The airport experience is often a stressful race against the clock, but it doesn’t have to be. For years, savvy travelers have relied on expedited screening programs to shave minutes off their time in the security line. In today’s travel landscape, two names dominate the conversation: TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus. The question is no longer “should I get one,” but rather “which one is right for me, or should I get both?”
TSA PreCheck: The Screening Upgrade
TSA PreCheck is the gold standard for streamlining the physical screening process. Run by the government’s Transportation Security Administration, this program targets the core hassles of the checkpoint. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that unlocks access to dedicated lanes at over 200 US airports.
The key benefit is relaxed screening rules. You get to keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on. You also don’t have to pull your laptop or your carry-on liquids out of your bag for separate screening. This is what makes the process fast, with the TSA aiming for wait times under 10 minutes. The cost is one of the most attractive aspects of PreCheck, running between $78 and $85 for a full five-year membership, which breaks down to a surprisingly low yearly cost.
Clear Plus: The Identity Skip
Clear Plus is a private membership program that tackles the first hurdle of airport security: the identity check. Instead of waiting in the main line to hand your ID and boarding pass to an agent, Clear Plus members head to a dedicated lane. There, a quick scan of your biometrics—your eyes or your fingerprints—verifies your identity instantly.
Once verified, a Clear Ambassador will escort you directly to the front of the physical screening line. This ability to completely skip the initial queue is the program’s main appeal, especially at large, busy hubs where the identity check line can snake forever. Available at over 50 US airports, Clear Plus does come with a higher price tag, costing around $209 per year. Notably, Clear Plus is also available at select stadiums and other venues, providing value beyond the airport.
The Ultimate Power-User Strategy
For the traveler who absolutely hates waiting, the best answer is to enroll in both programs. They are complementary, not competing.
Here is how the combined experience works: Clear Plus gets you past the identity verification line and drops you off at the front of the security screening area. You then use your TSA PreCheck status to move through the physical screening without removing your shoes or unpacking your bags. The result is the fastest possible route to your gate.
If you’re considering the dual approach, look into credit card benefits. Many premium travel cards offer annual statement credits to cover the full membership cost of one or both of these programs, effectively making them free. If you’re a family traveler, note that children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when traveling with a member, and children under 13 can accompany a PreCheck holder for free.
Ultimately, PreCheck offers the best value for its price and is the right choice for most domestic flyers. However, for the frequent traveler who prioritizes speed above all else, combining Clear Plus and PreCheck is the unbeatable solution for stress-free travel in 2025.
