Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

We’ve all been there — you get to the airport, and you see the security line snaking around longer than you’d hoped, with travelers anxiously waiting for their turn as the minutes tick by. That’s not fun for anyone, but the good news is you don’t necessarily have to be one of them.

These days, there are multiple ways to increase the odds of zipping through security as fast as possible by joining a program that can help expedite your journey through airport security screening and avoid the worst bottlenecks. The two main options to consider here in the U.S. are TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus. And speaking as a frequent traveler, there are very good reasons you may want access to both of these programs.

Here’s what you need to know about TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus, the differences between the two programs and how to stack them to get through airport security even faster.

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear Plus

Although some travelers think Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck are basically the same thing, they are actually two different components of a potentially faster airport security process.

With Clear Plus, your biometric information helps shorten the identity verification process — no more waiting for a Transportation Security Administration agent to always have to scan your ID — and you get to jump to the front of the security line with a Clear escort once you go through the line for Clear.

TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, is a government-run program that lets you access special security lines where you don’t have to do things like take off your shoes or remove laptops or TSA-compliant liquids from your bag.

So, Clear Plus speeds up the start of the security process, and TSA PreCheck helps quicken it after an agent has confirmed your identity. Clear Plus does not give you access to TSA PreCheck security lines, though, unless you also have TSA PreCheck.

If you want to have the quickest airport security experience possible, you might want to consider getting both TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus, as many of us here at TPG have.

Start here to apply for Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck.

On a side note, you might also want to consider getting Global Entry, which allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to access quicker, often automated lanes for U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing when arriving back into the U.S.

The reason it’s worth thinking about is that Global Entry assigns members a Known Traveler Number that also includes TSA PreCheck status. So, instead of just the single benefit of TSA PreCheck, you can have the benefits of both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck after going through the Global Entry process and paying the Global Entry application fee ($120 per person for a five-year membership).

For now, though, let’s focus on TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus, which will speed up your passage through U.S. security lines.

Unfortunately, neither Clear Plus nor TSA PreCheck is free to join. However, you can bundle them together and get both for a discounted rate of $199. That breaks down to $77.95 for five years of TSA PreCheck and $121.05 for one year of Clear Plus (which will renew at $199; terms apply for this offer).

And Clear is actually now an enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck, which can make the whole signing-up process easier.

There are other ways to save on PreCheck and/or Clear thanks to airline elite status or credit cards you may already have in your wallet that we will cover shortly, too.

Here’s what you need to know about TSA PreCheck versus Clear Plus, including their retail costs, benefits and requirements.

TSA PreCheck

First launched in 2013, TSA PreCheck allows travelers deemed low risk by the TSA to use special security lines at airports. These travelers don’t have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. They’re also usually screened with standard walk-through machines rather than full-body scanners.

Availability

The program currently counts over 20 million members (40 million when including those with Global Entry) and works with around 100 airlines in more than 200 airports. That means folks traveling through those airports on a participating airline should be able to use the special TSA PreCheck lanes.

About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes at security checkpoints, according to the TSA.

Eligibility

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. There is no age restriction to apply, but children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who is a member of the program. Children between 13 and 17 can go through TSA PreCheck lanes alone or when accompanied by parents if they have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Applying

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you can enroll online or visit any available Clear airport location (no appointment necessary).

Regardless of the application method used, you’ll submit fingerprints, photos and approved identification documents. You’ll also pay a $77.95 to $85 application fee (or $68.95 if renewing your membership online), depending on where you apply. The process will include a background check to verify your eligibility.

Adding TSA PreCheck to reservations

Once you are approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number, which you must enter into your frequent flyer profiles to automatically attach to any reservations you make. Barring that, you can always add it at check-in for a flight.

Expiration and renewal

TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew your membership online up to six months before your current TSA PreCheck status expires. All you need is your name, date of birth and KTN, though some members may be directed to renew in person at an enrollment center.

How to get TSA PreCheck at a discount or for free

Many credit cards include a statement credit for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee once every four or 4 1/2 years (depending on the card and the program you apply for) as part of their benefits, meaning you can essentially apply and be reimbursed for the fee.

Among the popular cards that feature this benefit are:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: A $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or up to an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Up to a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Up to a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every four years

Pros

There are many reasons to apply for TSA PreCheck, including the wide availability of TSA PreCheck lanes at hundreds of airports around the country, the ease of applying and the fact that many credit cards include a statement credit that covers the application fee.

Cons

Because of the program’s popularity, TSA PreCheck lanes can sometimes be longer than the normal security lanes, though that is pretty rare and you can always decide to use the regular security lines if you wish. However, an extra few minutes of waiting here and there might be worth it to avoid having to empty your carry-on bags, take off your shoes and go through the hassle of a full-body scanner every time you fly.

Just remember that TSA PreCheck members are not guaranteed access to expedited security every time they fly and can be randomly excluded.

Clear Plus

While the TSA says that 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less for security screening, when you’re unlucky enough to fall into that 1% category with a longer wait, it’s great to have Clear Plus and not have to count solely on PreCheck to get you through security as you’ll be able to utilize the Clear Plus process and line.

