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If you are someone who flies often, airport security might seem like a headache. But what if we tell you there is a way to speed up the process and get to your gate faster? This is where programs like Clear vs. TSA Precheck come into play. Both of these programs are designed to save you time, but they work in different ways. Choosing between TSA Precheck vs. Clear isn’t just about choosing one that works faster; rather, you have to think of many other factors, including how they work, their cost, and how widely available they are.
In this article, we are going to break it all down for you so you can make a better choice for your needs.
TSA Precheck is a program run by the US government that aims to make security screening quicker and less stressful. This program is available at over 200 domestic airports and more than 90 airlines. You can find the complete list of TSA-approved airports and airlines on their official website.
When you get approved, you no longer have to wait in long lines and take off your shoes, belt, or jacket for the security check. Moreover, you can even leave your laptop and TSA-approved liquids and gels in your carry-on. This is a huge relief, especially for frequent flyers who know how tedious the regular security check at an airport can be.
On the other hand, Clear is a private membership program that lets travelers quickly identify their identities at biometric security kiosks. It takes a different approach, getting you through security faster than TSA Precheck. Rather than just bypassing the security checks like TSA Precheck, Clear speeds up the identity verification process. Instead of handing over your ID, you can simply identify yourself with a biometric scan at a kiosk, and you’re good to go. After that, a Clear representative will escort you to the front of the physical security line.
You need a paid membership to use Clear Plus at the airports. However, the free membership can be used to enter partner stadiums and sports arenas. Plus, you can also find Clear kiosks at more than 55 airports and at sports stadiums & arenas.
Whether you are a US citizen or a foreign citizen, you can apply for TSA precheck if you meet the residency requirements.
Apply online and pay the required fee, i.e., $ 78 for five years.
Once you have applied online and received the conditional approval, you need to finally visit an enrollment center for the interview.
Families with children who are under 12 years of age can also apply for TSA precheck. Children under 12 can access the TSA-approved line without being a member, while children between 13 - 17 years of age can access the TSA-approved line with their parents and guardians. However, they need to have a TSA precheck indicator on their boarding pass.
You can apply for Clear at an airport through a Clear Kiosk by showing your valid identification card issued by the government.
You don’t have to go through any background checks to apply for Clear. However, you need to be a US citizen or a legal resident 18 years or older.
Pay $189 per year for the membership.
This service is ideal for frequent flyers who value time over everything and don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience.
So, what is the real difference between Clear vs. TSA PreCheck? While both services aim to reduce your time spent in airport lines, they work in completely different ways. Let’s break it down further:
| TSA Precheck | Clear |
| With TSA Precheck, you have to go through shorter security lines and have to undergo less strict security surveillance | With Clear, you will be able to skip the security line entirely. You just have to verify your identity through a Clear Kiosk. Once this process is completed, a Clear agent will escort you to the front of the security |
| TSA Precheck membership costs $ 78 for five years | Clear membership costs $ 189 per year |
| TSA Precheck is a government program | Clear, on the other hand, is a private program |
| TSA Precheck is available at over 200 domestic airports | Clear is available at 40+ airports |
| TSA Precheck requires a background check | While clear requires a biometric enrollment |
Now, you must ask yourself which program is better, TSA Precheck or Clear.
TSA Precheck is available at over 200 airports nationwide, is less expensive, and is backed by the government.
On the other hand, Clear also has its own benefits; with the growing popularity of TSA Precheck, having a Clear membership can make things go even faster. Moreover, if you frequently attend games at a stadium or concerts, getting through the security check becomes much more easier with Clear.
Although you might think having a membership to both the programs is useless and a waste of money, it is not entirely so. Both of these programs work together to help you get through the security lines quickly. You can easily streamline your document processing through Clear, hop onto the TSA-approved line, and walk through the security area with your shoes on.
Let us have a look at some of the other advantages of being a member of both programs, i.e., TSA Precheck & Clear.
With TSA Precheck, you can quickly get through airport security, but Clear makes the process quicker for airports, stadiums, and other entertainment venues.
Some airlines would not let you use your TSA Precheck membership to get through security, but Clear works no matter what airline it is.
With the Clear Health card, you can share your vaccination and other medical information, which is sometimes needed to get into venues.
Choosing between TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR really comes down to your travel habits. Here are a few factors you should consider when choosing between the two programs:
After being held up at the airport quite a few times, you might be ready to opt for a program that lets you get through security faster. But when making the choice between Clear vs TSA Precheck, consider your traveling habits, how often you travel, and your budget. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, TSA Precheck is the way to go. However, if time is your top priority and you’re willing to invest a bit more, Clear might be the best option for you.
And here’s the best part: If you’re a frequent flyer and want the smoothest airport experience, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Combining Clear vs. TSA Precheck can give you the fastest path through airport security.
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If you are looking for more tips on how to travel smoothly, check out their ultimate business travel tips.
Q: What is Clear, and what is TSA Precheck?
A: Clear is a program that lets you verify your identity biometrically, speeding up the ID check process at the airports. However, TSA Precheck is a program run by the government that lets you get through airport security faster without needing to unpack your belongings or take off your shoes, belt, or jacket.
Q: Can I use both TSA Precheck and Clear together?
A: Yes! You can use both TSA Precheck and Clear together. Using both together gives you a smoother experience, as you can get through the ID check with Clear and enjoy faster security screening with TSA Precheck.
Q: Which is more expensive, Clear or TSA Precheck?
A: Clear is more expensive as it costs $189 per year, whereas TSA Precheck is only $78 for five years.
Q: Which is available at more airports: TSA Precheck or Clear?
A: TSA Precheck is more widely available; it is available at over 200 airports, while Clear is offered at around 40 airports.