Today, I had an interesting encounter at TSA in DCA (Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport). As I approached security, one of the agents casually asked, "Do you have a Platinum Amex?" I replied, “Why yes, I do.” His response? “Perfect, let’s sign you up for Clear, and it will take you to the front of the line.”
I had already been using TSA PreCheck, which I love because, let’s be real, who enjoys taking off their shoes at the airport? But the conversation piqued my interest, and I thought, why not give Clear a try?
TSA PreCheck vs. Clear: What's the Difference?
Both TSA PreCheck and Clear aim to make your airport experience faster and more convenient, but they work in different ways.
TSA PreCheck:
- Allows you to skip some of the usual security screening hassles. You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can leave laptops and liquids in your bag.
- TSA PreCheck applies to domestic and international flights.
- You go through a background check and fingerprinting process, and once approved, you get five years of expedited screening for $78 (with many credit cards offering reimbursement).
Clear:
- A biometric system that uses your eyes and fingerprints to verify your identity. Once verified, Clear takes you directly to the front of the TSA screening line (you still go through TSA screening, but you skip the ID check).
- It’s available at many airports, sports stadiums, and other venues.
- The cost of Clear is around $189 a year, but some credit cards (like the Platinum Amex!) provide reimbursement or discounts.
Why I Signed Up for Clear
Although I’m a fan of TSA PreCheck, I figured, why not sign up for Clear as well? With Clear, you essentially get to cut the security line altogether, and when combined with TSA PreCheck, your time at the airport is significantly reduced.
After signing up, I found that Clear really does push you to the front of the line. While TSA PreCheck makes the screening process faster, Clear eliminates a lot of the waiting, especially when security lines are long. Together, they make travel feel a lot smoother, especially at busy airports like DCA.
Is Clear Worth It?
The answer depends on how often you travel. If you’re someone who flies frequently, especially out of larger, busier airports, the added convenience of Clear can be a game-changer. Plus, if you have a card that reimburses the fee, it’s almost a no-brainer.
For occasional travelers, TSA PreCheck alone might be enough to make your airport experience less stressful.
Final Thoughts: TSA PreCheck, Clear, or Both?
If I had to choose just one, I’d still lean toward TSA PreCheck. The ease of not having to remove shoes, belts, and laptops makes it super convenient. However, pairing it with Clear is a great combo, especially if you can get Clear at a discount or through a credit card benefit.
Traveling can be stressful, but with tools like TSA PreCheck and Clear, getting through the airport is faster and smoother—and who doesn’t want that? Now, I’m looking forward to breezing through security on my next trip!
Let me know in the comments: Do you use TSA PreCheck, Clear, or both? Which do you prefer?
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