TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR: Which Airport Fast Track Is Best for You?
Hello and welcome to the 4th edition of The Discovery Circle.
You might be asking yourself “Who is this that’s showing up in my inbox every week?”
We are Discovery Travel LLC. We are parents. We are neighbors. We are part of our communities. We are dreamers just like many of you. Some of us work multiple jobs. Some of us work from spare bedrooms turned home offices, some at the kitchen table with a laptop, cellphone, and a pad of paper in front of us. We come from different walks of life, but what we all have in common is a passion for travel, and the planning that goes into it.
Over time, we hope that you’ll get to know all of us.
But for now, let’s get on to this week’s topic.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are three popular programs designed to make your airport experience faster and less stressful, but each serves a different part of the travel process and offers different benefits.
Similarities
- All three programs expedite some part of the airport security or customs process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
- Each requires an application and identity verification, though the process and requirements differ.
- Many premium travel credit cards offer statement credits to cover application fees for these programs
Current Pricing (as of May 2025)
- TSA PreCheck: $85 for 5 years, depending on enrollment provider. Online renewals are slightly cheaper, around $68.95–$70.
- Global Entry: $120 for 5 years (children under 18 are free if applying with a parent/guardian).
- CLEAR Plus: $199 per year (can add up to 3 adults for $119 each; children under 18 free with member)