TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are programs that allow for expedited airport security for eligible travelers. 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.

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck are two different programs that work together to speed up airport security. CLEAR Plus is a private service that uses biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) to verify your identity, allowing you to bypass the standard ID-check line and go straight to the front of the security screening area. TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, is a government program that allows you to use a dedicated "expedited" physical screening lane where you don't have to remove your shoes, belt, or laptop. In 2026, many savvy travelers use both: they use CLEAR to skip the ID-check queue and then use their TSA PreCheck status to breeze through the actual X-ray screening. While PreCheck is cheaper ($78 for 5 years) and available at more airports, CLEAR ($189 per year) is faster for getting to the machines during peak hours. Note that having CLEAR does not grant you PreCheck benefits unless you have enrolled in both programs separately.