TSA PreCheck vs. Clear | Everything Explained

Airlines are nowadays one of the busiest means of transport. The flights are booked and accessed by amassing flyers regularly. So, the lane for security checks becomes vast, and it takes time to board a flight. However, such issues could be troublesome with “TSA PreChecks” and “Clear” membership programs. These aid in expediting security checks at the airports, but their nature of operations is different from one another. Further, if you are looking for a comparison of the TSA PreCheck vs clear, then take a look at the titles below.

What is TSA PreCheck airport screening?

TSA PreCheck is a program that accelerates the security checks at the selected airlines and the participating airlines. This benefit is only available for their members under certain conditions. It can enhance the security check-in time and restrict one to display various essentials. Further, this program is for faster screening, and children of 17 years or under have to be accompanied by an adult for the TSA PreCheck.

What is CLEAR in airports?

A “CLEAR” is a type of security check operated by a private company, and it is available on selected airlines. The security checks of its members are conducted through biometrics such as fingerprints or eye scans at the airports. Moreover, the other crucial information on the CLEAR has been defined in the following points:

It is only available to 18 years or older U.S. legal permanent residents having a government-issued photo ID.
This allows for verification of the traveler's documents by using their fingerprint and eye scans.
Members are able to avoid the long security lines and also be able to keep their certain essentials with themselves such as shoes, laptops, light jackets, etc.
It is available at selected airports around the world.

Difference Between Clear and TSA PreCheck

A quick screening for a flight can be performed either by Clear or TSA PreCheck because documents of individuals have been collected under this program. This is why screening for security is conducted quickly, but the functions of both programs are different. Furthermore, the comprehensible difference between TSA PreCheck and Clear can be found in the following table:

	TSA PreCheck	CLEAR
Eligibility	This program is for U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent residents.	Clear is also only available for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents of states.
Operational procedure	It allows travelers to use the special security line and does not require removing certain items	This program provides security screening through biometrics such as fingerprints and retina scans (eye) at the Kiosk.
Organizations type	TSA is a government program.	It is run by a private organization.
Cost of program	$78 to $85 for five year membership. The renewal cost is from $69 to $78.	For a CLEAR plus membership $199 per individual.
Availability	Screening is available on the 200+ airports and partner with the 90+ airlines	Clear biometrics is available on 50+ airports.

Can you use Clear and TSA PreCheck together?

Yes, you can use Clear and TSA PreCheck together. However, this depends on availability and the nature of the programs. If you are eligible to carry on, you can get a screen from “Clear” at the kiosk and move to the faster security lane, which is TSA PreCheck. A member has to accord with the rules stated under both of these programs.

Conclusion

So, by determining this data, it can be said that both “TSA PreCheck” and “Clear” are ways to speed up the security checks at the airports. More than that, it provides answers to the conditions, such as whether the TSA PreCheck is better than clear. If you are having any trouble accessing it, then you can get to their customer service team, too.

FAQs

TSA and CLEAR are both used to speed up security screenings. However, the basic difference is that TSA is a government program, and CLEAR is a private company. Having enrolled in either program could be good because they have the upper hand in one way or another through the screening process. Still, TSA could be a better move if you are willing to pick one.

No, CLEAR does not give access to TSA PreChecks. However, you may apply for them through CLEAR. It has a bundle called CLEAR Plus, which includes the perks of TSA PreChecks.

Yes, there are downsides to TSA PreChecks. While it is a way to accelerate security checks, this program is only available at selected airports. More than that, it is costlier, has long wait appointments, and is not suitable for every traveler.

Of course, TSA PreChecks is really worth it. This is valuable because it speeds up the security screening process and reduces the wait times. Also, it lets you remove the standard security guidance and clears a path to your seats without any hassle during the screening process.

TSA PreChecks approval usually takes three to five working days. However, the days can vary depending on the volume of applications, accuracies, and background check results. In some cases, the approval takes 30 to 60 business days.

Yes, CLEAR allows one to make a clear move and skip TSA lines. So, if you are already a member of CLEAR, then you don’t have to wait in a queue in the TSA lines, as one can bypass security screening through their biometric technology.