What's the Best Airport Skip-the-Line Service?

How do you choose the best airport skip-the-line service? And what even is the difference between all the options? If you are like me, you hate to stand in lines – I’ll pay just about any price to skip them when possible! And the worst part about travel is standing in line for airport security. It’s so stressful to know what you need to do at various airports – it seems no two are the same! So over the years I’ve found it very helpful to sign up for programs like TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, and Clear.

All of these services help you expedite airport security, but they each function in a different way. People often ask what the difference is between the various programs, so here’s a brief overview of each and which one you should choose.

TSA Pre-Check

TSA Pre-Check provides expedited security screening at airports in the United States. Usually the TSA Pre-Check line is shorter than the regular line. And you can pass through with your shoes, belt, and light jackets on. Even better, liquids and laptops can stay in your bag. So it’s quicker and easier to get through security. It costs $76.75 and is valid for 5 years. You do have to finalize your application in person, but it’s easy to get an appointment.

Who Should Use this Skip-the-Line Service?

I think anyone who flies domestically at least once per year should sign up for TSA Pre-Check. It really makes life easier!

Global Entry

If you travel internationally, you should sign up for Global Entry instead of TSA Pre-Check. Global Entry includes TSA Pre-Check but also allows you to get through customs and immigration more quickly when you return back to the US from an international trip. The cost is $120 and it is valid for 5 years.

The biggest issue with Global Entry is obtaining the appointment for a required interview. These are often booked up months out. So start the process well before your trip.

Who Should Use this Skip-the-Line Service?

If you only travel internationally occasionally, I don’t think Global Entry is worth the process to sign up for it. But if you travel abroad more than once per year, it’s handy to have.

Clear

Clear is a service that allows you to skip to the front of the security line by using your biometric data (fingerprints or iris scans) to verify your identity. The service can be used alone but it’s best with TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Clear costs $209 per year.

Who Should Use this Skip-the-Line Service?

Obviously at this price point, this service is really only worth it for people who travel a lot. And you may not get much benefit at some airports. If you often transit through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), or Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you may find Clear to be worth it. At other airports, your mileage may vary.

What I Use

I fly abroad 2-3 times per year and domestically 2-3 times per year. I’ve had all three of these services at various times in the past. But now I just have Global Entry. It’s just the right fit for me. The rest of my family flies only a few times per year and not always internationally. So it’s just TSA Pre-Check for them!