TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR & Digital ID
In 10 Seconds: Airport security doesn’t have to feel like an obstacle course.
Here’s the short version:
- TSA PreCheck gets you through airport security faster.
- Global Entry gets you through Customs faster when returning to the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck.
- CLEAR skips the ID check by using your face or fingerprints. It does not replace TSA PreCheck.
- Digital ID lets you verify your identity electronically at participating airports. It isn’t a replacement for your driver’s license or passport.
If you think you’ll ever travel internationally during the next five years, my recommendation is simple: get Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. The cost difference is small, but the benefits are much bigger.
Give us a few minutes. Let Take Time To Travel explain exactly why.
Airport Security Doesn’t Have to Be This Confusing
If you’ve ever stood in an airport watching one line move like a NASCAR race while yours creeps along like rush hour traffic, you’ve probably wondered…
“What do those people know that I don’t?”
Then someone mentions TSA PreCheck.
Another person says, “No, you need Global Entry.”
Your cousin swears by CLEAR.
Someone else tells you about Digital ID.
Before long you’re more confused than when you started.
The truth is, these programs aren’t competitors. They each do something different, and understanding the difference can save you time, frustration, and sometimes a whole lot of standing around in socks.
So let’s break it down in plain English.
Think of the Airport Like This…
Imagine the airport is a concert.
First, someone checks your ID.
Then you go through security.
If you’re arriving from another country, you’ll also stop at Customs before heading home.
Each program helps at a different step.
TSA PreCheck
Makes the security screening faster.
Global Entry
Makes Customs faster and automatically gives you TSA PreCheck.
CLEAR
Gets you to the front of the ID verification step before security.
Digital ID
Lets you verify your identity electronically instead of handing over your license.
Once you see where each one fits, the whole system makes a lot more sense.
TSA PreCheck: What Is It?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration.
Members use dedicated security lanes that are usually much faster than the standard lines. In fact, TSA says that 99% of PreCheck travelers wait less than 10 minutes at airport security.
More importantly, you usually don’t have to:
- Remove your shoes
- Take off your belt
- Remove a light jacket
- Take your laptop out
- Remove your 3-1-1 liquids bag
If you’ve ever watched families unpack half their carry-on while juggling shoes, electronics, and kids, you understand why people love PreCheck.
Who Should Get TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a great fit if you:
✔ Mostly travel within the United States
✔ Fly a few times each year
✔ Want less stress at security
✔ Don’t currently have Global Entry
For many travelers, it’s one of the best travel purchases they’ll make.
How Much Does It Cost?
Enrollment fees vary slightly depending on which approved provider you choose, but new memberships generally start around $76.75 to $85 and are valid for five years.
That works out to only a little over a dollar a month.
I’ve spent more than that on airport coffee.
How Do You Apply?
The process is surprisingly easy.
- Complete an online application.
- Visit an enrollment center for a brief appointment.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
- Add that number to every airline reservation you make.
Once approved, your membership lasts five years.
The Mistake People Make
This is probably the most common issue I see.
People get approved…
They receive their Known Traveler Number…
Then they forget to add it to their airline reservation.
No KTN on the reservation usually means no TSA PreCheck printed on your boarding pass.
So before every trip, take thirty seconds to make sure your airline profile includes your Known Traveler Number.
It can save you a lot more than thirty seconds at the airport.
Global Entry
Now let’s talk about my favorite.
Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Its primary job is to speed up your return to the United States after international travel.
Instead of standing in the regular Customs line, eligible travelers use expedited kiosks or facial recognition processing at participating airports.
Here’s the part many people don’t realize…
Global Entry Includes TSA PreCheck.
Read that again.
If you have Global Entry, you don’t also need to buy TSA PreCheck.
It’s already included.
That’s why I almost always recommend Global Entry to anyone who thinks they may travel outside the United States during the next five years.
Who Should Get Global Entry?
You should strongly consider Global Entry if you:
✔ Plan even one international trip every few years
✔ Take cruises that begin or end outside the U.S.
✔ Visit Mexico, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, or anywhere overseas
✔ Hate long Customs lines after an overnight flight
How Much Does It Cost?
Global Entry currently costs $120 for five years.
When you compare that to TSA PreCheck, the difference is relatively small, especially considering you receive both benefits.
Is There an Interview?
Yes.
