Airport ‘Front of Line’ Pass?
Yes, Please! A Look at TSA Pre-check & Clear
Have you utilized Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pre-check or Global Entry? What about Clear? This post describes my experiences both setting up and utilizing TSA pre-check and Clear in recent days.
I traveled for work a few times this fall. I first learned about Clear when traveling with a family member, who showed me how to use Clear. And I had already been considering adding TSA pre-check (even before the pandemic), so felt it was a good opportunity to try both.
The very first time I tried using Clear, I looked up where to find Clear lanes, and I also had to enroll. Lucky for me, Clear is available in all terminals at LAX. I got to LAX, found the Clear lane in my terminal, completed the biometric entries (eyes, thumbs and palms, as well as checking my ID) and they took me to the front of the TSA pre-check line. The entire setup process was about 6 minutes (and that’s because I had to do my eye scan twice).
Secondly, I went through a specific TSA pre-check line (make sure your boarding pass has TSA pre-check listed). There you still have to run your luggage through (and I quickly realized ALSO shoes, also jacket, although this seems to vary by airport)…but nonetheless it was pretty quick.
In all, I did get through security at LAX in 8 minutes, 33 seconds…including the biometric setup at Clear. Yes, I timed it. I suspect it would probably have been only three minutes once my Clear is set up. Not bad for a major hub! The security line was not long at the time I went, but I HAVE been in super long TSA lines, so I can see how this ‘front of line’ pass would help tremendously.
I then tried it again the next day at SFO with sneakers and a belt and that went even faster. They had lots of Clear checkpoints, so I got through security via a Clear AND TSA pre-check line in about a minute. Then, it was another 2 minutes to get through the scanner (I did not take off my shoes or jacket or belt or remove my electronics). That meant I was into the terminal in 3 minutes! At SFO, the security lines were much longer (as shown in the photo above), so the success of these experiences convinced me the Clear and TSA pre-check combo was perfect.
You may be wondering why did I get TSA pre-check instead of Global Entry (which operates similarly, but for international travelers)? My travel card credits either TSA pre-check or Global Entry - more on that in another post. Because I had upcoming domestic travel (and I was reading that Global Entry appointments were taking a long time to set up), and saw how quickly I could do the TSA pre-check screening, I opted to do that instead. I still saved $85.00, and it was a super quick process.
I completed the TSA online application, made an appointment at a local office (for me, a local Staples location), went in, did the biometric scans, and then they sent me my Known Traveler Number (KTN) within about 36 hours (less than two days). I went on a Monday, and had my KTN for my trip on a Saturday. I went through the airport security that weekend with no issues at all.
Although that all went smoothly, I still wondered if I made the right decision to opt for TSA pre-check instead of Global Entry. Applying for Global Entry is more expensive, so receiving a discount or credit for that instead of TSA pre-check might have been better value-wise. But, I also knew I had upcoming domestic travel trips where I could immediately use the TSA pre-check. While I have been thinking about an international trip, it’s not planned yet. Additionally, there may be other opportunities to get Global Entry. Finally, I read that the appointment times were not as available for Global Entry, and was in the process of prepping for my domestic trip.
Most importantly, when I do travel internationally, I will do so with family, all of whom do NOT have Global Entry (including adult-aged children) - I wouldn’t go ahead without them through security, so I preferred to wait on Global Entry instead, and just go with TSA pre-check.
I have to applaud a few influencers (all on Instagram) who helped break down the info about TSA pre-check, Clear and Global Entry:
@onegrloneworld
@thetravelingchild
@thepointsguy
What has your experience with TSA pre-check, Clear or Global Entry been like? Leave your comments below!
If you like this article, please like, share, comment, subscribe, and check out my other writings.