I am quite impatient when it comes to navigating airports. Anything that can get me through the line quicker I use to get me through the line quicker. But it all comes with a cost. A few years ago, a TSA PreCheck memberships was worth its weight in gold. I always felt a sense of importance as I used my ‘fast pass’ to get to the front of the line and on my way faster than the general population. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry were the most coveted travel tools out there. Then CLEAR came along and changed the game again. But what about now?
Recently I’ve found myself standing in a long “expedited” line to enter the US while my travel partner who didn’t have any expedited tools breezed through some 10 minutes faster. WTF!!! The truth is like many seasoned travelers, I’ve started to feel like the benefits have been diluted by making them more accessible. What used to be exclusive access now feels like just another line. So I find myself asking the question, are TSA Recheck, CLEAR and Global Entry still worth it?
In this post I’ll breakdown who these programs are best suited for today vs who might want to reconsider. I’ll also share and how to get the most value from them today.
Are TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry Still Worth It?
If you travel at all, you’ve seen the lanes that separate the haves from the have nots in US airports. The “haves” flash their credentials and move straight to the front of the line while the ‘have nots’ wait nervously hoping not to miss their flight. In the past years, that narrative has shifted and the logic might have you rethinking if they are still worth it. Let’s break down the reality behind the hype so you know what to consider before renewing or enrolling in any of these travel programs this year.
TSA PreCheck
Let’s start with the OG of domestic travel convenience: TSA PreCheck.
What is it?
TSA PreCheck allows pre-screened travelers to experience expedited security screening at most US airports. Travelers get to keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and liquids in their carry-on bags which significantly shortens the security process.
The Cost
$78 for 5 years. But it could be offered free of charge with certain credit cards or airline reward programs.
How & Where It Works
You first need to apply and complete required screening protocol which includes a background check and fingerprinting. Travelers from a few countries outside of the US are also eligible to apply. Once approved you’ll be assigned a Known Traveler Number that you must provide to the airline ahead of your flight to leverage TSA PreCheck. You’ll show your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator at the start of the security line to gain access to expedited screening in roughly 200 airports across the US. Important Note: TSA PreCheck is a domestic product and international airports do not recognize this program.
No undressing to go through security or taking out your electronics and toiletries. You are considered a safe traveler and security officers understand you are simply trying to get to your destination safely. Check out the official TSA PreCheck website for more details.
Was Great Until…
Over the years, the barriers to entry shifted making the program more accessible for travelers. Enter airlines and credit card companies offering TSA PreCheck as a benefit to customers and suddenly as of 2024, more than 20 million travelers have this once coveted travel tool.
Even with expedited screening and totally separate areas in airports like LAX, the lines seem to feel like they include everybody. Most recently, standard TSA ended the requirement to remove shoes to go through security for all travelers which was one of the perks of this program.
The Verdict
If you travel more than 6 times per year (domestic or internationally), TSA PreCheck is still a solid domestic win and definitely worth it. And if you get it free for any reason, you take it. More often than not, it will save you time and frustration. Just think of all the people you will skip during the busy holiday season.
CLEAR Plus
In 2010, someone came up with the brilliant idea of creating a way to save travelers from the hassle of taking out their ID to go through security. Before CLEAR, you’d have to balance your coffee and carry-on bags while you frantically searched for your drivers license to prove that you were the same person to whom the ticket was issued.
What is it?
CLEAR Plus is a paid membership that allows travelers to bypass the standard ID part of security checkpoints by using biometric verification (eyes or fingerprints). No more searching for your passport or drivers license with your hands full.
The Cost
~$189 per year and they typically offer a 60 day free trial with discounts for family members.
How & Where It Works
Enrollment is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes (generally quicker than the time it would take to stand in general security line). That’s the hook and how they got me…immediate return on investment. The agent greets you, subjects you to a biometric screening (eyes or fingerprints) then walks you to the front of the line. When used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck it can be the ultimate time saving travel hack.
Unfortunately, not all domestic airports have CLEAR lanes and the hours can be spotty. Major airports like MIA, LAX, JFK, ATL all have CLEAR. But smaller airports don’t. It just wasn’t a good investment. Even still it has been clutch when airports are crowded. Check out the CLEAR website for more details.
