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Over the past several weeks, we have discussed different ways to make sure you spend less time in the airport waiting while traveling. Waiting is one of the most painful parts of traveling. And it’s often one of the more anxiety producing aspects as well. In this post we discussed how to decrease your wait times returning back into the US and here we discussed how to get through security much more quickly. However, more recently there is a new guy in town when it comes to airport security – CLEAR. In this Wanderlust Wednesday post, we will discuss CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck – the basics

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. This costs $85 for a five year membership. This allows you to not have to remove electronic devices from your bag, keep your shoes on, and leave your 3-1-1 liquids in your bag as well.

Not surprisingly, this usually makes things go a lot faster in line as people aren’t having to take their stuff out. The TSA reported in January that the average wait time for TSA PreCheck was 5 minutes.

CLEAR is independent of TSA PreCheck. CLEAR uses biometric data to verify you before bumping you to the front of the security line. If you have TSA PreCheck, you will go to the front of the TSA PreCheck line. But, if you do not have TSA PreCheck, you go to the front of the regular security line. CLEAR is not yet in all airports but the locations are expanding.

CLEAR membership is $179 per year (just $15 per month). Membership is discounted as a Delta Skymiles or United MileagePlus member, and further discounted the higher the Delta Skymiles or United MileagePlus status that you have. Additionally, members can add up to 3 adult family members to their account for only $50/each per year. Children under 18 don’t need to enroll and can tag along for free with a CLEAR member.

CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck – the logistics

TSA PreCheck requires an in person interview. Not all airports/cities have enrollment centers. Just because your city is not one on the list, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get TSA PreCheck. Instead you need to be creative. Maybe you can sign up when you are on a trip or look for a pop up enrollment center near you.

When I originally applied for TSA PreCheck (because I didn’t know that I should get Global Entry instead), I went to the Salt Lake City airport, where I am located. There I did a walk-in appointment after a flight. Many credit cards offer TSA PreCheck/Global Entry as a perk. Make sure to check with your card before paying out of pocket.

CLEAR is a much easier sign up which you can do online. At this point, no credit cards offer CLEAR membership as a perk.

How to decide

I have and use both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck and at a minimum its a good idea for business travelers to get at least one of these. TSA PreCheck is a benefit of having Global Entry which comes as a perk of my Chase Sapphire Reserve credity card. My main airports (Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix) all have CLEAR. Additionally, I am a Delta Diamond Medallion and CLEAR is free for Delta Diamond Medallions. (If I was a Global Services or Premier® 1K® member member with United it would be free as well).

As someone who flies more than 200 times per year, the benefits of both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR outweigh any costs even if I had to pay full price. For an infrequent traveler, or for someone who travels frequently out of airports where CLEAR is not yet located, it may be best to wait to obtain CLEAR.

If you aren’t sure if CLEAR is right for you, there is a free trial available of CLEAR. This can allow you to try out your membership before you buy it (but they do require a credit card). Reach out and I can get you a three month trial or you can find them online for a shorter period of time.

In summary, for me it’s not CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck, it’s both! Do you use CLEAR? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comment.

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