Global Entry vs TSA Precheck vs Clear vs Mobile Passport, which should you choose?
Going on a trip this year and want to skip some of the busy airports lines? Read below to learn more about which program is right for you!
If you have ever traveled by plane, then you know the security lines can be a nightmare. If you travel often, then you have probably almost missed a flight or two in your lifetime because of long lines. Thankfully, there are a few paid options help expedite the process and hopefully skip the crowds when the airports are busier during peak times. It can be a little overwhelming and honestly confusing on which program you should invest in - which is why I wanted to give a full break down of these and which ones are actually worth it.
Source: TSA.gov and clearme.com
TSA PRECHECK
TSA Precheck
TSA PreCheck is offered through the government. It allows you to get through security faster without taking off your shoes, belts, or light jackets. You benefit from special lanes, shorter waits, and you are considered a trusted traveler. You do not need a hold a passport to get TSA PreCheck, you just need to be a U.S. citizen and you can apply online.
What does TSA PreCheck Cost:
Starts at $77.95
What are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?
Nationwide access. More than 200+ airports have TSA precheck lines
About 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes
Easy enrollment
Adding your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to airline reservations to save even more time
Do Kids Traveling with Their Parents Need TSA PreCheck too?
It depends on your childs age. Here is the breakdown:
Children 12 and under: Can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction, even if they don't have their own TSA PreCheck membership.
Children 13-17: May also access the TSA PreCheck lanes if they are traveling on the same reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian and have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. Note: sometimes kids 13-17 are randomly excluded from receiving TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass, in which case they must go through standard security screening.
Children 17 and under: if traveling without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult, must apply for TSA PreCheck on their own to have access to expedited screening.
How Do I Get Started with TSA PreCheck?
Head to : https://www.tsa.gov/precheck (online application only takes about 5 minutes!)
You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, OR walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment.
During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.
NOTE!!!! Before filling out any paperwork online, be sure that the website ends in “.gov” - otherwise it is NOT an official TSA PreCheck site.
Some of the best credit cards that provide a statement credit towards the TSA PreCheck® application or renewal fee are:
Personally, I love all the benefits of my Platinum American Express. The $695 yearly fee is usually what people see when they are looking into cards but the benefits more than make up for that. The 3 major ones you should know about are:
$200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by one airline you select
$200 annual hotel credit per calendar year, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum
$200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.
The points guy does a great job breaking down all the benefits of the Platinum Amex card and why you should get it.
**I have no affiliation and will not gain financially if you apply or get this card. I just personally use it and its perks.
Mobile Passport Control
Mobile Passport Control
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) lets eligible travelers submit their travel documents, photos, and customs info via a free app, speeding up entry into the U.S. and no pre-approval is needed. Users skip paper forms and may access a designated queue, leading to shorter wait times and efficient processing. Any U.S Citizen who has a passport who is traveling into the U.S can download and use MPC. MPC is currently available at 53 major U.S. airports and 35 more U.S. international airports. You can check the list of available airports ahead of your travels.
MPC is great to use if you don’t travel out of the country that often and want to get through customs a little bit faster. It is free of charge, you just need to download the MPC app. Then you simply create a profile using your passport and select arrivals traditional arrivals, pick "U.S. airport" and specify your terminal. Snap a selfie and answer a few questions. Submit via the app, then show your passport to a CBP officer for final check. This has saved me in the past especially when landing in the U.S. and have a connecting flight to get to but have to go through customs on that layover.
MPC is currently available at 53 major U.S. airports and 35 more U.S. international airports. You can check the list of available airports ahead of your travels. More and more airports are adding Mobile Passport Control so be sure to check for updates.
What does Mobile Passport Control Cost?
FREE
What Are the Benefits of Mobile Passport Control?
Free
Reduced wait times through customs
Quick and easy sign-up
Easy approval
How Do I Get Started with Mobile Passport Control?
Download the Mobile Passport Control app. The first time you setup the app, you’ll be asked to upload a headshot (it prompts you to take it on your camera) and you’ll enter your passport information. You can use your fingerprint if your phone supports that functionality or use a PIN if you prefer. Then, once you arrive back in the US and have a WiFi connection, complete all the required customs declaration information for your trip in the app. Once you submit the documents, within about 1 minute you’ll receive a QR code you can show to immigrations.
Do Kids Traveling with Their Parents Need Mobile Passport Control? Can They Use It?
Yes, if you want to access the mobile passport control line for expedited screening, your children (and every member of your family who is traveling with you) will need it to access those lines.
The good news, one person in your group can add up to 12 people in the Mobile Passport Control app - so you could create the MPC profiles for yourself, your spouse, and your children all on your device. (in fact, you can also do it for your parents and your siblings!). However any friends or other relatives will need to setup their own accounts.
