"Streamlining Travel Security: Navigating TSA, Global Entry, and Clear for Seamless Journeys"

Going through the airport waiting in security lines are never fun. There are several options to help relieve the unnecessary stress. While waiting in security lines at the airport is like being in a traffic jam.

There are three affordable options that will help you skip to the front of the airport security line.

The three are:

TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry and CLEAR

There are some requirements to qualify and they all require a membership fee.

	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry	CLEAR Plus
Price	$78	$100	$189
Membership Length	5 years	5 years	1 year
Designed For	Domestic Travel	International Travel	Domestic Travel
Backing Agency	Transportation Security Administration	U.S. Customs and Border Protection	Private Company
Background Check Required	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-Person Interview Required	Yes	Yes	Yes
Participating U.S. Airports	More than 200	More than 75	More than 40

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck is a five-year membership offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It cost is $78, and $70 for renewal when your five-year term expires.

According to TSA reports, February 2024, 98% of PreCheck customers experienced wait times of less than 10 minutes at airport security checkpoints.

How It Works

TSA PreCheck, can be used at more than 200 airports, which is designed for domestic travel in the United States.

Applicants will be required to attend a short, in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check. Once you’ve cleared the required assessments and are added to the approved list, you’ll be issued a credential that allows you to enter special, expedited security lines at airport checkpoints.

How to Apply

The Transportation Security Administration provides the following steps for obtaining your TSA PreCheck membership:

1.  Apply Online: Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers.

2. Enroll in Person: 10-minute in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.

3. Travel with Ease: Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening.

CLEAR

CLEAR Plus is a privately operated security clearance system that aims to expedite the security screening process at airports and other venues. It's annual membership cost is $189 per year for an individual membership, though family members can be added for an additional $99.

How It Works

1. Enrollment: Travelers must first enroll in the CLEAR program by providing personal information and biometric data at a CLEAR enrollment center. This usually involves providing fingerprints and having their iris scanned.

2. Verification: Once enrolled, travelers can use CLEAR lanes at participating airports and venues. When approaching a CLEAR checkpoint, travelers verify their identity using either their fingerprint or iris scan at a CLEAR kiosk.

3. Expedited Security Screening: After verifying their identity, travelers proceed to the security checkpoint, where they still need to undergo standard TSA screening procedures, such as removing shoes and electronics. However, using CLEAR allows travelers to skip the regular ID check line, potentially saving time.
   

It's important to note that CLEAR is not a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; rather, it's a complement to these programs, offering an additional layer of expedited security clearance. Travelers can use CLEAR in conjunction with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to further streamline their airport experience.

How to Apply

1. Fill out an application on CLEAR’s enrollment website.

2. Visit any airport CLEAR location to complete the enrollment process. No appointment is necessary. CLEAR says you just have to bring a valid government-issued ID with you.

GLOBAL ENTRY

Global Entry is a program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

How It Works

1. Application: Travelers interested in Global Entry must first apply online through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. The application requires providing personal information, passport details, and employment history, among other details. Applicants also undergo a background check conducted by CBP.

2. Interview: After submitting the online application and passing the initial background check, applicants must schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. During the interview, CBP officers review the applicant's information, verify identity documents, and may ask additional questions.

3. Approval: If approved, travelers receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via email. This KTN is used when booking flights and allows travelers to access Global Entry benefits.

4. Expedited Entry: Upon arrival at participating U.S. airports and select international locations, Global Entry members can proceed to a dedicated kiosk at customs and immigration checkpoints. They use their passport or lawful permanent resident card, scan their fingerprints for biometric verification, and complete a customs declaration electronically. Once approved at the kiosk, travelers can proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.

Benefits

• Expedited entry into the United States for pre-approved travelers.

• Access to TSA PreCheck benefits, which include expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.

• No need to complete paper customs declaration forms upon arrival in the U.S.

Global Entry membership is valid for five years, after which travelers must renew their membership. There is an application fee to apply for Global Entry, which is non-refundable, even if the application is denied. However, the benefits of expedited clearance and streamlined travel often make Global Entry a valuable investment for frequent international travelers.

How to Apply

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own TTP account.

2. Log in to your TTP account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.

3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.

4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) booklet and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.