Get Through the Airport Faster:

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR & Digital ID

Have you ever arrived at the airport excited about your vacation, only to spend what feels like forever standing in line at security? Between checking bags, showing identification, removing shoes and waiting for your turn, getting to the gate can sometimes feel like a trip of its own!

The good news? There are several ways to make your airport experience faster, easier and less stressful. Whether you travel a few times a year or take multiple trips each month, the right programs and a little advance preparation can help you spend less time in line and more time enjoying your vacation.

Let's look at the most useful options, what they cost and which ones may be worth the investment.

1. TSA PreCheck: A Faster Way Through Security

Best for: Travelers who fly domestically or internationally and want a simpler security screening experience.

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows approved travelers to use dedicated security screening lanes at participating airports.

Instead of going through the standard screening process, eligible passengers can generally keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags.

Benefits

• Access to dedicated TSA PreCheck security lanes at participating airports.
• A more convenient screening process with fewer items to remove.
• Available at hundreds of airports and on many participating airlines.
• Membership lasts five years.

Cost

TSA PreCheck enrollment currently starts at $76.75 for five years, although the fee varies by enrollment provider and renewal option.

That's roughly $15.35 per year at the starting price!

How to get started

Apply through an authorized enrollment provider, complete the required identity verification and enrollment steps, and wait for approval. Once approved, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation.

Make sure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass. Membership alone does not guarantee access to the PreCheck lane on every flight.

Learn more

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

2. Global Entry: A Smart Choice for International Travelers

Best for: Travelers who take international trips and want to speed up their return to the United States.

If you travel internationally, Global Entry may be one of the best travel investments you can make.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program designed to expedite the customs and immigration process for approved, low-risk travelers returning to the United States. Instead of waiting in the regular passport-control line, members can use Global Entry processing at participating locations.

Even better, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible members. That means one membership can help you at both airport security and when returning home from international travel.

Benefits

• Expedited processing when arriving in the United States from abroad at participating airports.
• Access to TSA PreCheck benefits.
• Less time spent waiting in traditional passport-control lines.
• A five-year membership.

Cost

Global Entry costs $120 for five years. Eligible applicants under age 18 may qualify for a fee waiver when the program's family eligibility requirements are met.

That's equivalent to $24 per year for five years of potential time savings.

How to get started

Apply through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website. The process includes a background check and an interview. Processing and appointment times vary, so apply well ahead of an upcoming trip.

Learn more

https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/

My tip: If you travel internationally even occasionally, compare Global Entry with TSA PreCheck before applying for either. Global Entry costs more upfront, but it includes TSA PreCheck and offers the additional international-arrival benefit.

3. CLEAR+: Speed Up the Identity-Verification Line

Best for: Frequent flyers who regularly use airports with CLEAR lanes and want another way to reduce waiting at security.

CLEAR+ is a private, paid membership that uses biometric identity verification, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, to help verify your identity at participating airport security checkpoints.

Rather than waiting for the usual ID-check process, members use CLEAR's dedicated service to verify their identity before proceeding to the TSA screening stage.

Here's an important distinction: CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck do different things.

• CLEAR+ helps speed up identity verification.
• TSA PreCheck provides an expedited security-screening process.

Depending on the airport and the lanes available, using both together may help you move through the checkpoint more efficiently.

Benefits

• Dedicated CLEAR identity-verification lanes at participating airports.
• Biometric identity verification.
• Potentially less waiting at the identity-check stage.
• Family options, including complimentary access for children under 18 accompanying a CLEAR+ member through the CLEAR lane, subject to program rules.

Cost

CLEAR+ currently costs $219 per year at the standard membership rate. Eligible family members or friends may be added for an additional fee, and discounts or credit-card benefits may be available.

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, CLEAR+ is an annual subscription, so consider whether you will use it often enough to justify the recurring cost.

Is CLEAR+ worth it? It may be worthwhile if you frequently fly through airports where CLEAR is available and the regular security lines are often crowded. However, CLEAR does not eliminate TSA screening, and it does not guarantee a shorter wait every time.

Before signing up, check whether CLEAR operates at the airports you use most often. Some airports do not have CLEAR.

Learn more:

https://www.clearme.com/clear-plus

4. Digital ID and Touchless Airport Screening

Best for: Travelers who like using their smartphone to simplify airport procedures.