After your application receives conditional approval, you’ll complete a brief interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Bring your passport and identification, answer a few questions, have your fingerprints and photo taken, and you’re usually finished in just a few minutes.
Processing Time
Most applications are conditionally approved within about two weeks, although some require additional review and can take significantly longer. The interview appointment itself may also affect how quickly you receive final approval.
My advice?
Don’t wait until two weeks before your international vacation.
Apply months ahead if possible.
CLEAR
Now let’s talk about the one that causes the most confusion.
CLEAR is not a government trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Instead, CLEAR is a private company that uses biometric technology, usually your eyes or fingerprints, to verify your identity.
Think of it this way.
Normally at airport security, you hand your ID to a TSA officer.
With CLEAR, your identity is confirmed electronically, allowing you to skip that ID check and move directly toward the security screening area.
If you also have TSA PreCheck, you typically move into the TSA PreCheck lane after your identity has been verified.
That’s why you’ll often hear frequent travelers say the combination of CLEAR + TSA PreCheck is the fastest way through many airports.
So…Do I Still Go Through Security?
Absolutely.
CLEAR does not let you skip security screening.
You’ll still walk through the metal detector or body scanner, and your carry on bags will still go through the X ray machine.
CLEAR simply speeds up the identity verification portion of the process.
How Much Does CLEAR Cost?
Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, CLEAR is an annual membership.
The price changes from time to time, and there are often discounts through airlines, credit cards, military programs, and loyalty memberships.
If you’re considering CLEAR, always check for promotions before paying full price.
Is CLEAR Available Everywhere?
No.
That’s one of the biggest misconceptions.
CLEAR is available only at participating airports, stadiums, and venues.
If your home airport doesn’t offer CLEAR, or if you only fly a couple of times each year, it may not provide enough value to justify the annual cost.
Who Should Consider CLEAR?
CLEAR makes the most sense if you:
✔ Fly several times every month.
✔ Frequently travel through large airports where CLEAR is available.
✔ Value every minute you can save.
✔ Already have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
For the average vacation traveler?
I’d probably spend that money somewhere else.
Digital ID
Digital ID is the newest option, and it’s one of the easiest to misunderstand.
Despite what some people think, Digital ID is not a replacement for your driver’s license or passport.
Instead, it’s another way to verify your identity at participating airports.
Depending on where you live, your Digital ID may come from:
- Your state’s mobile driver’s license
- Your phone’s digital wallet
- Your passport information
- Other approved identification systems
At participating airports, you’ll verify your identity using facial recognition technology instead of handing your physical ID to a TSA officer.
It’s fast, convenient, and completely optional.
Do I Still Need My Driver’s License?
Yes.
Always travel with your physical identification.
Technology is wonderful…
…until your phone battery dies.
Is Digital ID Available Everywhere?
Not yet.
Availability depends on three things:
- Your state
- Your airport
- Your airline
If all three participate, you’ll likely have the option to use Digital ID.
If not, you’ll simply continue using your physical identification as you always have.
Which Programs Work Together?
This is where people often get confused.
Here’s the easiest way to remember it.
TSA PreCheck
Gets you through airport security faster.
Global Entry
Gets you through Customs faster and includes TSA PreCheck.
CLEAR
Gets you to the front of the identity verification line before security.
Digital ID
Lets you verify your identity electronically at participating airports.
They’re not competing programs.
They’re solving different problems.
Families Traveling Together
One of the questions I hear all the time is:
“Do my kids need TSA PreCheck?”
Children 12 and under may accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck through the PreCheck lane when traveling together on the same reservation.
Children 13 to 17 may also be able to use the TSA PreCheck lane if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. If it doesn’t, they’ll need to use the standard security lane.
For Global Entry, it’s different.
Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own Global Entry membership to use the Global Entry lanes when returning to the United States.
That surprises a lot of families.
Seniors
Many travelers ask whether these programs are still worth it later in life.
My answer?
Maybe even more so.
Less standing.
Less rushing.
Less removing shoes and jackets.
Less stress.
After a long travel day, anything that shortens the airport experience is a welcome bonus.
Business Travelers
If you’re flying every week or every other week, your priorities are different.
Time really is money.
For frequent business travelers, the combination of Global Entry and CLEAR often provides the smoothest airport experience available.
It’s not inexpensive, but if you’re constantly in airports, you’ll likely appreciate every minute it saves.
Can My Credit Card Pay for It?
Possibly.
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or both.
