TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR
Which trusted traveler program saves you the most time?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for 5 years and saves an average of 15-30 minutes per airport visit. Global Entry costs $100 and includes PreCheck plus faster customs. CLEAR costs $189/year and lets you skip the ID check line entirely.
| FEATURE | TSA PRECHECK | GLOBAL ENTRY | CLEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 / 5 years | $100 / 5 years | $189 / year |
| Annual Cost | $15.60 | $20 | $189 |
| Time Saved | 15-30 min | 15-30 min + customs | 5-10 min |
| What It Covers | Security screening | Security + US customs | ID verification only |
| Application | Online + in-person | Online + interview | In-app enrollment |
| Approval Time | 3-5 days | 2-4 weeks | Minutes |
| Renewal | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | Annual |
| Best For | Domestic travelers | International travelers | Frequent flyers |
| Keep Shoes On | Yes | Yes (via PreCheck) | No (separate) |
| Keep Laptop in Bag | Yes | Yes (via PreCheck) | No (separate) |
| Customs Fast Track | No | Yes | No |
| Availability | 200+ US airports | 200+ US airports | 50+ airports |
Is It Worth It? Calculator
See your estimated time and cost savings based on how often you fly.
TSA PreCheck
Global Entry
CLEAR
Best combo: TSA PreCheck + CLEAR together costs $267/year and gives you the fastest possible experience. Many credit cards reimburse these fees -- check your card benefits.
Program Details
TSA PreCheck
The most popular trusted traveler program. Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. Leave laptops and liquids in your bag. Use the dedicated PreCheck lane for faster screening.
Pros
- Cheapest option at $78/5 years
- Available at 200+ airports
- Fast approval (3-5 days)
- Most airlines participate
Cons
- No customs benefits
- Does not speed up ID verification
- In-person visit required
Global Entry
Includes all TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited US customs and border protection when returning from international trips. Use Global Entry kiosks instead of waiting in the standard customs line.
Pros
- Includes full TSA PreCheck
- Skip customs lines (saves 30-60 min)
- Only $22 more than PreCheck
- Best value for international travelers
Cons
- Longer approval process (2-4 weeks)
- Requires in-person interview
- Only for US customs (not other countries)
- Background check more thorough
CLEAR
Uses biometric identity (fingerprints and iris scan) to skip the ID verification line at security. A CLEAR ambassador walks you directly to the physical screening area. Works best when combined with TSA PreCheck.
Pros
- Instant enrollment at airport
- Biometric = no ID needed
- Skip the longest part of the line
- Best when combined with PreCheck
Cons
- Most expensive ($189/year)
- Only at 50+ airports
- Does not include expedited screening
- Must renew annually
See Real PreCheck vs Standard Lane Wait Times
FlightQueue shows real-time and predicted wait times for both TSA PreCheck and standard security lanes at 200+ US airports. See exactly how much time PreCheck saves at your airport before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Yes, for most travelers. At $78 for 5 years ($15.60/year), you break even with just 1-2 flights per year when you factor in 15-30 minutes saved per trip. Frequent travelers save dozens of hours annually.
Can I use Global Entry for domestic flights?
Yes. Global Entry includes full TSA PreCheck benefits, so you get expedited security screening on all domestic flights plus faster customs processing when returning from international trips.
Does CLEAR replace TSA PreCheck?
No, they complement each other. CLEAR skips the ID verification line, but you still go through physical security screening. With both CLEAR and PreCheck, you skip the ID line AND get expedited screening.
How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?
Most applicants receive approval within 3-5 days after their in-person appointment. Some get approved in as little as 72 hours. The online application takes about 5 minutes, and enrollment appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks.
Start Saving Time at the Airport
Check real-time security wait times at your airport and see how much PreCheck can save you.