CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck®: What you need to know

Quick insights

• CLEAR is a program designed to help expedite the identification verification part of airport screening.
• TSA PreCheck is a government-run Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) that allows passengers to access designated physical screening lanes at the airport.
• Travelers can apply for and use both programs at select airports.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two common security screening programs created to help travelers save time going through airport security and screening checkpoints. And who doesn't want to save time at the airport? But how and when these programs can potentially save you time differs.

Read on to learn about the differences between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck and which program could be right for you. Both programs provide different benefits, so having one or both may be useful for frequent travelers.

Understanding CLEAR and TSA PreCheck

Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are programs designed to help expedite the airport security process. While both programs have the same goal, they achieve it in different ways.

CLEAR Plus—which is the name of CLEAR’s membership program—uses biometric data (like fingerprints and eye scans) to verify your identity, while TSA PreCheck uses a more rigorous application process to verify a traveler's identity. If travelers receive TSA PreCheck status, they can access specific security screening lanes at the airport.

Travelers with CLEAR Plus memberships can access kiosks which can quickly verify their identity through biometric scanning.

Differences between CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck may achieve some of the same goals, but they differ in their application process, cost and duration, functions, availability and company ownership.

Application process

You can begin the application process for CLEAR and TSA PreCheck online.

To apply for TSA PreCheck, applicants need to:

• Submit an application online
• Schedule an in-person appointment with a TSA representative
• Submit required documentation
• Get fingerprinted
• Pass a background check

Approval into the program is not a guarantee. The average processing time for TSA PreCheck is typically 2-3 weeks but can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and background check delays.

On the contrary, signing up for CLEAR is typically a simpler process. The online application is short and requires basic information, such as your name, email and zip code.

You can also apply for CLEAR Plus membership in person at participating airports. When you apply in person, a CLEAR Ambassador will verify your identification document before taking biometrics, such as fingerprints, a headshot and eye scan. After your biometrics are scanned and your enrollment is complete, you can start using CLEAR Plus membership immediately.

Cost and duration

TSA PreCheck has an application fee, and if approved, your PreCheck status is good for five years. In comparison, CLEAR Plus membership lasts for one year after payment is received. Members can choose to pay an annual fee to continue their membership.

Functions

TSA PreCheck functions similarly to CLEAR Plus because they both help expedite the security process for airport departures. However, CLEAR Plus can help expedite the identification verification portion of airport screening while TSA PreCheck can help expedite the physical security screening portion.

A CLEAR Plus membership also offers benefits outside of the airport that include:

• Expedited entry into select venues and events
• Expedited passport services
• Global medical transport
• CLEAR Ambassadors to help you recover lost items at the airport

Availability

TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports and 90 airlines in the U.S., while CLEAR Plus is available at fewer locations. CLEAR Plus is currently in dozens of airports in the U.S., including most the country’s largest and busiest airports.

CLEAR Plus members may also be able to use their membership for security screening at certain sports stadiums and concert venues; TSA PreCheck members cannot.

Company ownership

CLEAR Plus is run by a private company; TSA PreCheck is a government-run TTP.

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Does CLEAR give you access to TSA PreCheck?

Having a CLEAR Plus membership does not automatically give you TSA PreCheck benefits. They are separate programs with separate fees. Some travelers choose to enroll in both programs for a more convenient airport security process.

Using CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck together

Using TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus together may provide the fastest possible airport security experience. First, CLEAR Plus verifies your identity using biometric data, then you proceed to the TSA PreCheck line for expedited physical screening.

While using both programs together can be faster, this also requires enrolling in and paying for both CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck, which may be beneficial for frequent travelers.

Is CLEAR Plus better than TSA PreCheck?

The right security screening program for you (if any) depends on your specific needs and circumstances. When weighing the two programs, you may want to consider:

• Cost
• Availability
• Travel habits

Frequent travelers may find it beneficial to have both TSA PreCheck and a CLEAR Plus membership to maximize their potential of zipping through airport screening. But they aren’t the only programs that are designed to speed up airport screening procedures.

Other TTPs—like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI—are designed with international travelers in mind. So, if you’re looking to save time at the airport, you have options.