There’s no better feeling than breezing past long airport security lines, and expedited services such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, and Global Entry have made that possible. But if the recent government shutdowns have taught us anything, it’s that there are some cracks in the systems. Global Entry was temporarily suspended, and TSA PreCheck faced a brief scare before being quickly restored, causing anxiety among travelers and longer airport lines. Alternatively, private, fee-funded services like CLEAR remained unaffected and offered a way to skip long security lines.
So much has changed since we last covered this topic in 2024, including pricing. Here’s a breakdown of which service is best for your travel needs.
TSA PRECHECK
Managed by the Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program for U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and some international visitors. Travelers apply and undergo an advanced screening and interview with an agent. The program costs around $79.95 to enroll for five years, and renewals typically cost $69.95.
Once approved, travelers will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN), a number used when booking a flight so that “TSA PreCheck” appears on their airline ticket and boarding pass.
There are some downsides to TSA PreCheck. As recent events revealed, these government-run services are vulnerable to funding disruptions. Occasionally, travelers may be subject to random screenings. Also, as it becomes more popular, expedited screening isn’t guaranteed, especially during peak travel times.
It’s important to note that TSA PreCheck approvals are limited to people with a relatively clean background. Some offenses may permanently disqualify travelers from the program.
- Wait Times: TSA PreCheck lanes move faster. About 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
- Key Takeaways: Available at more than 200 airports with 90+ airlines. Eligibility requires a background check. $79.95 for five years, then $69.95 to renew online.
CLEAR+
While TSA PreCheck lasts for five years, CLEAR+ is an annual membership that lets travelers move through airport security faster. Once at the airport, travelers head to the CLEAR kiosks for a biometric screening using their eyes or fingerprints. Once verified, a CLEAR ambassador escorts passengers to the front of the security line.
Travelers who also have TSA PreCheck with CLEAR+ membership are usually put ahead of other PreCheck travelers.
The downside of CLEAR+ is that the yearly membership means costs add up quickly, making it more expensive than TSA PreCheck alone. CLEAR services are not widely available in airports, and the wait for people who use both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck simultaneously can create a bottleneck, risking longer wait times than just using PreCheck alone. CLEAR employees act as a go-between the passenger and the TSA agent, which slows the screening process. Keep in mind that without TSA PreCheck, travelers will still have to remove electronics larger than a cellphone from carry-on bags.
One benefit of CLEAR is that it can be used beyond the airport in places such as stadiums and arenas.
With TSA PreCheck available at more airports than CLEAR+, PreCheck is the better option as it eliminates time and makes the screening process less stressful.
- Wait Times: Wait times vary and can range from a few minutes to 30 minutes. CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck can get travelers through in as little as two minutes.
- Key Takeaways: Available at 59 airports nationwide. Can be used at stadiums, arenas, and other venues. $209 annually.
Global Entry
Like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry is a trusted traveler program managed under U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers flying into the United States from international destinations.
Global Entry was restored on March 11, 2026, after a nearly three-week suspension during a partial DHS funding lapse. What’s great about Global Entry is that travelers can move through customs lines more quickly, which comes in handy during tight connections when returning to the United States. Enrollment costs $120 and includes TSA PreCheck.
One benefit of Global Entry is that passengers can be cleared in some countries before returning to the United States, known as preclearance. It allows passengers returning from countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas, to arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers, bypassing the customs line entirely.
That said, there are some downsides beyond disruptions from potential government shutdowns. There are often processing delays, and interview wait times can stretch for weeks or even months. Global Entry also requires a background check.
- Wait Times: Generally, it takes just a few minutes to pass through Customs using Global Entry kiosks, avoiding long lines.
- Key Takeaways: Membership is $120 every five years and includes TSA PreCheck. The renewal price is the same.
The Final Verdict?
All three services prove that planning will ensure a faster screening process in airports. Of the three, the winner is still Global Entry, which offers travelers two services at a deeply discounted price. TSA PreCheck is perfect for travelers who have no plans to travel internationally, and CLEAR+ is the best fit for frequent flyers at major hubs who want the absolute fastest path through security, or for travelers who don’t qualify for government trusted traveler programs.
If costs are not a factor, enrolling in CLEAR+ and Global Entry will give you the luxury of a faster screening process.
