Is TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR worth it? Here’s how to decide

If you’ve ever inched through a packed security line debating whether airport wine counts as breakfast, you’ve probably wondered if TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR are actually worth paying for.

They all promise to save time and stress at the airport, but they don’t work the same way, and choosing one that doesn’t work for your lifestyle can be an expensive mistake. Add in that Global Entry now costs $120 every five years (up from $100), CLEAR’s annual fee just jumped to over $200, and all three programs overlap in confusing ways, and it’s no wonder travelers are left scratching their heads.

What’s the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR?

In case you need a refresher on what’s what, here’s a quick breakdown:

• TSA PreCheck is basically a fast-pass through U.S. airport security. It’s the lane where shoes stay on and laptops remain in your bag.

• Global Entry is for international travelers who want to breeze through customs when they return to the U.S. It automatically includes TSA PreCheck.

• CLEAR is a private service that uses biometric data to skip you to the front of the security line entirely. It comes with the steepest price tag.

The real question is: Which one will actually make your life easier when you travel? Since each program requires an application, background check and a fee, it’s worth figuring out which service truly works best for you and your family.

We spoke to seasoned travel advisors and frequent flyers who’ve tested every option — sometimes with kids, sometimes on business trips and sometimes just trying to make it to the gate before boarding closes. Below, we break down what each program actually does, its costs, the amount of time and money it saves, and which travelers benefit most from each one.

What is TSA Gold+?

On May 14, 2026, TSA announced it was launching a new airport security initiative called TSA Gold+. And even though it may sound like a leveled-up PreCheck, it isn’t. According to the website, “TSA Gold+ is a new public-private partnership aimed at modernizing aviation security at select airports across the United States.”

In short, the program will expand the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which contracts private companies to conduct security screenings in accordance with TSA guidelines. As of now, there’s no predicted impact on travelers.

What does TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR include?

Let’s start with what you actually get for your money, because even though these programs sound similar, they work in very different ways.

TSA PreCheck: Best for frequent domestic travelers and families

Think of this option as a way to save time at security checkpoints in U.S.-only airports. “Anyone who has TSA PreCheck can access a special security lane at the airport with modified rules, with the biggest time-savers being not having to take off your shoes or belt, and your liquids and laptop can stay in your bag,” says Kayla LeClerc, owner of Whimsical Wishes Travel Concierge, a travel agency in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Cost: $75-$85 to enroll for 5 years; $50-$70 to renew (cost varies by enrollment provider)

What you get: Faster, streamlined security lane in U.S. airports

Kids: Children under 17 can go with you as long as they’re on the same reservation and the PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. This doesn’t always happen automatically if they’re ticketed separately. Parents can contact the airline to have the Known Traveler Number added to the child’s reservation. It’s usually a quick fix, but you’ll want to do this before heading to the airport.

Keep in mind: TSA PreCheck doesn’t apply to non-domestic travel. “What I find my travelers are most surprised to learn is that TSA PreCheck is of no help to them outside the USA,” says LeClerc. “When you’re flying home from your European adventure, you’re going through security with everyone else,” so your best bet is to leave some buffer time on your return flights.

Bottom line: If you fly domestically more than twice a year or travel with kids, PreCheck is one of the easiest travel upgrades you’ll ever make.

Global Entry: Best for international travelers

If you and your family are international jet-setters or frequently visit family in other countries, Global Entry is the hands-down option for you. Even better, it automatically includes TSA PreCheck.

Cost: $120 every five years 

What you get:

• Expedited reentry into the U.S. via kiosks

• Skip long customs and immigration lines

• Full TSA PreCheck benefits when departing the U.S.

Kids: Unlike PreCheck, kids do need their own Global Entry membership, which includes an interview (even for babies!). For this reason, many parents skip getting it for little ones and instead use the free Mobile Passport Control app, which can sometimes be just as fast. It allows travelers to upload their passports and customs declarations electronically upon arrival, enabling them to skip the regular line. There are dedicated MPC lanes at many major airports, which often move much faster.

