The fastest way through security depends on which program you pay for and which airport you use

The TSA runs three paid programs that let you skip some or all of the standard security line: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a shorter line at most U.S. airports. CLEAR costs $179 to $189 per year and uses biometric scanning (your eyes and fingerprints) to skip the ID check entirely—but you still go through a metal detector or body scanner. Global Entry costs $100 for five years, includes TSA PreCheck benefits, and adds expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. from abroad.

You do not have to choose one. Many frequent travelers use both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR together: CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, and TSA PreCheck gets you through the scanner faster once you are there. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is usually the better value because it covers TSA PreCheck and costs less than buying both separately.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck ($78–$85 for five years) lets you keep shoes and jackets on and leave laptops in your bag, and uses a dedicated shorter line at most major U.S. airports.
  • CLEAR ($179–$189 per year) uses fingerprint and eye scanning to skip the ID check line, but you still go through the metal detector or body scanner.
  • Global Entry ($100 for five years) includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when returning from international travel.
  • You can combine TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for the fastest possible path: CLEAR skips you to the front, then TSA PreCheck speeds you through the scanner.
  • Not all airports offer all programs, and some smaller airports have no expedited lines at all—check your home airport's website before signing up.

How TSA PreCheck works and who can use it

TSA PreCheck is the most widely available program. You pay once every five years, and you get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights. When you arrive at security, you use a dedicated PreCheck lane where the rules are relaxed: you do not remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or electronics smaller than a large tablet. You leave liquids and gels in your carry-on bag instead of taking them out. The line itself is usually shorter because fewer people have the membership.

To enroll, you explore online at the TSA website, pay the fee, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment takes about 10 minutes and involves fingerprinting and a background check. You need a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID. Once approved, you receive your KTN by email within a few days. You then add it to your airline profile so it appears on your boarding pass automatically.

TSA PreCheck works at most major U.S. airports and on all TSA-screened flights. It does not work at airports with private security contractors (a small number of regional airports use them instead of TSA). Check your home airport's website to confirm it offers PreCheck before you enroll.

Understanding CLEAR and biometric screening

CLEAR is a separate service run by a private company, not the TSA. It uses your fingerprints and iris scan to verify your identity, which lets you skip the ID-check line entirely. You walk to a CLEAR booth, scan your eyes and fingers, and a CLEAR agent waves you through to the security scanner. The whole process takes 30 seconds to a minute. You still go through the metal detector or body scanner like everyone else—CLEAR only skips the ID verification step.

CLEAR membership costs $179 to $189 per year, depending on whether you add a companion (a family member or frequent travel partner who gets the same benefits). You enroll online and at a CLEAR booth at your airport. The enrollment takes about 5 minutes and involves the same biometric scan you will use every time you travel. CLEAR is available at most major U.S. airports and some international ones.

CLEAR is most useful if your airport is crowded and the ID-check line is the bottleneck. At smaller airports or during off-peak hours, the ID line may be short anyway, so CLEAR saves you less time. Many people use CLEAR and TSA PreCheck together: CLEAR gets you past the ID check, and PreCheck gets you through the scanner faster.

Global Entry for international travelers

If you travel internationally, Global Entry is often the best value. It costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits automatically. When you return to the U.S. from abroad, you use a Global Entry kiosk instead of waiting in the customs line. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, and walk through. A customs officer may still ask follow-up questions, but you skip the long queue.

Global Entry enrollment is more involved than TSA PreCheck. You explore online, pay the fee, and schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. The interview takes 15 to 30 minutes and includes questions about your travel history and background. You need a valid passport. Once approved, you receive your Known Traveler Number for TSA PreCheck and your Global Entry membership card.

Global Entry is worth the cost if you fly internationally more than once every two years. If you fly domestically only, TSA PreCheck alone is cheaper. If you fly internationally once a year or less, the math depends on how much time you spend in customs lines—Global Entry saves you 15 to 30 minutes per return trip.

Military, government, and other discounts

Active-duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members get TSA PreCheck for free. You enroll at a military enrollment center and receive your KTN without paying the standard fee. Veterans and retired military do not get the discount—only active-duty and Reserve members.

Some employers offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement as a travel benefit. Check with your company's travel or HR department. A few credit cards also cover the cost: American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and some others reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee once every few years. Read your card's benefits guide to confirm.

If you receive Trusted Traveler benefits through another country's program—such as Canada's NEXUS or Mexico's Sentri—you may be able to cross-enroll in TSA PreCheck at a reduced cost or for free. Check the TSA website for reciprocal agreements.

What to do if your airport does not have expedited lines

Not all airports offer TSA PreCheck or CLEAR lanes. Smaller regional airports and some private-security airports do not have them. Before you enroll, check your home airport's website or call the TSA to confirm which programs are available there. If your airport does not offer PreCheck, your membership still works at other airports you use, so it may still be worth the cost if you travel from multiple airports.

If your primary airport has no expedited lines, the fastest way through security is to arrive early, travel during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening), and pack efficiently so the screener does not have to open your bags. Some airports also offer real-time wait-time information on their websites or apps, so you can time your arrival to avoid the longest lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my TSA PreCheck number every time I book a flight?

No. Once you add your Known Traveler Number to your airline profile, it appears on your boarding pass automatically for most airlines. You can also enter it manually when you book if it does not populate. If your KTN does not show on your boarding pass, you will not have access to the PreCheck lane, so double-check before you go to the airport.

Can I use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. The TSA conducts a background check for PreCheck and may deny you if you have certain felonies, drug convictions, or security-related offenses. CLEAR uses the same background check. If you are unsure, contact the TSA before you pay. Denial is rare, but it does happen.

What happens if I lose my CLEAR membership or TSA PreCheck expires?

If your CLEAR membership lapses, you lose access to CLEAR lanes when ready but can renew at any time. TSA PreCheck expires after five years, and you must renew before your KTN becomes invalid. You can renew online or at an enrollment center. If you forget to renew, you will not have access to PreCheck lanes until you do.

Is CLEAR worth it if I only fly a few times a year?

Probably not. CLEAR costs $179 to $189 per year, so you need to save at least 10 to 15 minutes per trip to break even on the cost. If you fly fewer than four times a year or your airport is not crowded, TSA PreCheck alone is usually enough. CLEAR is most valuable for people who fly weekly or several times a month.

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights?

Yes, TSA PreCheck works on all TSA-screened flights, including international departures. You get the expedited screening at the U.S. airport before you leave. It does not help you at the destination airport or when you return—that is where Global Entry's customs benefit comes in.