Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

As we head into spring break, followed by summer break, travel is back in full swing.

With this in mind, it makes sense to consider ways to speed up the airport security check process. Whether during busy travel times like summer or regularly scheduled travel throughout the rest of the year, no one wants to spend more time waiting in line than necessary.

Your two options for expedited airport security in the US are Pre-check TSA And Ventilation. Let’s break down the two programs.

Overall, Clear’s biometric identity verification process will get you to the security front faster than TSA PreCheck. However, Pre-check TSA will ensure a faster, simpler screening process once the agent has verified your identity.

You can assume that if you have Clear, you can also use the TSA PreCheck lane for personal and carry-on baggage screening. However, this is not the case that raises the question: Why not consider getting both?

While none of the programs are free to join (details below), the right credit card or elite status with certain airlines can help cover significant costs, if not I mean completely.

For example, both American Express® Green Card And Platinum Card® from American Express offer an annual Clear credit statement up to $189 per calendar year to pay for your membership. Note that registration is required for selected benefits.

Information about the Amex Green Card has been independently obtained by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Not to confuse you with the third option, but note that Global Entry is another fast security program.

Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to automate their process through U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing upon arrival in the U.S. Global Entry designates a number of “reliable travelers” also grant access to TSA PreCheck lines.

For now, however, focus on TSA PreCheck and Clear as they will help you get through US security lines faster.

Launched in 2013, Pre-check TSA allows travelers deemed low risk by the Transportation Security Administration to use special security lines at airports. These travelers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. They are also often screened with an old-fashioned scanner instead of a full-body scanner.

Availability: The program currently has more than 10 million members and works with more than 80 airlines at more than 200 airports. That means people traveling through those airports on a participating airline will be able to use special PreCheck lanes.

In 2021, 97.6% of non-TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 20 minutes at airport security checkpoints, compared with 96.2% of TSA PreCheck passengers who waited an average of less than 5 minutes in those lanes. , each TSA data.

Eligible: To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or a foreign citizen who meets specific citizenship and residency requirements. There is no applicable age limit, but children 12 years of age and younger can use the PreCheck lane when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a member of the plan. Children aged 13-17 can go through TSA PreCheck alone or with a parent if they have a TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Apply: To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must submit a online application and pay the $78 application fee. Once your application is approved conditionally, you can schedule an in-person appointment at one of the hundreds enrollment center across the country. This step includes a background check.

Once you are approved, you will receive a known number of visitors, which you must enter into your frequent flyer profile to automatically attach to any bookings you make. Except that, you can always add it at check-in for a flight.

Expiration and renewal: TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew your membership online up to six months before your current TSA Pre-Check status expires. All you need is your name, date of birth, and KTN, although some members may be directed to renew directly at the enrollment center.

How to get discounted or free PreCheck: As mentioned before, many credit cards now include a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) application fee as part of their benefits (up to $100), which means about basically you can sign up and get a refund.

Among the popular cards with this benefit are:

pros: There are many reasons to sign up for TSA PreCheck, including the wide availability of TSA PreCheck lanes at hundreds of airports around the country, ease of registration, and the fact that many credit cards include a credit Use a billing statement for the subscription fee.

Defect: Due to the popularity of the program, TSA Pre-Check lanes can sometimes be longer than regular security lanes. However, add a few minutes of waiting here and it might be worth it to avoid having to take off your clothes and “take your place” in the scanner every time you fly. Please note, however, that TSA PreCheck members are not guaranteed access to expedited security each time they fly and may be randomly excluded.

Next, let’s discuss Clear. You may have noticed a line for Clear members at more than 40 airports across the US. You can read ours Full instructions on Clear herebut let’s summarize the benefits and how you can apply.

Clear is a secure identification platform that collects biometric data about members, including fingerprint and iris scans. It then uses them to automate the identity verification step in the security testing process. Clear registered travelers can use a separate lane with kiosks dedicated to this part of the airport experience instead of queuing for a TSA officer to look through their license or passport.

Once your identity is confirmed, a Clear representative will escort you to the surrender for security screening. If you’re signed up for TSA PreCheck, you can go to PreCheck screening lines and not have to worry about removing your shoes and belt or items from your hand luggage. However, if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you must use the regular screening lines, which is why you might consider applying for both.

availability: Delete is now available at over 40 airports across the country and countless stadiums and arenas.

Eligible: To join Clear, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident at least 18 years old. You must also present a valid, unexpired form of identification, such as a U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. Permanent Resident Card, state-issued ID, ID US military or Global Entry Card.

Apply: Enrolling in Clear takes as little as five minutes. You can start by applying online or complete the entire process in person with a representative at the Clear counter at participating airports. You’ll need to answer a few identification questions, scan your fingerprint and iris at one of the machines, take a profile picture, and hand over your ID card or document for another scan.

Once you’re a Clear member, you can add up to three family members for $50/person/year. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when traveling with a Clear member.

Expiration and renewal: Removing a membership is only good for one calendar year. You can set it to auto-renew or cancel it before the renewal date by logging into your account online and changing your settings.

How to get discount or free: Membership costs are obviously $189 per year, but there are ways to reduce that number.

Flowers have one Similar partnership with Clear.

Advantage: Unlike TSA PreCheck, you will not be randomly excluded from using the kiosks if you are an active Clear member. Likewise, even if you’re not flying with an airline that participates in TSA PreCheck, you can still use Clear kiosks.

Defect: If you want to use the TSA PreCheck security check, you must join that program separately. Joining Clear requires handing over your biometric data.

You can reduce costs with a refund credit card TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) application and Remove membership (hint, the Amex Platinum Card). And simply joining a frequent flyer program cuts Clear’s membership fees dramatically.

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Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner, Kristy Tolley and Jordyn Fields.