CLEAR
CLEAR
Clear is a newer service offered through a private company and verifies your ID and boarding pass using biometric technology, then escorts you to the front of security. CLEAR uses smart technology to confirm your identity, so you can avoid ID checks. Whether you fly frequently or not, CLEAR lets you skip long TSA lines. Although, it is not as widely available at all airports in the U.S. yet. If you do not have TSA Precheck with your CLEAR membership, you will still have to remove your shoes, belts and electronic devices when going through security.
What are the Benefits of CLEAR?
Enroll in minutes
Allows you to skip to the front of the line at airport security
Skip the TSA PreCheck line. CLEAR members can use the Clear lane to bypass the TSA PreCheck line, which can often be longer than the regular line.
What does Clear Cost? Pricing:
Individual: $199/year
Enjoy friction-free travel without waiting to show your I.D.
Access 100+ CLEAR Lanes at 59 airports nationwide
Secure digital identity to prove you’re you at the airport and beyond
Family members under 18 can join you in the CLEAR Lane
Family: $199/year +$119/person
Add up to three adults to your account
Travel together or separately
You can add family members and friends
How Do I Get Started with Clear?
Begin the enrollment process by visiting the CLEAR website.
Locate a CLEAR enrollment center at an airport near you.
At the airport, a CLEAR Ambassador will verify your identity and take your biometrics (fingerprint, eye scan, and photo of your face).
Once enrolled, you can start using CLEAR lanes at the airport security checkpoints.
Global Entry
Global Entry
Global Entry is another expedited screening program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. TSA PreCheck Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. You can do the appointment at the airport but only if you are coming back from an international flight, otherwise the appointment will be at an enrollment center. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.
You do need to already have a passport to apply for Global Entry.
Benefits:
Access to expedited entry
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times with Global Entry processing technology
No paperwork to be filled out by passengers upon entry
Includes TSA PreCheck
How much does Global Entry Cost:
$120
However - there is a BIG caveat here! MANY credit cards give you a credit for global entry -so you could get it for FREE (and thus get TSA PreCheck for free to since if you get Global Entry you automatically get TSA PreCheck)
How Do I get Started with Global Entry?
There are two steps to being approved for Global Entry.
Step 1: Head to https://ttp.dhs.gov/ to start your application.
Step 2: Once you get conditional approval, you must complete an in-person interview. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.
Do Kids Traveling with Their Parents Need Global Entry? Can They Use It?
Yes, children need their own Global Entry membership, even infants, and must go through the same application and interview process as adults, requiring parental consent and presence at the interview
However, the fee is waived for children under 18 if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or is applying at the same time.
So which is the right option for you? Mobile Passport Control, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear?
1. First, Consider how often you travel.
2. Second, Consider how much you are willing to spend (or if you have a credit card in your wallet that will give you free Global Entry (and thus TSA PreCheck since if you have Global Entry, you get TSA PreCheck automatically)
3. Lastly, think about whether your trips are mostly domestic or international and which airports you frequent.
If you plan to travel internationally (even only once or twice a year) I would 100% recommend getting Global entry because it comes with TSA PreCheck and some travel rewards cards offer statement credits for application fees.
If you don’t plan to go international then TSA PreCheck is the best option to get through security faster. You should get mobile passport if you don’t travel internationally often and don’t want to pay the fee of Global Entry/don’t get it for free through your credit card.
CLEAR is the most expensive of the options but it does expedite security and you don’t have to use your ID but in my opinion it is not needed if you have Global Entry/TSA PreCheck. The average traveler, only taking a couple trips a year does not need CLEAR but if you are someone who is always late or wants to spend less time in security lines, it could be worth splurging on.
FAQ
Q: Can groups use Mobile Passport Control?
A: Yes, up to 12 travelers can be added under 1 group submission.
Q: Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
A: Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits so you don’t need to sign up for both programs. Because of this, people with Global Entry are allowed to use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes.
Q: Is Global Entry the same cost for my kids?
A: The fee is waived for minors (under 18) with a legal guardian enrolled in the program or in pending status. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of interview.
Q: Do you need to have Mobile Passport Control set up prior to my trip?
A: No, you actually can download the app and fill out the information up to the time you land. I recommend downloading the app in advance, then filling out the information the day you are traveling because you need to know what terminal you will be arriving at.
Q: How long is my TSA Precheck good for?
A: 5 years
Q: How long is my Global Entry good for?
A: 5 years
Q: Do I need Clear if I have TSA PreCheck?
A: TSA PreCheck and Clear are both expedited security programs that can save you time at the airport. While you could have both. It is not completely necessary. TSA PreCheck is a government program, while Clear is offered by a private company.
Q: Do children need to separately apply for TSA Precheck?
A: It depends on their age and whether they are traveling with a parent or guardian who has enrolled in TSA PreCheck: Children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck with a parent or guardian. Ages 13-17 can access it if their boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck logo, which requires being booked on the same reservation as a TSA PreCheck holder. If not, they must use regular security or apply for each child separately.
