Three programs can dramatically shorten airport lines. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening at U.S. airports (keep shoes and light jackets on, laptops in bags). Global Entry speeds up re-entry through U.S. customs and immigration after international trips — and includes TSA PreCheck. CLEAR is a private biometric service that verifies your identity and walks you to the front of the security line; it pairs well with PreCheck. For frequent international travelers from JFK or Newark, Global Entry is usually the best value.

At a glance

TSA PreCheck Global Entry CLEAR
Run by TSA (government) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Private company
Speeds up Security screening Customs/immigration on return, plus PreCheck Identity check at security
Includes PreCheck — Yes No (can be combined)
Interview In-person enrollment Interview required Enrollment at airport kiosk
Membership Five years Five years Annual subscription

TSA PreCheck

PreCheck lets approved travelers use dedicated lanes with simplified screening. Available at JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and most U.S. airports.

Global Entry

After international trips, members use kiosks or facial-recognition lanes instead of standard passport lines. Because it includes PreCheck, frequent international travelers usually choose Global Entry.

CLEAR

CLEAR uses fingerprints or iris scans to verify identity, letting members skip the ID-check line and go straight to physical screening. Combined with PreCheck, it can make security very fast.

Which should you choose?

  • Mostly domestic flights: PreCheck (add CLEAR if lines are a frequent problem).
  • International trips once or more a year: Global Entry.
  • Very frequent flyers: Global Entry plus CLEAR.

Timing your ride

With PreCheck or CLEAR, you may need less time at the airport — but not less time on the road. Read how early to leave for the airport and customs and immigration arrival times.