As travel has become more frequent and security lines longer, passengers are looking for ways to streamline the airport experience. Two popular services that promise to make your journey smoother and faster are CLEAR and TSA PreCheck. Both of these services are designed to expedite the screening process, but they work in different ways and cater to different types of travelers. If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s a breakdown of what each service offers, their differences, and which one might be best for you.

TSA PreCheck is a program offered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows eligible travelers to enjoy faster security screening at participating airports. With TSA PreCheck, travelers don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and they can leave laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. The goal is to reduce the time spent in security lines and make the airport experience more efficient for frequent fliers.

Eligibility & Cost: To join TSA PreCheck, you must apply online and schedule an in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can use when booking flights. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a 5-year membership.

CLEAR is a privately-run expedited screening service that uses biometric technology (fingerprints and iris scans) to verify a traveler’s identity. This service is not operated by the TSA, but can work in collaboration with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR allows members to skip the traditional identity verification line and proceed directly to the TSA screening area. Once at the checkpoint, you’ll use a CLEAR kiosk to verify your identity, and then proceed to the TSA security checkpoint.

Eligibility & Cost: To join CLEAR, you need to sign up online, complete an in-person biometric screening at one of the participating airports, and pay the annual fee of $189. CLEAR membership lasts for one year.

• TSA PreCheck: Focuses on speeding up the security process, but still requires you to show an ID and boarding pass.
• CLEAR: Uses biometric technology (fingerprints or iris scan) for identity verification, allowing you to bypass the ID check.

• TSA PreCheck: Only speeds up the physical screening (shoes off, belts off, etc.), but the identity verification still takes place in the traditional TSA line.
• CLEAR: Only speeds up the identity verification process. Once your identity is verified, you will be escorted to the TSA screening checkpoint, but will still need to remove shoes, belts, jackets, etc. and take compliant liquids and laptops out of your bag for screening.

• TSA PreCheck: Available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. It requires a background check, fingerprinting, and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
• CLEAR: Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal residents aged 18 and older. It requires an in-person biometric screening, but not a background check like TSA PreCheck.

• TSA PreCheck: $85 for 5 years, which averages to about $17 per year.
• CLEAR: $199 per year, significantly more expensive than TSA PreCheck.

• TSA PreCheck: Available at over 200 U.S. airports and at participating airlines.
• CLEAR: Available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck but still covers over 40 U.S. airports, including major hubs like JFK, LAX, and Atlanta.

• TSA PreCheck: Works as a standalone program, but many credit cards and frequent flyer programs offer expedited screening as part of their benefits.
• CLEAR: Can work in tandem with TSA PreCheck to offer an even faster process. If you have both services, you’ll move through both identity verification and security screening faster.

1. Lower Cost: At $85 for five years, TSA PreCheck is far less expensive than CLEAR.
2. Nationwide Coverage: With TSA PreCheck available at over 200 airports, it’s widely accepted across the U.S.
3. Less Hassle at Checkpoints: You don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or jackets, and you can leave electronics and liquids in your bag.
4. Reliability: TSA PreCheck is well-established and offers a simple way to reduce airport stress.

1. Biometric Identification: By using biometrics (fingerprints or iris scan), CLEAR significantly reduces the time spent verifying your identity, which can be a time-saver during busy travel periods.
2. Faster Lines: By skipping the ID check, you can proceed directly to TSA PreCheck, if applicable, or standard security screening, making the process quicker overall.
3. Multiple Airport Coverage: Although it’s available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck, CLEAR is expanding and includes major hubs, which can be especially useful for frequent flyers.

1. No Identity Verification Skip: While TSA PreCheck speeds up the screening process, you still have to go through identity verification, which can add time during busy travel periods.
2. Not Available Everywhere: TSA PreCheck is available at most U.S. airports, but not all airports have the program in place, and some airlines may not participate.

1. Higher Cost: At $199 annually, CLEAR is significantly more expensive than TSA PreCheck, and it may not be worth the extra cost for infrequent travelers.
2. Limited Coverage: Although CLEAR is growing, it is still not available at every airport, meaning it may not be useful for all your travels.
3. No Screening Benefits Without TSA PreCheck: If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you can skip the identity check, but you’ll still be stuck in the regular TSA line for screening, making CLEAR less effective on its own.

• TSA PreCheck is ideal for frequent domestic travelers who want to save time at security checkpoints without breaking the bank. It’s a budget-friendly option with broad airport coverage.
• CLEAR is best for those who travel often and are looking for an even faster airport experience. If you’re willing to pay a premium for expedited identity verification and you already have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR will save you time.

For those who travel frequently or are looking for the fastest possible security process, having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck will offer the ultimate convenience. However, if you’re just looking to speed up security lines without spending much, TSA PreCheck might be the better choice.

Whatever your decision, both services aim to make air travel smoother and less stressful, so it’s all about finding the right fit for your travel style and budget. Safe travels!