Should You Pay for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or Clear?

You consider throwing money at this problem.

How do you know if its worth it to spring for an expedited security screening service?

Lets run through your options and what itll cost you to keep your shoes on.

TSA Precheck

TSA Precheck is a government program that provides expedited security screening at most U.S. airports.

Your electronics and toiletries can stay in your bag, too.

Its worth noting a major drawback to Precheck: Some airports only offer TSA Precheck during limited hours.

Youll need to check the websites for the airports you fly through most for details about availability.

The NEXUS program is for U.S.-Canada travel by air or ground, and costs $50.

Access to both those programs lasts five years.

Clear is a privately run program.

Then youre escorted to the Precheck lane for physical screening.

you’re able to, however, get Clear without having PreCheck.

Its available in more than 50 U.S. airports.

Global Entry vs. Clear: Which should you get?

Customs and Border Patroloffers a questionnaireto help you figure out which expedited security program is best for you.

If youre on the fence about Global Entry, try theMobile Passport appnext time you travel internationally.

It may be as much of a time-saver as Global Entry, according to Lifehacker staff experiences.

So, whats your time worth?Is it worth $17 per year?

$20 per year?

$199 per year if you spring for Global EntryandClear?

I applied for Global Entry a few years ago when I decided I really wanted Precheck.

Thats one reimbursement that adds fuel to the argument ofkeeping a credit card that charges an annual fee.

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