Was Great Until…
For the first few years, CLEAR was awesome. Then TSA changed their technology to leverage biometric screenings and suddenly CLEAR was a duplication of efforts. CLEAR lines became longer than regular TSA PreCheck. Additionally, airlines like Delta started to offer digital ID access to customers in certain airports. For the time being, the digital ID is the fastest of them all. Then keep in mind CLEAR is only available in certain markets. These happen to be the same markets where TSA had up leveled its game.
The Verdict
In my opinion it is only worth it if you fly from a CLEAR airport regularly (e.g., ATL, JFK, LAX) and you have a companion product like TSA PreCheck. Otherwise CLEAR alone is not worth the cost.
Global Entry
There was a time when Global Entry was considered the international traveler’s secret weapon. It could easily save you 30 minutes or more in immigration when you entered the country. That’s debatable today.
What is it?
Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. It provides access to automated kiosks at select airports. This reduces wait times and eliminates the need to present additional documentation to an immigration officer.
The Cost
Global Entry only costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck (a real value).
How and Where It Works
The application process for Global Entry is a bit cumbersome. You have to complete the application, submit to a background check, then appear in person at one of the airport offices for an interview. Most applications are approved within 2 weeks of the interview while some applications can take up to 12 months.
Once approved, you can use assigned kiosks located in 80 domestic airport terminals upon arrival. In addition to U.S. overseas territories, you’ll find Global Entry kiosks abroad in Aruba, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. Simply walk up to the Global Entry Portal that uses biometrics to identify you (and where you’ve arrived from). You’ll get a Processing Completed Please Proceed message then an immigration officer will simply confirm your name and allow you to enter. No need to take out your passport or share any additional details (unless you are flagged for review).
Similar to other screening programs, it is individualized which means if your travel companion does not have Global Entry they will not be allowed to use the same expedited screening. That also goes for children. Learn more on the official Global Entry section of the Customs and Border Protection website.
Was Great Until…
Like most program for convenience, Global Entry technology was replicated and now is quite similar to the kiosks in place for the general population. Which means even passengers without global entry are moving through the immigration process faster.
There is typically only one officer at the Global Entry line which means any passenger or kiosks issues tend to back up the entire line. I’ve gotten out of the Global Entry line and moved to the regular line on occasion because those lines were moving faster. But that’s more of an exception than the rule.
The Verdict
I still find Global Entry worth the cost. It can be a true timesaver if you happen to arrive when 5 other international flights arrive and the immigration lines are long. The technology continues to improve and the process is really simple. It’s ideal for even occasional international travelers.
Choosing What’s Best Based on You
There is no one size fits all when it comes to how you use your travel dollars. Here’s how I like to think about it. If you are a business traveler in a major hub, a combo of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR work well. If you take an international trip 2x per year, get Global Entry. Only traveling domestically 1-2x per year? I would pass on all of them.
My advice, look at your actual airport usage, trip types, primary airport congestion and other pain points before enrolling. As your travel habits change, continue to evaluate their value.
My Perspective
Travel rules continue to change. As the US continues to make advancements in technology and realign rules to today’s needs, these tools will need to evolve in a way that makes them stand out from traditional services. Ultimately, the value of these programs depends on your airport, travel frequency, and willingness to wait. Certainly these aren’t the only things you need if you are planning a trip abroad. Read my blog on 8 New International Requirements for US Passport Holders for a deeper dive.
I travel solo most of the time and I have all of these convenience programs. That said, I am are seriously reevaluating whether TSA PreCheck and the other tools are still worth it as my travel habits change. While I have no desire to stand in an immigration line for an hour to get home, I am more annoyed that I am paying for a service that yields little reward. The convenience isn’t what it used to be — but they can still be strategic if you know how to use them.
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FAQs About Whether TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry Are Still Worth It
Is it still worth getting TSA PreCheck in 2025?
Yes, if you fly more than twice per year domestically and want to avoid standard security lines, TSA PreCheck can still save you time — but be aware that its popularity is making lines longer in some hubs.
Can I use CLEAR instead of TSA PreCheck?
Not exactly. CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, but TSA PreCheck gives you a faster security screening process. For the best experience, use them together — especially at busy airports.
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