Digital identification is another option that can make the airport experience more convenient. Depending on your state, device, airline and airport, you may be able to use an eligible digital driver's license or other approved digital ID at a TSA checkpoint.

Some eligible travelers can also use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which uses facial-comparison technology to verify identity in a dedicated lane.  This can reduce the need to pull out your physical identification during the screening process.

Benefits

• Convenient identity verification using an eligible phone-based ID or touchless screening option.
• Potentially faster processing at participating checkpoints.
• Less fumbling with documents while managing luggage and boarding passes.

Cost

Digital ID and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID do not generally require a separate membership fee, although eligibility and setup requirements vary.

Some touchless services require an active TSA PreCheck membership, a valid passport and enrollment through a participating airline or supported digital wallet.

Important things to know

• Digital ID is not the same as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It helps with identity verification; it does not automatically give you access to expedited security screening.
• Participation varies by airport and technology provider. Always carry an acceptable physical form of identification as a backup, even if you plan to use a digital ID.

Learn more:

• TSA digital ID: https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id
• TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: https://www.tsa.gov/touchless-id

Let's compare...

*Prices are in U.S. dollars and reflect currently published standard rates where available as of October 2026. Enrollment-provider fees, promotions, eligibility and program terms may vary.

Can Credit Cards Cover the Cost?

Before paying for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR+ out of pocket, check your credit-card benefits.

Some travel and premium credit cards offer statement credits for eligible TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. Certain cards also offer credits toward CLEAR+ memberships.

The exact benefit, amount, eligible program, renewal period and payment requirements depend on your card. You may need to pay the application fee with the eligible card to receive the credit.

If you already have a qualifying card, you could save money on a membership you were considering anyway.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Here's my general recommendation:

• You fly a few times a year, mostly domestically: TSA PreCheck may be a good starting point.
• You take international vacations: Consider Global Entry because it includes TSA PreCheck.
• You fly frequently through airports with CLEAR: Compare CLEAR+ against the cost and time savings you expect.
• You prefer using your smartphone: Check whether digital ID or Touchless ID is supported at your airport and by your airline.
• You want the greatest convenience: Consider combining programs, but only when the added benefits justify the cost.

Remember that none of these programs guarantees zero waiting. Airport conditions, staffing, flight schedules and checkpoint availability can all affect how quickly you get through.

Check out the official links for the latest info and costs:

• tsa.gov
• ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
• clearme.com
• tsa.gov

The published prices and program details above are based on current official program information. TSA and airport procedures can change, so it's worth reviewing the official websites before publishing or updating the blog.

Bonus: More Ways to Get Through the Airport Faster

You can improve your airport experience even without paying for a membership.

• Check in online
• Check in as soon as your airline allows, download your boarding pass and save it to your phone's wallet if supported.
• Use your airline's app
• Enable flight notifications so you know about gate changes, delays and boarding times. Check your terminal and gate before heading through security.
• Pack strategically
• Keep your liquids together, organize your electronics and avoid packing items that could trigger additional screening. Follow current TSA rules for carry-on liquids and restricted items.
• Consider traveling with carry-on luggage only
• If you can comfortably pack everything into a carry-on, you may avoid the checked-bag counter and waiting at baggage claim. Be sure to follow your airline's carry-on size and baggage policies.
• Choose your airport arrival time wisely
• Arriving too late creates unnecessary stress, but arriving excessively early may not be necessary either. Follow your airline's recommendations, allow extra time during holidays and busy travel periods, and account for international check-in requirements.
• Check the airport's security options
• Some airports offer digital ID lanes, expedited screening programs or other services that are not available everywhere. Check your departure airport's official website before traveling.
• Keep your documents handy
• Have your acceptable ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the checkpoint. If you are traveling internationally, confirm your passport validity and any entry requirements well in advance.

Make Your Next Vacation Easier Before You Even Leave Home

Your vacation should start with excitement, not stress. A little planning before departure can help you spend less time navigating airport lines and more time looking forward to your destination.

If you're unsure which airport programs make the most sense for your travel habits, consider your usual airports, how often you travel internationally and whether your credit card offers any enrollment benefits.

And when you're ready to plan your next getaway, I'm here to help you make the entire travel experience easier from choosing the right vacation to preparing for a smoother departure.

Happy travels, and here's to spending less time in line and more time exploring!