TSA PreCheck, Clear, what’s the difference?
oth TSA PreCheck and Clear help travelers expedite their journey through Airport Security but they are two entirely different programs.
Let’s start by taking a look at TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck is a trust traveler program offered through the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of the Department of Homland Security. TSA PreCheck allows travelers an expedited security screening. Once they traveler has been verified, they receive a Known Traveler Number, which is submitted to the airline when they purchase their ticket. This information is then verified with the TSA and attached to the travelers boarding pass, allowing them to use special TSA PreCheck lines. Once a TSA Agent has verified the travelers identity they are allowed to go through a simpler version of security. The traveler will not have to remove their shoes, belt, jacket, or laptop.
Clear on the other hand verifies travelers before they reach the TSA Security area. They do this though biometric identification system that has been approved for use by the Department of Homeland Security. This allows the traveler to skip the line to verify their identity with a TSA Agent and go straight to the security screening area.
Both programs can be used in conjunction with each other and would speed up the entire process of going through security. Assuming either program is available at the airport you are in.
TSA PreCheck is currently in over 200 airports in the United States. Clear is in about 50 airports. If you’re a frequent traveler check the airports you are in most commonly to see if either program is available.
Each program requires a different process for applying as well as different costs.
You can apply for TSA PreCheck online, then you will setup an interview time with a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center for the in person interview, background check and fingerprinting. Once the process is complete you will receive a Known Traveler Number. The cost of TSA PreCheck is $85 for 5 years.
The process to get Clear is similar, you start by filling out an application online then you will need to visit a Clear location to verify your identity and provide biometric information. The cost of Clear is $179 a year.
Just as Clear is only in a limited number of locations, so too are the Clear locations to finish the process. Be sure to check both that locations you visit use Clear, and that there is a Clear Location within reasonable distance for you to finish the application process.
Now there is one more advantage to Clear. It’s being used to verify identity for events such as concerts and sports. Again there are limited locations right now that utilize Clear but more are coming online each month.
The big question is should you apply for TSA PreCheck or Clear? Well that’s entirely up to you. If you fly at least once a year then TSA PreCheck can be a good choice. Clear on the other hand only seems worth the price if you travel at least a few times each year and there are Clear locations in the airports you are visiting. But again, each traveler needs to weight the costs, the time for the application process, and program availability along with how often they travel to decide if any of these programs are right for them.
