What is the advantage of clear over TSA PreCheck?

The real benefit of Clear is saving time. This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind.



The primary advantage of CLEAR over TSA PreCheck is that it allows you to skip the identification check line entirely. While TSA PreCheck gives you an expedited "physical" screening (keeping shoes and jackets on), you still have to wait in a line to show your ID and boarding pass to a TSA officer. CLEAR uses biometric data (eye scans or fingerprints) at a dedicated kiosk to verify your identity in seconds. Once verified, a CLEAR ambassador escorts you directly to the front of the security screening area. When you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you essentially bypass the ID line and then enter the expedited physical screening lane, creating the fastest possible airport experience. Additionally, CLEAR is a private company and its membership can also be used for expedited entry at many sports stadiums and concert venues across the US, whereas TSA PreCheck is strictly for airport security. However, CLEAR is significantly more expensive ($189+/year) compared to PreCheck ($78 for 5 years), making it most valuable for very frequent travelers.

People Also Ask

Key takeaways. A Clear Plus membership costs $189 per year, making it the most expensive of the expedited security options. In comparison, TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years — and Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, costs $100 for five years. Clear is available at over 50 airports and stadiums, but not all.

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.

MORE DETAILS

Is TSA PreCheck Free for Seniors? TSA PreCheck is not free for seniors and there are no senior discounts applicable to the $78 application fee.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Approvals typically take 3-5 days, but may take up to 60 days. CLEAR Plus¹ is a paid annual membership that verifies your identity using your eyes or fingerprints at airport security. Enroll in minutes and start using your CLEAR Plus Membership right away at 50+ locations nationwide.

MORE DETAILS

If you mostly travel domestically and want access to expedited security screening, TSA PreCheck may make sense for you. If you travel internationally and want access to faster customs screening upon reentry to the U.S., consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, instead.

MORE DETAILS

CLEAR Plus is a technology company using biometric data to verify identity in a variety of everyday contexts. Its flagship program, CLEAR Plus—often referred to simply as “CLEAR”—allows members to skip the security line at U.S. airports with a fingerprint or iris scan.

MORE DETAILS

The short answer is that Clear allows members to verify their identity using biometric scanning ahead of airport security, whereas Global Entry expedites re-entry into the U.S. after international travel. Clear allows you to hurry through security lines faster at 50-plus airports around the United States.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Passengers 75 and older can receive some form of expedited screening through risk-based intelligence-driven security that allows TSA to better focus resources on passengers who more likely pose a risk.

MORE DETAILS

Special TSA Security Screening for Passengers 75 and older – Passengers 75 and older are not required to remove their shoes and light jacket at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint, and they are allowed an extra pass through Advanced Imaging Technology devices.

MORE DETAILS

When you enroll in TSA Pre?® (valid for 5 years), you'll speed through expedited security lines without the need to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or lightweight jacket.

MORE DETAILS

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

MORE DETAILS