If your travel plans involve air travel, you’ll appreciate this overview of all the options available to help speed things up with TSA security. We’ll give you all the info you need – program names and what they offer, pros and cons, and costs – so you can select the ones that make sense for you.
But first, a quick refresher on how airport security works. It’s a two-step process. The first step is to verify identification. The second step is a trip through the scanners. As you’ll see, the programs below can save you time (and hassle) in one or both steps.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a service that uses biometric technology to verify your identity. CLEAR can save you a ton of time because you head to the CLEAR lane before going to the TSA agent. A CLEAR Ambassador will scan your boarding pass and either your fingerprint or eye. The Ambassador then escorts you to the front of the security screening line where you’ll be waved through.
Costs: $189/year. Up to three family members or friends can be added for $60 each. They don’t need to travel with you to enjoy the CLEAR service. Family members under 18 years old traveling with you do not require any membership.
Pros: Saves time in ID verification and screenings at participating airports and sports stadiums. Some experts believe that CLEAR gets you through security screenings faster than TSA PreCheck®.
Cons: Currently available in only 43 domestic airports.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program to identify low-risk travelers who have been approved through a security threat assessment. Once approved, you’re given a Known Traveler Number (KTN) which links your TSA PreCheck enrollment to any future travel itinerary and gives you access to the TSA PreCheck security screening lanes.
Cost: $85 for five years; $70 renewal fee, also good for five years.
Pros: Less hassle in the scanning line -you don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. After you’re through, you’re ready to head to the gate – no need to reassemble yourself.
Cons: You can begin the enrollment process online, but you complete it at your in-person interview. During the appointment, you need to provide fingerprints, as well as citizenship and identification documents.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a TSA Trusted Traveler program offered through the Department of Homeland Security. Globetrotters will find the program cost to be well worth it to save time. Lines to clear U.S. Customs are often long. Once enrolled, travelers can use self-service kiosks and won’t have to complete any paperwork by hand. You’ll still need to go through Customs, but you’ll use the Global Entry line. The Global Entry pass gives you faster clearance through airport security, too. Global Entry membership allows you to get screened through the TSA PreCheck lanes at domestic airports.
Cost: $100 for five years per individual, including children and infants.
Pros: Cost includes TSA PreCheck; covers travel by air, land, and sea.
Cons: If you’re traveling with a group, every member of your party needs to have Global Entry, including children and infants.
Now that you know the benefits and costs, you’ll need to figure out if the amount and type of traveling you’re planning will be worth it. If you do decide to enroll in one or more, use the card that provides cash rewards – the Founder’s Rewards Card. There is no annual fee, and we don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Apply today.
