the lowdown on airport security: global entry, precheck, and clear
With the current funding lapse impacting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have been working without pay since Feb. 14. Why am I talking about this? Because it’s impacting airport security lines in a MAJOR way right now. More travelers than ever are looking into ways to expedite the security process, which leads me to three main options:
CLEAR
TSA Pre-check
Global Entry
What are they? How much are they? What does it take to apply? How quickly can you get them? Here’s the lowdown on these options!
clear
👉 Reality: This is a line-skipping add-on, not a replacement.
Eligibility:
Anyone 18+ with valid ID (no background check required)
Timeline:
Immediate or same-day activation
Process to get it:
Sign up online or at airport
Add biometrics (fingerprint/eye scan) at kiosk
Security experience:
Skip the ID check line entirely using biometrics
You’re escorted to the front of the line
BUT still go through TSA screening (PreCheck or regular)
Are kids included? Yes, kids under 18 are free.
How is it connected to the other systems? You can get TSA PreCheck through CLEAR with no appointment.
Cost:
~$209 per year (BUT ask your friends that have it for a discount code because they can likely get you a free trial!)
tsa pre-check
👉 Reality: This is the baseline upgrade. Biggest comfort improvement with minimal effort.
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents
Timeline:
Usually quick—often a few days to a couple weeks after appointment
Process to get it:
Fill out application
10-minute in-person appointment (fingerprints + ID)
Security experience:
Dedicated line
Keep shoes, laptop, liquids in bag
Are kids included? This one is a little tricky…
Children under 12 can use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian.
Children 13–17 are not required to have their own TSA Pre-check use the lanes, provided they are traveling with a parent/guardian who has it, they are on the same reservation, and the PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. If the indicator is missing, they must go through standard security.
If your child travels alone routinely, they should enroll!
~$78–$85 for 5 years
If you have a travel credit card, it may cover some / all of the cost via statement credit
global entry
👉 Bottom Line: If you travel internationally even occasionally, this is the best value.
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, green card holders, plus some international applicants
Timeline:
Weeks to months (conditional approval + interview scheduling is the bottleneck)
Process to get it:
Apply online
Wait for conditional approval
In-person interview, usually at the airport (or “Enrollment on Arrival”)
How is it connected to the other systems? Includes TSA PreCheck automatically
Security experience:
This is most helpful when you’re coming BACK to the U.S. from an international trip.
Skip customs lines when re-entering the U.S.
Are kids included? Applicants under the age of 18 are now exempt from the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or is also applying for Global Entry.
Cost:
$120 for 5 years
If you have a travel credit card, it may cover some / all of the cost via statement credit