Airport Security Fast Track Programs Comparison

Breezing through security lines is always one of my favorite parts of travel. So many times I get to the airport only to see a huge line to check-into a flight and I am so happy that I don’t have to get in the back of that line!  Between self check-in kiosks, bag drops and traveling with carry-on only, this is a major stress that I don’t have to deal with and thought I’d look into all of the different ways to get fast tracked when traveling so I could share it with you!

Last time I traveled there were CLEAR representatives at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) selling memberships. I was interested and stopped and talked to them but they said you have to be a US citizen, which I am, but my husband is not so I didn’t sign-up. I’ve gotten TSA PreCheck before when he hasn’t and I don’t like being separated in the airport so I decided not to sign up. That got me thinking though, what are all of the differences between these fast tracking programs? Are any for non-US citizens? And are they worth it?

One thing worth noting is that I have never paid for TSA PreCheck but I normally get fast tracked. The reason is that I have flown the same 2 airlines for 10+ years now. TSA PreCheck works with “participating airlines” and I normally fly American Airlines and Delta since that’s where all of my miles are so flying with the partner airlines of TSA does help you get that pre check without paying extra!

All take some work to actually apply and check your eligibility for the program. Those specifics are listed below under each program.

Program Deals & Discounts

If you want to try to get any deals on signing up with any of these, check your credit card sites and your airline sites. I’m signed up to get weekly newsletters of any sales, deals, etc from each. If you already get too many e-mails, just go log-into your credit card or airlines sites and check for partner program discounts. They are few & far between but they are out there!

Are They Worth It?

Personally, if I was traveling alone for work like I used to, I’d sign up for all 3  of the programs listed below in a hot minute! Not having to wait for such a long time in the security line is one of the best things I like about flying.  It’s less about the lines, more about the cranky people waiting in lines and how frustrated and negative people get while waiting in those lines. As with all my travel, and what I hope for you all, is that you have a smooth, stress free and fun (yes fun) time traveling!!

How To Sign Up?

The process of getting into each of these programs are similar, apply online, see if you “qualify”, schedule an interview, finalize your membership in person. Some processes can take weeks or more so make sure if you’re interested, you look into this immediately before your next trip!

CLEAR Biometric Secure Identity Platform

• • Cost: $179 per year + fast tracks you at non-airport related areas like concerts & venues
  • Run by a private tech company Alclear, LLC
  • They take your fingerprints and iris scans (very James Bond) and you use a biometrics kiosk to “sign in” = easy & secure identification.
    • You have a Clear Agent take you to the TSA line for the Clear kiosks and are supposed to “jump to the front of the line” but again, every airport has its own version of how they do it. This is a private company (not government) so how the security officers are at each airport really does factor into this.
    • CLEAR is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.
    • If you are a big concert goer then this may be perfect for you
    • Available in more than 50 airports, stadiums & other venues in the US
    • To apply, you have to fill an application online. If they decide you are eligible, you either have to set an appointment to meet with an agent (can take weeks) or some have it where you can get to the airport before a trip and meet an agent at the airport.
    • Clear is partners with Delta & United Airlines so if you are part of their frequent flier programs and/or have credit cards earning you points, check the airline websites or monthly newsletters for discounts/deals on joining Clear.
    • Clear Link with Promo Code for Savings

Global Entry

• • • Cost: $120 per person for a 5 year membership (was $100 but raising to $120 in 2021)
    • Run by the US Customs & Border Protection Program, Trusted Traveler Program
    • Available in more than 75 airports
    • To apply, you have to fill an application online. If they decide you are eligible, you have to set an appointment to meet with an agent (can take weeks) or some have it where you can get to the airport before a trip and meet an agent at the airport.
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership: Citizens of Argentina, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan & Mexican nationals.
    • Here is the link to apply for the program and to get up to date details and costs in case there have been any changes since posting this:  https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

TSA PreCheck

• • • Cost: $85 per person for a 5 year membership
    • Run by the Transportation Security Administration (US Government)
    • Benefits: Faster line at security checkpoints, don’t have to remove your shoes, many times you don’t have to remove items from your bag (laptop or liquids), just put it all through the machine. I’ve been in many TSA PreCheck lanes, yes they go quickly which I love but just know that no matter what it says you don’t have to do (don’t have to remove shoes, jackets, etc), every airport seems to run theirs a little differently. So just go with the flow…the line is faster so be  glad about that!
    • Available in more than 200 airports
    • TSA website has a cool feature where you can check the map & click on your state or airport to see which AIRLINES are part of the PreCheck program. I clicked on LAX and there were about 40 participating airlines. Check your airport or airports you normally travel through here: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/map
    • To apply, you have to fill an application online. If they decide you are eligible, you will have to set an appointment to meet with a Homeland Security agent. This can take 2+ weeks to get approved. Once you are approved, they give you a “known traveler number” which you’ve probably seen when you buy tickets online. This way, when you purchase the ticket, the # is on your reservation and you’ll always get the TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.
    • 73+ participating airlines
    • TSA Pre Check Website: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

There are even other more specific programs such as NEXUS, this is specific to the US/Canada and SENTRI for US/Canada/Mexico. You can find out more about those by going to the Trusted Traveler Program government website: https://ttp.dhs.gov

Hoping this helps you decide if any of these programs are right for you.  Happy Travels!