an iris and fingerprint scan. The enrolment process is swift and you can begin using CLEAR immediately. While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valid for five years, CLEAR expires annually and costs $179 per year. There is a family plan that costs $50 per additional adult, while children under 18 can join for free.
It is important to note that CLEAR is only available at certain airports, so be sure to check that your airport is a participating location before signing up.
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Application forms
To obtain airport security clearance, you can apply for one of the following:
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after 9/11. It is available at over 200 airports in the United States, including its territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. TSA PreCheck allows certain qualified airline passengers to use separate, typically shorter security lanes leading to the screening area.
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can sign up or register online, then complete the in-person interview. You will need to bring a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship (passport or driver's license and birth certificate). The application process will take a couple of weeks.
TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years and is offered to American citizens and lawful permanent residents who apply.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program run by the DHS's Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agency. It allows approved American travelers faster clearance through customs when they re-enter the U.S. by air or land. Members can use Global Entry at all major U.S. airports and 13 "preclearance airports" abroad.
To apply for Global Entry, create an account online and pay the non-refundable $100 application fee. Once you receive conditional approval, schedule an in-person interview at one of the enrollment-approved airports.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years, which includes enrollment in TSA PreCheck.
CLEAR
CLEAR is available at 30 domestic airports and select sports venues. With CLEAR, you can skip the ID check line and head to a special lane to scan your boarding pass and fingerprint or iris, then proceed directly to security. Enrollment also allows expedited security screening at major league ballparks.
To apply for CLEAR, go online and complete the pre-enrollment process, then sign up at any of the 30 CLEAR enrollment sites with a driver's license, passport, or other accepted forms of ID. You can also apply at a CLEAR airport kiosk. Once you've completed the paperwork, your irises and fingerprints will be scanned, and you'll be approved instantly.
CLEAR costs $179 per year. There is a money-saving family plan that costs $50 per additional adult, and everyone under 18 is free.
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In-person interviews
TSA PreCheck:
TSA PreCheck is a popular security clearance program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows passengers to expedite their security check process at over 200 domestic airports in the United States. It is important to note that TSA PreCheck is not available at all airports, especially smaller regional locations, and it does not work for international travel.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you can sign up online and then complete the in-person interview. During the in-person interview, you will be required to provide valid U.S. government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship, such as a passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. It is recommended to bring these documents to ensure a smooth interview process.
Global Entry:
Global Entry is another security clearance program that is particularly useful for international travel. It allows approved American travelers to expedite their customs process when re-entering the United States by air or land. Global Entry is available at major U.S. airports and select "preclearance airports" abroad.
To enroll in Global Entry, you must first create an account online and pay a nonrefundable $100 application fee. Once you receive conditional approval, you can schedule an in-person interview at one of the enrollment-approved airports. Obtaining an interview slot may take several months, so it is essential to plan ahead.
CLEAR:
CLEAR is a separate security clearance program that operates at about 30 airports within the United States. It is unique in that it also works at venues other than airports, including some stadiums and ballparks. CLEAR offers a faster alternative to the traditional ID check line, allowing passengers to scan their boarding passes and fingerprints or irises at a special lane.
To enroll in CLEAR, you can apply online and then complete the process at a CLEAR enrollment center, usually housed within the participating airports. You will need to provide identification verification, such as a driver's license, passport, or other accepted forms of ID, along with an iris scan and fingerprint scan.
By understanding the specific requirements and procedures for each security clearance program, you can successfully navigate the in-person interview process and obtain your desired airport security clearance.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck, Clear, and Global Entry are the three types of airport security clearances.
TSA PreCheck is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program that allows certain qualified passengers to use separate, shorter security lanes. You will receive a Known Traveler Number that you will provide when booking your flight. A special designation will be added to your ticket, and when you arrive at the screening area, you will be directed to a separate line.
You can sign up for TSA PreCheck online or in person. You will need a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship (passport or driver's license and birth certificate). The application process takes a few weeks.
Clear is available at select airports and sports venues. Instead of waiting in the ID check line, you will head to a special lane to scan your boarding pass and fingerprint or iris, and then proceed to security.
You can apply for Clear online and then complete your enrollment at a participating airport or Clear enrollment center. You will need a driver's license, passport, or other accepted form of ID.