There are other benefits and reasons to have Clear Plus, too, like often getting to keep your ID safely packed away when going through security.

Clear is a secure identity platform that collects biometric data on members, including fingerprints and iris scans. It then uses this data to automate the identity verification step in the security screening process. Travelers who enroll in Clear Plus can use a separate lane with dedicated kiosks for this part of the screening process rather than lining up to wait for a TSA agent to glance over their license or passport.

Once your identity is confirmed, a Clear ambassador escorts you to the front of the line for security screening. If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can use the TSA PreCheck screening lines and not worry about taking off your shoes or belt or removing items such as laptops or 3-ounce and smaller liquids from your carry-on.

However, if you do not have TSA PreCheck, you have to use the normal screening lines when you use Clear Plus, which is why you might consider enrolling in both Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck.

Availability

Clear Plus is currently available at more than 50 airports across the country.

Eligibility

To join Clear Plus, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident at least 18 years old. You must also present a valid form of unexpired ID, such as a U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport book or U.S. state-issued ID.

Applying

Enrolling in Clear Plus takes as little as five minutes. You can start by registering online or completing the entire process in person with an ambassador at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport. You will need to answer a few identifying questions, scan your fingerprints and the irises of your eyes at one of the machines, snap a profile photo, and hand over your identification card or document for another scan.

Once you belong to Clear Plus, you can add up to three family members or friends for $119 per person, per year. Children under 18 can use Clear lanes for free when accompanied by a Clear Plus member.

Expiration and renewal

Clear Plus membership is only good for one year. You can set it to renew automatically or cancel it before your renewal date by logging in to your account online and changing your settings.

How to get Clear Plus at a discount or for free

Clear Plus membership costs $199 per year, but depending on the credit cards you carry, your airline elite status or if you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus, you might be able to get it for less.

In terms of cards, the American Express® Green Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and The Platinum Card from American Express give cardmembers an annual Clear Plus statement credit of up to $199 each calendar year to cover the cost of membership. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.

The information for the American Express Green Card and Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

If you belong to Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus and have elite status or an eligible cobranded credit card, you might also be able to enjoy Clear Plus at a discount.

Here’s how it works for Delta Air Lines travelers:

• General SkyMiles members can enjoy a slightly reduced annual membership fee of $189 per year.
• Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallions and folks with a Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, can purchase Clear for $159 per year.
• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360 members can enjoy Clear Plus for free.

United Airlines has a similar partnership with Clear:

• General MileagePlus members can purchase Clear for $189 annually.
• Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum elite members and flyers with a United cobranded credit card, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the United Club℠ Infinite Card, can get Clear Plus for $159 per year.
• Top-tier United Premier 1K and Global Services elite members can get Clear Plus membership for free.

But if you need to sign up for both Clear Plus and PreCheck, then definitely consider bundling them. When you enroll in Clear Plus and then TSA PreCheck (within seven days), you pay just $199 total for both services for the first year. That represents a $77.95 discount on Clear Plus for the first year.

Pros

Unlike with TSA PreCheck, you will not be randomly excluded from using the Clear Plus pods if you’re an active Clear Plus member. Likewise, even if you’re not flying an airline participating in TSA PreCheck, you can still use the Clear pods to jump to the head of the regular screening line.

Cons

Joining Clear Plus requires handing over your biometric data, and if you want to use TSA PreCheck security screening, you must join that program separately. However, you can bundle both Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck to save on fees the first year you have Clear Plus.

Bottom line

Since its inception, TSA PreCheck has shortened security wait times for millions of flyers who either joined the program or were occasionally granted access to its expedited security lanes. Despite long queues from time to time, it continues to be a great timesaver for frequent travelers.

Clear Plus can reduce your wait time even further by automating the identity verification process and whisking you to the front of security lines, often while you keep your ID safely packed away. However, Clear Plus does not confer TSA PreCheck status by itself and is available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck.

If you don’t mind handing over biometric data, having both Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck is a solid airport strategy. It will allow you to skip the regular ID check lines and use TSA PreCheck screening lanes, so you don’t have to remove your shoes or take items out of your carry-on. At a minimum, having both will give you the most options for getting through airport security faster.

With both of these programs, you can choose the shortest line available and minimize your time in security screening lines.

What’s more, you can reduce the expense of both programs by taking advantage of the $199 bundle price or utilizing credit cards that reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) applications and Clear Plus membership. Some cards, like the Amex Platinum, even do both by offering statement credits toward the application fees for both TSA PreCheck and Clear.

If you don’t have a card with this type of benefit, though, consider bundling the two services by applying at the same time (which unlocks a discounted Clear Plus membership fee for the first year) and save yourself some money that way. After the first year, you can then decide if you want to continue holding Clear Plus membership based on your experiences at the airport.

Related reading:

• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?
• 10 ways to get through airport security faster
• Teens may now accompany parents through the PreCheck lane and more TSA tips for families
• Why your family may want to get Clear before your next flight