Many passengers, when in a very long line at the baggage check, gaze fondly at the nearly inexistent lines and quick movements of the pre-check areas. Many ponder the thought of signing up in the future. Others take out their phones and begin the process right there. 

TSA, air terminals, and airports recommend and highly encourage passengers to sign up for one of the national services currently offered. Those include TSA PreCheck® and Clear. For passengers looking to speed up the U.S. customs process, check out Global Entry. 

Here are some Q&As to help you choose what works for you- in some cases, it might just be both!

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® is a Trusted Travel Program (TTP) offered by the U.S. Government. 

What can you expect?

• Wait 5 minutes or less
• Families are welcome
• Available at more than 200 airports and 81 airlines

How does it work?

Apply and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. 

The 10-minute appointment will include fingerprinting as part of the background check.

Then what?

Once you have your Known Traveler Number (KTN), add it to your airline reservation. This allows you to take advantage of even better-streamlined screening. 

What is different during screening?

No need to remove:

• Shoes
• Laptops
• 3-1-1 liquids
• Belts 
• Light jackets

Cost?

As of Aug. 2002- $85, $70 for renewals (every 5 years).

Check your credit card and loyalty programs for credits towards the application costs. 

Anything else?

Occasionally, passengers will be randomly selected for traditional airport screening and will not be able to use the PreCheck® services. 

Clear 

A private airport security technology and membership program. Clear has been Safety Act certified by the Department of Homeland Security. 

How does it work?

If you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (18 or older), simply fill out an application. Next, visit one of the 50-plus Clear locations to finish the process. 

What can you expect?

Passengers use the Clear lane to speed up the first half of the security process. After passing through the biometric screening (eye/fingerprint recognition), an ambassador will escort you directly to the next stage of the screening process (physical/luggage scanning). You be escorted to the TSA PreCheck® line or the regular screening line if you are not a TSA PreCheck® member. 

Other perks?

Clear check-in kiosks are also available at arenas, stadiums, and other event venues. 

Cost? 

$189 per year.

Anything else?

Clear will always work- no matter the airline.

You can also share your COVID-19 vaccination status and test results.