What Is The Difference Between TSA Precheck and CLEAR?
What Is The Difference Between TSA Precheck and CLEAR?
- TSA Precheck – $78 for 5 years, government-run, expedited security lines at 200+ US airports.
- CLEAR – $189 per year, private company, uses biometrics for identity verification at 40+ airports.
- Both aim to streamline the security screening process, but differ in cost, ownership, and verification methods.
Most air travelers in the United States have seen the famous TSA security checkpoints at airports. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) establishes and controls passenger security screening at US airports. During security, most general passengers must remove their belts, jackets, hats, and shoes.
TSA Precheck and CLEAR are two different security screening programs at airports. The TSA Precheck is a government-offered security check program, whereas CLEAR is a privately owned program. Both programs allow passengers to enroll and receive a wide range of benefits at the airport.
This article explores the two programs and highlights the enrollment process and benefits of each program, as discussed in the Experian blog and the TSA website.
TSA Precheck
- TSA Precheck is an expedited security check program
- A US government-offered program
- For low-risk fliers
- Fast security lanes
- Available in over 200 US airports
Passing through security at airports can be cumbersome and tiring, particularly during peak travel seasons and times. Despite it being a necessary process at airports, most air travelers see it as a hassle at airports. TSA Precheck is a government-offered program that lets passengers pass through security lines with a breeze, much faster than others.
The program considers its enrolled members low-risk fliers who can pass through specialized screening lanes at hundreds of airports nationwide. TSA Precheck travelers receive a special Precheck mark on their boarding cards, which allows them to use TSA Precheck lanes. Travelers do not have to remove their belts, shoes, or laptops from bags, allowing these lines to move much faster.
The TSA Precheck program claims that most passengers will require just minutes to pass through the Precheck lanes. According to the TSA,
Enjoy a smoother security screening process with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
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Moreover, according to a December 2022 report by TSA Precheck, 91% of Precheck travelers passed through the security lines within five minutes, saving precious time and minimizing hassle for travelers. Only US citizens, US nationals, and US permanent residents can apply for the TSA Precheck program.
Enrollment guidelines
The application process begins online but may involve an in-person appointment at a later time. There are three main steps in the application process.
- You can fill out an online application at TSA.gov/Precheck, using basic information such as name and address for the background check.
- Schedule and attend an in-person appointment to provide your fingerprints.
- When approved, travelers will receive a unique Known Travel Number (KTN). The KTN can be added to airline reservations to receive a Precheck mark on your boarding cards.
The cost of the TSA Precheck application is $78 and is valid for five years from the date of approval. Some travel rewards credit cards offer statement credits when the application fee is paid with the card.
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CLEAR
- CLEAR is a security program that offers airport security services
- A privately owned company
- Use biometrics to verify passengers identity
Passengers must carry and present at least one form of government-issued photo ID during air travel, even when traveling domestically. The privately owned CLEAR program is a membership service that enables faster identity verification processes for air travelers. Rather than presenting a photo ID such as a passport or a driver’s license to the TSA agent, the identity of CLEAR members can be verified through fingerprint or face recognition at specialized kiosks.
The CLEAR program uses biometrics to verify the identity of travelers who can then proceed directly to security screening lanes.
Enrollment guidelines
- Travelers can apply online or at an airport kiosk
- Online applicants will also be required to finish setup at one of many airport kiosks
- Applicants provide their fingerprints and face biometrics at the kiosk
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CLEAR Membership: The Pros And Cons
CLEAR membership offers plenty of benefits, but comes with a hefty price tag.
The cost of the CLEAR Plus program is $188 and is valid for one year from the date of enrollment. Some travel rewards credit cards offer statement credits when the application fee is paid with the card.
Comparing the two programs
The two programs function in different ways but have a unique goal – to make the security screening less cumbersome for travelers. The TSA Precheck lets you pass through faster lanes with minimal requirements whereas the CLEAR program uses biometrics for identity verification, prior to security screening.
| TSA Precheck | CLEAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 for five years | $189 annually |
| Who runs it? | US Government | Private company certified by the Department of Homeland Security |
| How it works | You go through an expedited security screening line where you don’t have to remove your shoes or laptop from your bag. | You get expedited identity verification that gets you past the document check faster, and then you get ushered directly to the security check. |
| Availability | Available at over 200 US airports | Available at over 40 |
What are your thoughts on the differences between the two airport security programs? Have you enrolled in one or the other, or both? Share your experience in the comments section.