HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Save Hours at Airports: Essential Guide to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Enrollment

Airport security lines are longer than ever, and summer travel peaks will only intensify the issue, as reported by The New York Times.

Enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs like TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry is a smart move. Over four million travelers have joined, saving time by skipping shoe removal, laptops, and liquids from bags.

This summer, it could mean catching your flight instead of missing it.

For U.S. frequent flyers, the top choices are:

TSA PreCheck®

  • Application: $85 for five years; in-person interview at 350+ centers. Children 12 and under use it free with an enrolled family member.
  • Ideal for: U.S. citizens and permanent residents flying domestically.
  • Benefits: Dedicated lanes at 160+ airports with 12 airlines (excludes budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier). No need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids.

Global Entry

  • Application: $100 for five years; interview at 80+ centers.
  • Ideal for: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and select foreign nationals with a valid passport who travel internationally.
  • Benefits: Fast U.S. customs clearance via automated kiosks scanning fingerprints—no forms needed. Includes TSA PreCheck® automatically.

Which to Choose?

If international travel is in your plans, Global Entry's $15 premium delivers both programs' perks.

Note the planning required: Global Entry appointments can take weeks or months due to fewer centers. Family members must apply separately.

Tip: Consider NEXUS or SENTRI for Canada or Mexico border crossings.

Upgrade Further with CLEAR

  • Application: $179/year standard; $50 for added adults over 18. Kids under 18 free with a member.
  • Ideal for: U.S. citizens and permanent residents 18+ with passport or photo ID.
  • Locations: Austin (AUS), Baltimore (BWI), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH/HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), San Antonio (SAT), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), Westchester (HPN).
    • Expanding via Delta partnership to all U.S. Delta hubs.
  • Benefits: Fingerprint ID check skips lines; escorted to screening.
  • Key combo: CLEAR + TSA PreCheck® = fastest security (ID + expedited screening).

Pro Tips for TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry

  1. Verify eligibility first: Non-refundable fees apply only if approved.
  2. Get reimbursed: Cards like Amex Platinum or Citi Prestige cover fees; elite status in Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus may too.
  3. Time interviews smartly: Schedule at airports before flights—I've done 2.5 hours pre-departure at JFK.
  4. Hunt openings: Check weekly; last-minute slots appear amid growing demand.
  5. Use your Known Traveler Number: Add to bookings or frequent flyer profiles for PreCheck® on boarding passes.
  6. Confirm before flying: Not guaranteed on all flights/airlines; check participants here.
Travel Notes