Keep in mind:

• It requires an in-person interview with Customs and Border Protection at an enrollment center (most are located within airports, so travel may be required for those living outside major hubs)

• Appointments can fill up, depending on the airport’s location

• In rare cases, applications go into manual review and can take a year or longer

• You may be denied if you have a criminal history or any customs violations

Bottom line: Global Entry can save you up to 60 minutes every time you re-enter the U.S. (that’s hours of your life back over five years, which — for some — could be more than enough to justify the $120 fee).

CLEAR: Best for travelers who hate lines and fly from busy hubs

CLEAR users don’t just benefit from skipping lines at the airport, but also at some sports stadiums and event venues around the country, which is something the other two government programs don’t offer, notes Allison Kobasky, co-owner of Over the Moon Vacations, a luxury-honeymoon planning company.

Cost: $209/year

What you get:

• Biometric identity verification such as fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition (note, the company is transitioning toward only using facial recognition) 

• Skip the ID check line entirely and go straight to security screening

• Availability at 50+ airports and select stadiums and event venues

Worth noting: CLEAR is not a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, but rather something you should consider in addition to them, says LeClerc. “It gets you to the TSA officer faster, but if you don’t also have PreCheck, you’ll still be taking off shoes and pulling out laptops like everyone else,” she adds.

Kids: Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR member. The program also offers a family plan that allows you to add up to three adults for $125 each per year.

Keep in mind:

• It’s not available in every airport

• There’s an annual renewal vs. five years for TSA and Global Entry

• The price is the highest by far

• You still need PreCheck for the actual screening process

One more thing to keep in mind: CLEAR is run by a private company that collects biometric data, which might be a privacy concern for some. 

Bottom line: CLEAR is a premium add-on for people who fly from crowded airports and value speed over cost, but for more casual travelers, it may feel like overkill, notes Kobasky.

Which one actually saves the most time?

Considering the main reason most people consider paying for these programs is to save time, in addition to hassle, here’s the scoop on which one actually buys back the most minutes of your life, according to experts.

TSA PreCheck: Up to 45 minutes

Per a recent Upgraded Points survey, standard security lines take an average of 43 minutes, compared to 36 with TSA PreCheck. That’s only a difference of seven minutes, but at major hubs or during peak travel periods, the time saved can be substantially more, especially if combined with CLEAR. Perhaps more important than time, PreCheck members report significantly less stress going through security, rating it 3.3 out of 10 compared to 7.3 for non-members.

Global Entry: 25 to 60 minutes

While the exact time saved depends on the airport and time of day, Kobasky points out that during peak international arrivals (especially at hubs like LAX or Miami), Global Entry can shave 25 to 50 minutes off the re-entry process, while LeClerc has seen time savings of up to an hour. What’s more: Unlike TSA PreCheck, which only speeds you through security, Global Entry gives you both expedited re-entry and TSA PreCheck in one membership, making it one of the highest-value programs if you travel internationally even once or twice a year.

CLEAR: Typically 20-30 minutes

CLEAR is the biggest wildcard because it works differently from both PreCheck and Global Entry. Since it uses biometric ID to verify your identity, you get to skip to the very front of the security line, which can save you a lot of time at busy airports during peak times, notes Kobasky. On an average travel day, it’s likely to save you around 20-30 minutes at most. As noted, pairing CLEAR with TSA PreCheck will give you the most time back.

So, which one is best for you?

If you only fly once or twice a year, chances are you don’t need any of these programs or, at the very least, could start with TSA PreCheck since it’s the most affordable and offers the biggest per-trip perk, according to LeClerc.

If you travel a few times a year domestically — especially with little kids in tow — PreCheck alone can be super helpful. Several parents told us it’s the difference between a calm security line and a full-fledged family meltdown, not to mention the added benefits of keeping shoes on and liquids and tablets exactly where you packed them.

If you take even one international trip a year, every expert we talked to agreed that Global Entry is a no-brainer. “You’ll skip the long customs lines when you return to the U.S., and because TSA PreCheck is included in the price, it’s actually the best overall value,” says Kobasky. 

Last, but certainly not least, CLEAR is best as a premium add-on for travelers who fly out of high-traffic airports like LAX, Atlanta or JFK. Since it biometrically verifies you and directs you straight to the front of the line, having it can save you considerable time during peak times. It is, however, the priciest option, so it makes sense only if you’re a very frequent flier or if you pair it with TSA PreCheck for the fastest combination possible.