TSA Precheck, Clear, Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control – Which One?
TSA Precheck, Clear, Global Entry
When deciding what you are going to purchase to make security easier at the airport you have a few options: Global Entry, TSA Precheck, Clear, and Mobile Passport Control. The option you should go with depends heavily on your travel needs and lifestyle. This post will highlight important information about each one so you can make a decision on which to enroll in.
| Name | Cost | How Long Does It Last? | What does it do? |
| Global Entry | $100 | 5 years | It includes TSA Precheck and allows for expedited entry into the country following international travel. |
| TSA Precheck | $78 | 5 years | It allows for expedited screening when going through TSA. You do not have to remove shoes and laptops. |
| Clear | $189 yearly | 1 year | Allows for expedited entry when heading through TSA. |
| TSA Precheck + Clear | $199.95 | 1 year | This is a combination of Clear and TSA Precheck. It allows faster entry when heading through security. |
| Mobile Passport Control | Free | Helps with entry into the country when landing from international destinations by having you complete the forms on your phone for faster processing. |
Global Entry
You can sign up for global entry here. The process to get approved includes a background check and an in-person interview. As of the time of publication for this post, US Customs and Border Protection states that it takes about two weeks to be conditionally approved for global entry, meaning your application has been processed and you need to schedule your in-person interviews. When you hear about long waiting times for Global Entry, it typically refers to the in-person interview you must schedule.
What is the Global Entry Interview Process like?
This is not your typical interview, it is simply to verify identity and documentation. They may ask you questions such as your address, where you are planning to travel, and where you work before taking your fingerprints and scanning your passport. It typically last less than 10 minutes You will receive a card in the mail in a few weeks as well.
What is most important about this interview is that you receive your Known Traveler Number, KTN, which is what will designate your boarding pass as TSA Precheck! Upon receiving make sure to update all your Airline Accounts with this number.
How to Renew Global Entry and What is the Global Entry Renewal Time?
To renew your global entry, you can do it online. I did mine and did not have to do an interview. It took a few weeks to hear back.
How much is Global Entry?
Many credit cards offer a credit for Global Entry. I would search through your benefits to see if your current card has that offer. I get Global Entry credit through my Delta American Express Platinum and Captial One Venture credit cards.
Do my kids need Global Entry?
Yes.
TSA Precheck
You can apply for TSA precheck by itself, here, if you solely focus on domestic travel. The process includes an application and an interview. Most applicants will hear back in about two weeks. Once approved, applicants schedule an interview at an enrollment center where they verify the applicants’ identity, their citizenship and submit their fingerprints. Upon approval, you will receive your known traveler number, KTN, in the mail.
Tip: Your known traveler number is not the same as a redress number. A redress number is a case number that helps prevent misidentification.
How to renew TSA Precheck?
To renew TSA Precheck, you will pay either $70 online or $78 in person at an enrollment center. You can start the renewal process up to six months before expiration. Most applicants will get approval within 3-5 days.
How much is TSA Precheck?
Your fee for TSA precheck can be covered by one of your credit cards. Keep in mind that they either cover Global Entry or TSA Precheck once, every 5 years. I can get TSA Precheck credit through my Delta American Express Platinum and Captial One Venture credit cards.
Do my kids need TSA Precheck?
Children under 12 can accompany an adult through the security lanes if the adult has TSA Precheck.
Children 13 -17 need to have TSA Precheck on their boarding pass. To do this they must be on the same reservation as the adult they are traveling with.
Clear
The enrollment process for Clear takes about 5 minutes and does not require an appointment. You can either apply online and then submit biometrics at the airport or apply once you arrive at the airport.
Is Clear a TSA Precheck Alternative?
Clear is not available at all US airports. So while it can be helpful and somewhat replace TSA Precheck, it cannot be your only option if you fly into multiple airports, especially at the smaller airports.
How much is Clear?
There are discounted rates for different credit cards issued by American Express and membership in United Airlines Mileage Plus.
Do my kids need clear?
You can add up to 3 family members or friends for $99 per year. Family members under 18 can join you in the clear line for free.
Mobile Passport Control
Mobile passport control is an app that you should download before you travel internationally if you do not have access to Global Entry. Once downloaded you should complete your profile so that when you arrive back in the US you have one less thing to input.
Upon landing in the US, in a destination that allows Mobile Passport Control, you will submit information about your arrival including flight information and a selfie. Once you submit, it may tell you what lane to go through or look for the signs that say Mobile Passport Control.
How much is Mobile Passport Control?
The Mobile Passport Control app is free of charge.
Mobile Passport Control vs Global Entry
Mobile passport control is an alternative to Global Entry, however, you cannot use them both at the same time and not all airports have Mobile Passport Control
Do my kids need the app?
Your kids can be added to your account by creating an additional profile for them.
Conclusion
You have different options when considering how you want to navigate security at airports. Global Entry, TSA Precheck, Clear, and Mobile Passport Control are all programs you can utilize to make your traveling easier. In addition, Delta Airlines came out with Digital ID recently which is another alternative. If you would like to reserve a TSA Security time slot you can do that through TSA Reserve, linked here is the JFK option. I have not written a post yet, because I have not tried it but if you have let me know in the comments.
If you are interested in lounge access and other amenities, check out Travel Memberships I Swear by.
“Many credit cards offer a credit for Global Entry.” This is how I first got my Global Entry. Very slick.
Global entry is the one that’s worked the best for us. Great tips!
I’ve had TSA precheck for the last 5 years & it’s up for renewal – I’ve been debating upgrading to Global Entry but the wait time for interview is so long!!
After a recent flurry of domestic and international travel, I was convinced I needed to apply for one of these programs. This article, helped me decide which one!
I am glad this was helpful to you!