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Does CLEAR get you through the airport faster?

CLEAR Plus gets you to your gate faster using your eyes or fingerprints to verify you are you at airport security. Enroll at an airport near you and start using your CLEAR Plus Membership right away. You can even speed up the process by answering a few questions online before you go.



Yes, CLEAR Plus is designed to significantly accelerate the identity verification portion of the airport security process. While standard security or even TSA PreCheck requires you to wait for a human agent to check your ID and boarding pass, CLEAR uses biometrics (iris scans or fingerprints) at dedicated kiosks to verify your identity in seconds. Once verified, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts you directly to the front of the physical screening line. For the most efficient experience, many travelers combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck; this allows you to skip the ID line using CLEAR and then use the PreCheck lane for physical screening, where you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on. In 2026, CLEAR is available at over 60 major U.S. airports and continues to expand, though it is a paid subscription service that is separate from government-run programs like Global Entry or PreCheck.

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If you regularly travel to or from airports that offer Clear lanes, paying $189 per year for a Clear membership could be worth it. The time you'll save moving through long security lines could help reduce your risk of missing a flight and cut down your time spent in the airport overall.

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Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows those who are enrolled to go through an airport security line that is usually shorter and faster than the regular line.

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You don't need TSA PreCheck if you have Clear, but you should know that having Clear alone only exempts you from the first part of the TSA security screening process, which is checking your boarding pass and ID. To save time and hassle at the physical security screening, you would need TSA PreCheck.

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Key differences between TSA PreCheck and Clear There are a few differences between the expedited screening services. Here's what you should know: Price: Clear is more expensive at $189/year versus TSA PreCheck at $78 for five years. Processing time: Clear applications are processed immediately for same-day use.

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The general guideline on how early to get to the airport for a domestic flight is 2 hours. However, those traveling at a very busy time of year or out of a large airport might want to allow more time.

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Clear is not necessarily better than Global Entry, as both programs improve the experience of two very different parts of travel. Clear saves you time going through security screenings ahead of travel, while Global Entry saves you time at customs when reentering the U.S. after international travel.

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TSA PreCheck is offered through the government at more than 200 airports, whereas CLEAR is a private company that operates at more than 50 airports, stadiums, and other venues nationwide. TSA PreCheck membership costs $85 and lasts for five years, while CLEAR requires an annual membership fee of $189.

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Yes. CLEAR Pass for CBP Mobile Passport Control does not replace your passport. You must still present your physical passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer.

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9 ways to avoid airport lines
  1. Check in online. ...
  2. Ditch checked baggage for a carry-on. ...
  3. Skip the longer lines with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. ...
  4. Avoid peak travel days. ...
  5. Consider alternate airports. ...
  6. Get elite status for airlines. ...
  7. Understand TSA rules. ...
  8. Be prepared for COVID-19 requirements.


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The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

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The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

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Global Entry expedites your return to the U.S. after international travel while Clear helps you skip the ID check at TSA security lines before domestic or international flights. Clear verifies your identity via a fingerprint or an eye scan.

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Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
A main reason is that the programs have distinct purposes. TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through airport security checkpoints. Meanwhile, Global Entry is specifically for travelers arriving in the United States from another country.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.

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The only potential downsides of Global Entry is that it requires fingerprinting and background check and costs $100 every 5 years. Scheduling and completing your Global Entry interview can also be a hassle, which is why taking advantage of Enrollment on Arrival can be wise.

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