The partial government shutdown has caused Transportation Security Administration screening lines to grow astronomically in the past month, with some waits topping three hours at busy airports. That’s why now is a great time to think about tools that can speed you through airport security faster.
Among them, Clear and TSA PreCheck are the most widely available and useful programs you can join in order to access much shorter security lines than the general flying public. Likewise, if you have Global Entry, not only can you access expedited customs and immigration lines when reentering the U.S., but having it also typically confers TSA PreCheck, so you can enjoy the benefits of two programs in one.
Here’s what you need to know about each of these programs and how you can join them for free or at a significant discount.
What are TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a program whose members receive a Known Traveler Number. They can add this to their airline frequent flyer account profiles, and a logo will appear on their boarding passes. They can then access dedicated lines at airport security checkpoints that tend to be shorter than the normal lines.
Not only that, but TSA PreCheck travelers do not need to remove laptops or liquids from their bags and can go through security without taking off their shoes, belts or light outerwear. (Now, even passengers in the regular security line no longer have to take off their shoes, in most cases.)
The vast majority of TSA PreCheck users spend 10 minutes or less in line to get through airport security, according to the TSA’s own statistics.
One note: During government shutdowns, you often don’t have to worry about new TSA PreCheck applications or renewals being delayed. Anecdotal reports suggest that they are operating normally, as of March 2026.
TPG’s Gabrielle Bernardini, for example, said that her TSA PreCheck expires in June. “With the government shutdown, I didn’t want to risk my application taking weeks (or months) to be approved,” she added, “so I applied to renew my TSA PreCheck (through IDEMIA) and received my eligibility confirmation notice just five hours later.”
Clear
Clear is a biometric identification platform that uses fingerprints and iris scans to identify travelers. Those with a Clear+ membership usually do not have to show their IDs, such as a license or passport, during security screening. You should, however, still bring an identification document with you just in case, as the TSA has the right to perform random identity checks.
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Clear members can access dedicated lines adjacent to the regular security checks. Once their identity is confirmed by a Clear biometric screening machine, a Clear representative will escort them to the front of the identification check lines, where they can simply go straight through to the screening machines. Those who have TSA PreCheck can access those lanes, while those without it must still go through the standard postidentification screening process.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program from U.S. Customs and Border Protection whereby members can access expedited screening lines when reentering the U.S. from abroad. These lines have automated kiosks where your picture is taken, and then you simply confirm your name with a waiting CBP agent before heading on your way. It is available at over 75 airports in the U.S., Canada and a handful of other countries where screening takes place before flights to the U.S. depart.
How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?
A five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs up to $85, though there are several ways to save.
While it will cost you $85 to apply through Telos, you only have to pay $58.75 when renewing in person with Telos or $69.95 when renewing online via Telos. Lower rates may be available when applying or renewing through Idemia or Clear.
Global Entry membership also lasts five years and costs $120, but it covers access to both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck since you receive a Known Traveler Number. Because of this, you can essentially get both programs in a single go.
An annual Clear+ membership costs $209.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry discounts via credit cards
Several travel credit cards offer up to $120 in statement credits to reimburse cardholders for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This type of credit is typically available every four or five years and can be put toward one program’s application or the other during that time period, but not both. You should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.
Some cards that include TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry application fee statement credits are:
There are other cards that also confer this benefit, so be sure to check which cards in your wallet might offer a statement credit toward either or both of these programs.
Using points or miles to pay for TSA PreCheck
Some loyalty programs allow members to redeem points or miles to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck. However, the value per point or mile when doing so is less than TPG’s March 2026 valuations, so this wouldn’t be our top recommendation.
Still, if you wish to go this route, here are a few options for members:
- Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership via Idemia every five years.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Redeem 25,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
- IHG One Rewards: Redeem 30,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit via Idemia.
- United MileagePlus: Redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.
Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear+
Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $288.95 by applying for both TSA PreCheck and Clear+ at the same time through Clear. After being approved for both programs, users get a $79.95 refund for the TSA PreCheck portion of the cost.
Clear+ memberships via credit cards
Unfortunately, not nearly as many credit cards provide a complimentary Clear+ membership. Some cards that currently offer a statement credit (up to $209) to cover a Clear+ membership fee are:
Occasionally, American Express will extend Amex Offers to certain cardholders covering the cost of a Clear+ membership, so be sure to check your account regularly for those limited-time offers. Enrollment is required, and credits are subject to auto-renewal.
The information for the Centurion and Amex Green cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Credit cards that save you money on Clear+
If you don’t have a credit card offering a Clear+ statement credit, some credit cards offer discounts on membership.
Save on Clear+ with a frequent flyer membership
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all offer their frequent flyers free or discounted Clear+ memberships.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards discounts
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members can enroll in Clear+ for a slightly discounted annual rate of $199.
Atmos Rewards members with Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium elite status who sign up for Clear+ receive 1,500 bonus points, plus an additional 1,250 points each year they renew.
Delta SkyMiles discounts
Delta Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion members can get Clear+ for a reduced fee of $169 per year. Regular Delta SkyMiles members get it at a $10 discount, for $199. Those with Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 status can get it for free.
United MileagePlus discounts
United Global Services elite members get Clear+ for free, while United Premier 1K elite members get it for $129 per year.
United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members can get Clear+ for a discounted annual rate of $169.
General United MileagePlus members can get Clear+ at a cost of $199 per year.
Clear+ discounts for families and students
Travelers younger than 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free, but Clear no longer offers a college student discount. However, Clear does offer family plans that include up to three additional adults on a primary membership for an additional $125 per person, per year.
Bottom line
Not only do TSA PreCheck, Clear+ and Global Entry help travelers save time, but it’s also possible to get these memberships without paying full price. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost by taking advantage of your rewards credit cards and even your frequent flyer elite status.
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