The Travel Trinity - Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, Clear. Are they worth it?

Now that everybody and their elders are back outside, taking all the trips this summer, expect long waits at the airport. And since patience is a virtue and I am not virtuous, here is the rundown on whether signing up for PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear are worth it.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear are expedited screening programs that make going through U.S. airports easier.

TSA PreCheck

Cost-$85 for five years. It does not include Global Entry

Offered through the government.

Expedites the physical screening process.

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration.

Available at over 200 domestic airports and 73 airlines. Most major airports will have a TSA PreCheck lane.

Eligible to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents

Application process- First, fill out a short online application, then schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center to receive a background check and fingerprinting. I had my appointment at Staples through one of the Identogo enrollment centers.

Many travel credit cards offer credit for purchasing Global Entry/PreCheck.

Global Entry

Cost- $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck and its amenities.

Great for expedited entry back into the U.S. from international travel

Global Entry is designed to provide expedited re-entry into the United States by helping international travelers clear customs faster. It is available at more than 50 U.S. airports.

Application process- background check and in-person interview after preliminary approval. To schedule an in-person interview, you can book an appointment online. Those who have been conditionally approved can save time by getting an interview through the "Enrollment on Arrival" program—which is essentially a walk-in appointment available after landing in an international terminal at a participating airport.

Clear

Cost- $179 a year

Private company-owned.

Expediting the document/identity screening process allows the members to quickly verify their identities at touchless, biometric security kiosks. You get to bypass having them verify your passport/license. From there, individuals will be taken to the appropriate screening line.

Available in most major airports (50) and can now be used to enter sports venues, where allowed.

EITHER/OR/BOTH?

Here are a few more advantages to having both PreCheck and Clear:

• TSA PreCheck only allows you to expedite your airport security experience, but Clear can speed up your entry into airports, stadiums, and venues.

• Occasionally, TSA PreCheck passengers will be randomly selected for traditional airport screening and will not be able to use the PreCheck security line; Clear passengers always get to access the dedicated Clear lane at security.

• Not all airlines allow you to use your TSA PreCheck membership to get through security, but Clear works no matter what airline you're lying.

• Clear's new Health Pass allows you to share your COVID-19 vaccine status and any recent negative test results, which might reduce or eliminate any required quarantine time after travel.

• Do you need Global Entry? If you do not leave the country frequently, no. Download the app Mobile Passport, it's a relatively similar re-entry process, and it is free to use.

If you want an affordable way of shortening the time it takes to get through airport security, TSA PreCheck might be your best choice. But if you want to maximize your experience at airports, stadiums, and concert venues, Clear might be a good option, just not a stand-alone one.

TSA PreCheck is currently available at more locations than Clear, but Clear gives you access to expedited security lines at stadiums and arenas (if those are your thing). I personally don't have Clear, at its current value, it doesn't make sense to me.