Choices: TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry
or Clear
The lines in the airport are overwhelming, to say the least. While standing in that overwhelming line, I saw people zooming by in designated lanes. I looked a little harder and saw those lines were for TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry and Clear. I am like what are those and how do I get them? Got home and started googling. I googled each one and then I am faced with, which one to choose? So let's break down each one:
What is TSA Pre-Check
$85 for a five-year membership ($17 per year)
Allows low-risk passengers to access TSA PreCheck security lanes and go through an expedited security screening
Children 12 and under can join a parent/guardian with TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a membership program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), that allows travelers to use an expedited security line. In these dedicated lines, travelers undergo a less-intrusive airport security screening. TSA PreCheck members have been pre-screened through a background check and assessed to be low risk.
Children 12 and under may use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck membership without registering. Teens 13 to 17 can also accompany their parent or guardian without enrolling but may still be subject to regular screening. TSA PreCheck is available throughout the United States. This program is intended for domestic use only!
What is Gobal Entry
$100 for a five-year membership ($20 per year)
Allows low-risk passengers to access expedited security kiosks when arriving in the United States
Available at over 70 airports
Includes membership to TSA PreCheck
Global Entry is a membership program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program provides expedited immigration screening upon entering the U.S., via air, land or sea. Travelers with Global Entry membership have been preapproved and assessed as low-risk based on a rigorous background check and in-person interview. More comprehensive, the program has requirements that are more stringent and include a passport and an interview.
What is Mobile Passport Control
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport information and any customs declaration forms electronically before arriving in the United States. This can help speed up the customs process and potentially reduce wait times at airports where the app is accepted.
MPC is free to use and can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and Android App Store.
What is Clear
$189 for a one-year membership
Takes you directly to the front of the security line in U.S. airports with CLEAR service
Available at over 35 U.S. airports
Also available at select sports and entertainment venues
CLEAR Plus is a privately-owned company that provides biometric identification services. CLEAR Plus, accelerates traveler identification by using biometrics instead of traditional identification methods. Dedicated CLEAR Plus lanes at airports have kiosks that scan your eyes or fingerprint scans to confirm your identity.
Many airports offer a separate CLEAR Plus checkpoint for those with TSA PreCheck or will funnel those with TSA PreCheck through to the correct security line. While CLEAR Plus registration is limited to adults 18 and older, children can use the service when traveling with a registered adult. Note that children do not have to be related to the accompanying adult to use CLEAR Plus. Also, If you frequently attend sporting events and concerts, CLEAR Plus may also help you skip the line there as well, since many stadiums have begun using CLEAR services as an alternative to traditional ID checks. A free app-based version of CLEAR is available for event entry.
I went with Global Entry. I may even add Clear if the lines contiune to grow. For more information visit: https://ttp.dhs.gov/ Let me know which you chose.
-JC Royalty