What are the differences and how do the US airport fast track security programs work?

Nobody likes a long line at airport security. But frequent flyers have the option of paying a little more and skipping the crowds—in fact, US airports offer several expedited screening programs to choose from. CNBC tells how they differ.

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Increasingly, cash back and cash credit rewards on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications (up to $100 every four years) are becoming a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards. When you consider a third alternative, CLEAR, deciding which program to choose to speed through airport security can be difficult.

If you travel often, such programs can give you many benefits. Let's see what the difference is between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR and what they offer.

TSA PreCheck

If you rarely go abroad and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck will cost $ 85 for a five-year membership and will give you the opportunity to pass a security check under the accelerated plan in more than 200 US airports. If you do not have an American passport, this is the best option.

This process is also less invasive than standard security checks. You don’t need to take off your shoes, belt, light jacket, take out your laptop or TSA approved fluids.

You must submit an application online, after which you should plan a 10-minute personal meeting at one of the registration centers. Your personal data will be checked and fingerprinted.

Global Entry

This is a US Customs and Border Control (CBP) program that speeds up the processing of pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States after international travel. You will go through an express queue at customs and in the immigration service, which can save you time and save you from unnecessary headaches after a long trip.

You need to apply and make a non-refundable fee of $ 100. If approved, your five-year membership will include both Global Entryand TSA PreCheck in the USA.

To be eligible for the Global Entry program, you must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident. Residents of some countries may also qualify - you can find out more about international application requirements at this link. Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain the consent of their parents or legal guardian. Learn more about Global Entry Eligibility here.

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Which credit cards offer loans and cashback for TSA PreCheck / Global Entry

Popular cards that don't charge Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, and the Platinum Card® from American Express. While each of these cards has an annual fee (the first year is waived for Capital One®), that bonus can effectively be offset in 4 years—not to mention all the extra rewards you can regularly earn with these cards.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck loans are $ 100 or $ 85, respectively, and they are usually offered every 4 or 5 years, depending on which card you have. You get a loan after submitting and paying for the application, and it may take several weeks to see the amount credited to your account.

CLEAR

The newest addition to speeding up the airport security screening process is the CLEARthat uses scans of your eyes and fingertips, rather than traditional IDs. The most expensive of the three, CLEAR costs 179 dollars per year on membership and does not include TSA PreCheck, as in Global Entry.

With CLEAR, you can add up to three adult family members for just $ 50 a year. Children under 18 years old participate for free and do not have to register. Members with Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus status can often receive CLEAR discounts.

To apply, you must register online and go through biometric scan personally. Once you have received permission to use CLEAR, your experience with security at the airport will be fairly smooth. You go straight to CLEAR and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative will accompany you to the checkpoint.

Sports and music lovers are also given the opportunity to participate in the program. Clear sports, which allows you to skip the queue for security checks when visiting many large stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the country, including the Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.

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Conclusions

You do not need to be a luxury traveler to take advantage of any of these three bonus programs. Even if you fly only a few times a year, you can register and pay for your waiting in lines for security checks.

In general, it is generally recommended that you apply for Global Entry, not the TSA PreCheck (provided that you have a US passport). Global Entry, which provides participants with accelerated entry into the United States after international travel, provides a 5-year membership that also opens access to TSA PreCheck for just $ 15 extra.

Despite the fact that CLEAR offers more privileges in the form of access to entertainment, its membership fees are much higher, and you will have to regularly fly through one of 35 U.S. Airportswhich he serves in order to get real benefits. Otherwise, you still have to purchase TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Whatever route you choose, these three programs are designed to minimize the amount of time spent waiting in lines. This feature can make the journey enjoyable wherever you go.

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