Some also offer a statement credit toward CLEAR membership.
Before paying out of pocket, check the benefits on any travel rewards cards you already carry.
You may already have this benefit and not even realize it.
Don’t Learn This the Hard Way
Here are a few mistakes that can turn an easy travel day into a frustrating one.
Waiting until the last minute to apply.
Approval times can vary, and interview appointments for Global Entry may not be immediately available.
Forgetting to add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation.
Without it, you may not receive TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.
Assuming CLEAR replaces TSA PreCheck.
It doesn’t.
They work best together.
Thinking Digital ID replaces your driver’s license.
Always bring your physical identification.
Buying TSA PreCheck when you already know you’ll be traveling internationally.
For many travelers, Global Entry is the better long term value because it already includes TSA PreCheck.
So…Which One Should You Choose?
If you’ve made it this far, you probably have one question left.
“That’s great, Jani…but which one should I actually get?”
Here’s my advice.
If You Take One Vacation Every Year or Two
My Recommendation: TSA PreCheck
If most of your travel is within the United States, TSA PreCheck is hard to beat. It’s affordable, easy to use, and takes much of the hassle out of airport security.
If You Think You Might Leave the United States
My Recommendation: Global Entry
Notice I didn’t say “travel internationally every year.”
I said might.
Even if you’re only planning one international trip during the next five years, Global Entry is usually the smarter investment. For a modest increase in cost over TSA PreCheck, you receive both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits.
If you’re standing in my office asking which one I’d buy, this is almost always my answer.
If You Fly Every Week
My Recommendation: Global Entry + CLEAR
Road warriors live in airports.
When you’re constantly catching flights, every minute matters.
The combination of Global Entry and CLEAR can dramatically reduce the time spent standing in line, especially at busy airports that support both programs.
If You Rarely Fly
My Recommendation: Save Your Money
Not every traveler needs a trusted traveler program.
If you fly once every five or six years, the application fee may not be worth it.
Spend those dollars making your vacation even better instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Global Entry automatically give me TSA PreCheck?
Yes.
Once you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number that also provides TSA PreCheck benefits when it’s added to your airline reservation.
Can I have both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
You can, but there’s generally no reason to pay for both.
Global Entry already includes TSA PreCheck.
Does CLEAR replace TSA PreCheck?
No.
CLEAR speeds up the identity verification process.
TSA PreCheck speeds up the security screening process.
They’re different services that often work well together.
Does Digital ID replace my driver’s license or passport?
No.
Always travel with your physical identification.
Digital ID is a convenience feature, not a replacement.
What if my boarding pass doesn’t show TSA PreCheck?
The first thing to check is whether your Known Traveler Number was added correctly to your reservation.
A missing or incorrect number is one of the most common reasons travelers don’t receive TSA PreCheck on a particular trip.
Can I use Global Entry if my passport has been renewed?
Yes, but you’ll need to update your passport information in your Trusted Traveler Program account so everything matches your current travel documents.
Do these programs guarantee I’ll never wait in line?
Unfortunately, no.
They significantly reduce wait times for most travelers, but no program guarantees immediate processing. Airport volume, staffing, weather, and other factors can still affect your experience.
Official Resources
For the most current information, application requirements, participating airports, and fees, use these official resources.
Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry and TSA PreCheck): https://ttp.dhs.gov/
TSA PreCheck Information: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
CLEAR: https://www.clearme.com
TSA Digital ID: https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id
REAL ID Information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Find TSA PreCheck Enrollment Locations: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/enrollment-centers
Participating Airlines: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/participating-airlines
Participating Airports: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/map
One Last Word From Jani
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:
TSA PreCheck is an excellent choice for travelers who stay within the United States.
Global Entry is my top recommendation for almost anyone who plans to travel internationally during the next five years because it includes TSA PreCheck and makes returning home much easier.
CLEAR is a luxury that frequent flyers may find worthwhile, but it isn’t a replacement for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Digital ID is a convenient bonus where available, but you should still carry your physical identification every time you travel.
No matter which option you choose, the goal is the same.
Spend less time standing in line and more time enjoying the reason you traveled in the first place.
One page at a time, we’re building a smarter way to travel.
XOXO, Jani | Personal Travel Advisor | Take Time To Travel, LLC
Last Updated: July 2026
Information, application procedures, fees, and participating airports may change over time. Always verify the latest details using the official resources listed above before applying.
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