Traveling through the years we have all seen the TSA Precheck and CLEAR signs but may not have understood what either one exactly was.
CLEAR is a yearly subscription service that allows you to skip the first line at the airport. The line that is at the entry gate for a TSA agent to check your ID. Instead CLEAR allows a bio metric scan of your iris and two fingers. The yearly cost of this service is up to $180, they often have a 3 month trial for a lower rate. It is extremely easy to sign up at an airport and takes about 5 minutes. You just look for an agent wearing the CLEAR brand uniform. They take you to one of the machines (pictured above) and ask you to enter in your personal information. This includes name, social and address. Then you start the capture scan of your irises. Last you scan your thumbs in and other fingers. Each person has a different bio metric sign in. Some may have thumb and iris scan, others may get 2 fingers and an iris scan. This service is great for cutting time spent in line at the airport and in giving you more flexibility when running late to the airport.
Most people are not aware that this expedited security program can also be found in over 50 stadiums and other large venues as well.
TSA Precheck allows you to cut the normal bag check line and go to the lane labeled PreCheck. Usually there is no line or at most up to 5 people ahead of you. You get the benefit of not having to take off your shoes or belt and being able to keep electronics in your bag. The cost is $85 and lasts for 5 years which makes it extremely worth it.
The setup requires you to sign up online at Universal Enroll where you enter your information and answer a few questions to determine your eligibility. Once you complete the application process you are required to setup an in person meeting with a TSA Representative at an airport terminal or registered location. The in person meeting lasts about 10- 15 minutes as they verify your information and accept your payment. In a few weeks you receive a KTN (Known Traveler Number). This number must be entered every time you book a flight to receive the benefits of Precheck.
The main difference between the two is cost. TSA Precheck will cost you $80 and last for 5 years. CLEAR is $160 a year. If you have both of these you really get to soar through the airport. You get escorted through CLEAR where you give your bio metrics and then are walked right to bag check. The whole process is usually 5 minutes. Before traveling during COVID having both was essential for me. Traveling during COVID it is a luxury but not a necessity to maintain CLEAR as the airports have not been as packed.
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