Travel Programs that Make Life Easier

I was recently out of the country on a press trip and was discussing the merits of Global Entry, TSA Pre Check, Clear and several of the credit cards available that offer the best travel rewards.

As we know, traveling can be expensive and time consuming. Anything that you can do to arm yourself to make things a little easier is worth it. Especially if you have kids. So here’s a hit list of ways to do just that.

Global Entry Program

At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

If you travel a lot internationally, this helps you get through Customs quicker.

No processing lines
No paperwork
Access to expedited entry
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times
$100 application fee
Only good for one person (children must have their own clearance)
If you have Global Entry, you do not need TSA Pre Check

TSA Pre Check

TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are both Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs. TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers. For more information on all of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs use the DHS interactive Trusted Traveler Tool.

FAQS

Good for 5 years
Children under 17 can travel without having membership if traveling with parent who does
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times
$78 application fee
Some travel reward credit cards reimburse for application fee
Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents
TSA PreCheck® Participating Airlines
TSA Travel Tips

Clear Plus Vs TSA pre Check vs Global Entry

CLEAR, TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are all separate services that help expedite different parts of the travel experience. At airports, CLEAR speeds members through the travel document check process on departing flights. CLEAR members also enjoy an expedited screening process at sports stadiums and other partner services where CLEAR is used to confirm identity.

TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government program that identifies travelers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved to participate in the program, it allows travelers to pass through an expedited security screening at U.S. airports nationwide with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Many of our members enjoy CLEAR along with these other services, but CLEAR members do not need TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry to enjoy the benefits of CLEAR.

United Airlines and CLEAR have partnered to bring more value to United MileagePlus^® frequent flyers.

‍Premier^® 1K^® members: Free annual Membership
‍Premier Platinum/Gold/Silver members and United U.S. Credit Card members: $149 annual Membership ($40 savings off the standard CLEAR Plus rate)
‍MileagePlus members: $179 annual Membership (with 14-day trial)

New to CLEAR? Click HERE to enroll and attach your United MileagePlus^® number to receive preferred pricing.

Existing CLEAR Plus Member? Click HERE to add your United MileagePlus^® number to receive preferred pricing.

Otherwise membership is $189 a year. Additional family members are $70 each.

Also partnered with Delta.

CLEAR and Delta are pleased to offer preferred Membership rates for U.S.-based Delta SkyMiles^® members.

Diamond Medallion & Delta 360°™ Members: Free annual Membership
‍Platinum/Gold/Silver Medallion Members and eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members: $149 annual Membership ($40 savings off the standard CLEAR Plus rate)
‍SkyMiles Members: $179 annual Membership (with 14-day trial)

New to CLEAR? Click HERE to enroll and attach your Delta SkyMiles number to receive preferred pricing.

Existing CLEAR Plus Member? Click HERE to add your Delta SkyMiles number to receive preferred pricing.