Jazmin Li
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two expedited security screening options for travellers. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at U.S. airports without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. CLEAR, on the other hand, is a privately owned company that offers a paid membership service for expedited identity verification at airports and other venues. CLEAR uses biometric technology, such as fingerprint or iris scanning, to verify a traveller's identity, allowing them to skip the document verification line and proceed directly to security screening. While TSA PreCheck and CLEAR have different purposes, they can also be used together for an even faster airport experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck® | A U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| CLEAR+ | A paid airport membership service that allows members to speed through airport security in designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints |
| CLEAR+ verification | Identity verification through eyes or fingerprint at a CLEAR Pod |
| TSA PreCheck® verification | Verification of ID and boarding pass |
| TSA PreCheck® cost | $77.95–$85 for five years |
| CLEAR+ cost | $199 per year |
| CLEAR+ availability | Available at a few dozen domestic airports |
| TSA PreCheck® availability | Available at more than 200 airports in the U.S. |
| TSA PreCheck® application | Online application and a 10-minute in-person appointment at an enrollment centre |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government program
TSA PreCheck® costs $77.95 (when applying through Clear), $78 (when applying through Idemia), or $85 (when applying through Telos) for five years. The application process involves submitting an online application and then scheduling a brief in-person appointment at an enrollment centre, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.
TSA PreCheck® can be paired with CLEAR®, a private company that offers expedited identity verification at airports. CLEAR® uses biometric technology, such as iris or fingerprint scanning, to verify a traveller's identity, allowing them to skip the document verification line and proceed directly to the security screening. CLEAR® is available at select domestic airports and costs $199 per year.
By combining TSA PreCheck® with CLEAR®, travellers can further expedite their airport security experience. TSA PreCheck® provides a dedicated security lane with less stringent screening requirements, while CLEAR® offers a faster identity verification process. Together, these services can help travellers save time and navigate airport security more efficiently.
Many credit cards offer statement credits or reimbursements for TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR® membership fees, making it more accessible and cost-effective for frequent travellers to enrol in these programs.
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CLEAR+ is a paid membership service
CLEAR+ is available at select airports across the country, with ongoing expansion to new terminals and locations. CLEAR+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints allow members to save time and quickly move through security. The service is also available at other venues with security checks, such as stadiums.
The cost of CLEAR+ is $199 per year, and it can be bundled with TSA PreCheck® for added convenience. Some credit cards, like select American Express cards, offer statement credits to cover the cost of CLEAR+ membership.
CLEAR+ is ideal for frequent travellers who want to streamline their airport experience. When combined with TSA PreCheck®, travellers can enjoy expedited identity verification and shorter security lines, making their journey through the airport quicker and more efficient.
By enrolling in CLEAR+, members can take advantage of the designated CLEAR+ Lanes and friendly Ambassador support to verify their identity quickly and securely. This service complements TSA PreCheck®, providing a seamless and expedited airport security experience.
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TSA PreCheck® costs $77.95-$85 for five years
TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screenings at U.S. airports nationwide without needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. This allows for a more efficient experience at airport security.
CLEAR is a private company that offers a paid membership service to speed up the airport security process. CLEAR+ members can use designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints and verify their identities at CLEAR Pods before proceeding to security. CLEAR costs $199 per year, but it can be bundled with TSA PreCheck® for $199, with the PreCheck® membership lasting the full five years.
Some credit cards, such as select American Express cards, offer statement credits or cover the cost of Clear membership, making it possible to obtain CLEAR access at no additional cost.
TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR serve different purposes and can complement each other. TSA PreCheck® provides access to expedited security screening and reduces the need to remove certain items during the screening process. On the other hand, CLEAR focuses on identity verification and allows members to skip the regular security line by verifying their identities through biometric technology at CLEAR kiosks. CLEAR members still need to undergo the standard security screening unless they also have TSA PreCheck®. Therefore, combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck® can further expedite the airport security process.
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CLEAR costs $199 per year
CLEAR is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through security lanes at select airports and other venues such as stadiums. CLEAR uses biometric data (fingerprints and eye scans) to verify a member's identity, allowing them to skip the standard security line and proceed directly to the security lane. CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, a U.S. government program that identifies low-risk travellers, allowing them to go through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
The standard annual cost of CLEAR membership is $199. However, there are several ways to reduce this cost or even obtain CLEAR membership for free. Certain credit cards, such as select American Express cards, offer statement credits that can cover the full cost of CLEAR membership. Additionally, holding elite status in specific airline loyalty programs or having certain cardholder benefits can provide discounts or complimentary CLEAR membership. It is recommended to check for cardholder benefits and airline discounts before enrolling, as it is rare to pay the full price for CLEAR membership.
CLEAR also offers a family plan, allowing members to add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional $119 per person. Children under 18 can join the CLEAR Lane at security screening for free. CLEAR members can also enjoy additional perks, such as complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with the rental car company Avis, providing benefits such as car class upgrades, bonus points on rentals, and exclusive offers.
When bundled with TSA PreCheck, the cost of CLEAR membership for the first year can be as low as $121.05, with a combined total of $199 for the first year, including five years of TSA PreCheck. This option provides members with the fastest route through airport security, making it an attractive choice for frequent travellers.
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Both services can be used together
CLEAR+ is a paid membership service that allows travellers to speed through security at airports across the US. CLEAR+ members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod using their eyes or fingerprint, and then proceed through the designated CLEAR+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck® is a US government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at US airports without needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
Some credit cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, reimburse customers for the cost of Clear membership, allowing travellers to pay nothing out-of-pocket for both services. TSA PreCheck® can be applied for online or at a Clear airport location, with no appointment necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows travellers to pass through expedited security screening at over 200 U.S. airports without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
CLEAR is a privately owned company that uses biometrics to verify your identity at the airport. It is currently available at over 40 U.S. airports. CLEAR does not replace TSA PreCheck and is often used in addition to it.
TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 to $85 for five years. CLEAR costs $199 per year. You can also apply for both services as a bundle for $199, which includes a one-year CLEAR membership and a five-year TSA PreCheck membership.
