Navigate Airport Security with Ease: The Pros and Cons of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Clear, Nexus, FAST & Sentri

If you're a frequent traveler, you've probably heard of Clear, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry – three programs that can help expedite your airport security and immigration processes. There are three other programs that you may have never heard of - Nexus, Sentri and FAST. With so many options to choose from, which one is right for you? This guide will take a look at the pros and cons of each program, as well as their costs and actual wait times, to help you make an informed decision based on your travel style.

Clear: For the Convenient Traveler

Pros:

• No lengthy enrollment process and no interviews. You can quickly enroll in-person at the airport or online which makes this program the easiest to access and available to everyone.

• Clear members can bypass long security lines by going to a designated Clear lane and using a biometric scan (e.g. fingerprint or iris scan) to verify their identity.

• Clear is available at 45 airports and sports stadiums across the United States.

• Clear members can add family members to their account for a discounted rate.

• Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the application fee if you use these cards to pay it.

Cons:

• Clear is not a government program and does not offer any benefits for expedited immigration or customs processing. It is just for skipping the line to get to the security area to get your carry-on items screened. You will still have to follow general security measures such as taking off your shoes, belt, and jacket (whereas TSA Precheck & Global Entry, you don’t).

• The cost of Clear is relatively high compared to other programs, with an annual fee of $189 per person.

• Clear is not available at all airports, so it may not be useful for travelers who frequent airports that don't offer the service.

• It can only be used at airports in the US and does not expedite your airport screening experience internationally.

• Lines are getting noticeably longer during airport peak times as more people join the program.

• It can feel a bit chaotic sometimes because you are skipping the general security line.

• If you are weird about a private company taking your biometric information, then this may not be the program for you.

Actual wait time: According to Clear, their members can get through security in under 5 minutes. In smaller airports, it can take just under 2 minutes!

TSA PreCheck: For the Business Traveler

Pros:

• TSA PreCheck is a government program that offers expedited security screening at participating airports.

• TSA PreCheck members can bypass long security lines and leave on their shoes, belts, and light jackets. Laptops also don't need to be taken out of your bag.

• TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports across the United States.

• TSA PreCheck membership also includes access to expedited security screening at some international airports through the Global Entry program.

• Membership is valid for 5 years.

• Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the application fee if you use these cards to pay it.

Cons:

• TSA PreCheck does not offer any benefits for expedited immigration or customs processing.

• TSA PreCheck is only available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

• The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $78 per person with a $70 renewal fee every 5 years.

Actual wait time: According to the TSA, wait times for TSA PreCheck are generally under 5 minutes, but can vary depending on the time of day and airport.

Global Entry: For the International Traveler

Pros:

• Global Entry is a government program that offers expedited immigration and customs processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

• Global Entry members can use automated kiosks at participating airports to complete the immigration and customs process, which can save a significant amount of time when coming back to the US from an international visit.

• Global Entry membership also includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.

• Membership is valid for 5 years.

• Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for the application fee if you use these cards to pay it.

Cons:

• The application process for Global Entry can be lengthy and requires an in-person interview at select airports. Interview times can also be inconvenient for your schedule. The full application process can take up to 6 months.

• Global Entry is only available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents, as well as citizens of certain other countries who meet specific eligibility criteria.

• The application fee for Global Entry is $100 per person and the renewal fee after 5 years is also $100.

Actual wait time: According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the wait time for Global Entry is usually less than 5 minutes at most airports.

Nexus: For the US - Canada Frequent Traveler

Pros:

• Includes both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits

• Expedited processing for both air and land crossings between the U.S. and Canada

• Available to U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Cons:

• Wait time for conditional approval can take up to 6 months

• Interviews are required to complete enrollment and these enrollment centers are limited to areas by the US- Canada border. This makes this program not ideal for those who do not travel to Canada often.

• Application fee is $179 USD

Sentri: For the US - Mexico Frequent Traveler

Pros:

• Expedited processing for both air and land crossings between the U.S. and Mexico

• Access to dedicated Sentri lanes at border crossings

• Available to U.S. and Mexican citizens and permanent residents

• Includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Cons:

• Wait time for conditional approval can take up to 6 months

• Similar to Nexus, enrollment centers to complete the interview are generally near the US-Mexican border

• Application fee is $139.75 USD

FAST: For the Commercial Truck Driver Crossing Borders

Pros:

• Expedited processing for commercial truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders to quickly transport goods

• Streamlined customs clearance for low-risk shipments

• Available to trucking companies and their drivers who meet eligibility requirements

Cons:

• Wait time for conditional approval can take up to 4-6 weeks

• Limited to commercial truck drivers and their companies

• Application fee is $50 USD per person

• Does not include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Choosing the right security program is like picking the perfect travel outfit - it depends on your style and where you're going. Clear is the VIP pass for those who love speedy screening, while TSA PreCheck is the go-to for US citizens and permanent residents who want a stress-free airport experience. Global Entry is your golden ticket if you're an international jet-setter who wants to breeze through customs with ease. If Canada is your second home, Nexus is the program for you, and if you're always up for a fiesta in Mexico, Sentri is your amigo. But if you're not a commercial truck driver, steer clear of FAST!