CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Get?
CLEAR and TSA PreCheck both speed up airport security, but they solve completely different problems. CLEAR ($189/year) skips the ID verification queue using biometrics. TSA PreCheck ($78 for 5 years) gives you a dedicated shorter lane where you keep your shoes and laptop. Most frequent flyers eventually get both.
The key difference
CLEAR gets you to the front of the TSA line faster. PreCheck makes the TSA line itself faster. They work at different steps in the security process, which is why combining them gives the biggest time savings.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | CLEAR | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Biometric ID verification — skips the ID check line | Expedited security screening — no shoes/laptop removal |
| Annual cost | $189/year (discounts available) | $78 for 5 years ($15.60/year) |
| Where it works | 50+ airports, some stadiums & venues | 200+ airports, 85+ airlines |
| What you keep on | Nothing extra — still go through TSA screening | Shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop in bag, liquids in bag |
| Background check | No government background check | FBI criminal history check + fingerprints |
| How it works | Iris or fingerprint scan at a CLEAR kiosk — jumps the ID queue | Dedicated shorter TSA lane with relaxed screening rules |
| Children | Under 18 free with enrolled parent | Under 12 free with enrolled parent |
| Can you use both? | Yes — CLEAR gets you to the front; PreCheck makes the lane faster | Yes — stack both for maximum speed |
Get TSA PreCheck if you…
- Fly at least 2-3 times per year
- Want the best value (just $15.60/year)
- Travel with children under 12
- Want to keep shoes and laptop in bag
- Travel domestically in the US
Add CLEAR if you also…
- Fly 10+ times per year
- Frequently use CLEAR-supported airports
- Have Delta status (discounted to $109/yr)
- Have Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire (credit)
- Travel with a group and want to skip ID queue
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CLEAR or TSA PreCheck?+
It depends on your travel pattern. TSA PreCheck is almost always worth it for the cost ($15.60/year) because it makes every security line faster. CLEAR adds value at specific high-traffic airports where the regular ID queue is long. Most frequent flyers get both and stack them.
Does CLEAR replace TSA PreCheck?+
No. CLEAR and TSA PreCheck solve different problems. CLEAR gets you through the ID verification step faster. PreCheck gives you a dedicated, faster-moving lane with relaxed screening rules. You need PreCheck (or Global Entry) to access PreCheck lanes — CLEAR does not help with this.
Can I use CLEAR and TSA PreCheck together?+
Yes, and it is the fastest combination. With both, you use CLEAR to skip the ID queue, then move directly to the PreCheck lane. At busy airports like LAX, ATL, or JFK this can shave 20–30 minutes off your security experience.
Is CLEAR worth $189 per year?+
For frequent flyers (10+ trips/year) at CLEAR-supported airports, yes. The $189 fee saves roughly 5–15 minutes per trip on the ID check alone. Delta SkyMiles members and some credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire) offer discounts down to $109–$149/year. For occasional travelers, TSA PreCheck alone is usually sufficient.
Does Global Entry include CLEAR?+
No. Global Entry ($120 for 5 years) includes TSA PreCheck but does not include CLEAR. CLEAR is a private service with a separate fee.