Two programs promise to speed you through airport security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. They work differently, cost differently, and one might be much more useful depending on how you travel.
TSA PreCheck: The Basics
TSA PreCheck is a government program run by the TSA. For $78 over five years (about $15/year), you get access to dedicated security lanes where you can keep your shoes on, leave your laptop in your bag, and generally breeze through.
PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and works on most domestic airlines. The application requires a background check and in-person appointment, but renewal can be done online.
CLEAR: The Basics
CLEAR is a private company that uses biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) to verify your identity. Instead of waiting in the ID check line, you walk up to a CLEAR pod, scan your eyes or fingerprint, and get escorted to the front of the security line.
CLEAR costs $189 per year — significantly more than PreCheck. It's available at about 50 airports, which is fewer than PreCheck.
Which One Should You Get?
If you pick one: Get TSA PreCheck. It's cheaper, available at more airports, and the dedicated lanes with relaxed rules save more total time than skipping just the ID check.
If you travel very frequently: Consider both. CLEAR skips the ID line, then PreCheck gives you the expedited screening. Together, you can sometimes clear security in under 2 minutes.
If you fly out of a CLEAR airport regularly: CLEAR's value depends on your home airport. At busy hubs like LAX, JFK, or ATL, the ID check line can be 15+ minutes on its own, making CLEAR worth it. At smaller airports, the ID check line is rarely the bottleneck.
The Best Free Alternative
Check Atlas Navigation before you head to the airport. Knowing predicted TSA wait times costs nothing and helps you time your arrival perfectly — no membership required. We provide predicted wait times at over 100 US airports, updated every 30 minutes.