“Streamline Your Airport Experience: A Guide to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR”

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What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a government initiative designed to expedite the physical screening process at airport security checkpoints. By prescreening travelers through a background check, the program identifies low-risk travelers who receive a Trusted Traveler number. This number, when included in flight bookings, allows travelers to use a faster security line where they don’t need to remove shoes, liquids, laptops, or jackets. TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports nationwide and costs $78 for a five-year membership. Applications start online, followed by an in-person visit to an enrollment center for fingerprinting and a background check.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is another government-run program aimed at expediting entry into the U.S. after international travel. Approved members can use their passport or U.S. permanent residence card at automated Global Entry kiosks to verify their identity and complete customs forms, bypassing long customs lines. Available at 77 airports, Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership and includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck. The application process involves an in-person interview and a background check.

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a private program that speeds up the document verification process at airport security checkpoints using biometrics. Instead of waiting in the standard line for TSA to check your boarding pass and ID, CLEAR members use a faster lane for eye or fingerprint scanning. After verification, members are escorted to a security lane for the usual physical screening. CLEAR is available at 51 national airports and costs $189 per year. Enrollment involves signing up online and completing the process at a participating airport.

Which Frequent Traveler Program Should You Choose?

Here’s a breakdown of the features, costs, and details of each traveler program to help you decide:

TSA PreCheck

Benefits: Faster security line without removing liquids, shoes, jackets, or laptops.

Renewal: Every five years.

Cost: $78 for five years.

Availability: Over 200 airports nationwide.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents.

Global Entry

Benefits: Faster U.S. customs processing and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

Renewal: Every five years.

Cost: $100 for five years.

Availability: 77 airports.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and select international travelers.

CLEAR

Benefits: Faster ID and boarding pass verification at security checkpoints.

Renewal: Every year.

Cost: $189 per year.

Availability: 51 airports.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents 18 and older with a valid government ID.

For domestic travel, TSA PreCheck is the most affordable and beneficial option, given its low cost and wide availability. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is a great choice as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits. CLEAR is a more expensive option but can be worthwhile if you frequently travel through participating airports and want to skip the ID check line. However, pairing CLEAR with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is necessary to fully expedite your airport experience.

How to Save Money on TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Fees

If you’re a frequent traveler with travel rewards cards, you might not need to pay the full cost of these programs out of pocket. Some credit cards offer credits to cover the fees for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR when you apply or renew your membership. These credits often reimburse the program fee after you charge it to your credit card. Check your credit cards to see if any offer this benefit before paying for a travel program.

The Bottom Line

While airport security checkpoints are necessary, they can be inconvenient. TSA PreCheck is the most cost-effective way to speed through security on domestic flights. Global Entry offers the added benefit of expedited U.S. customs processing for international travelers. CLEAR is a pricier option but can be worth it for frequent travelers who want to skip the ID check line at participating airports. For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with all your mortgage needs!

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