TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR: Which One Do You Really Need?

At Collective Travel Design, our goal is simple: to make every journey seamless, stress-free, and thoughtfully curated for you. That doesn’t just mean planning the perfect itinerary, it also means helping you breeze through airport lines like the VIP you are. If long security waits make you dread the airport, you’re not alone. But the good news? There are ways to skip the chaos and start your vacation with ease. So let’s break down three popular options to help you travel smarter.

✈️ TSA PreCheck — $78 for 5 Years

This one’s a game-changer for domestic travelers.

✅ Skip the long security lines

✅ Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on

✅ Laptops and liquids stay in your bag

Best For: U.S.-based travelers who want a faster, less invasive airport experience without the hassle of unpacking at security.

Collective Travel Take: This is a must-have for frequent flyers within the U.S. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and makes even the busiest travel days feel more manageable.


🌍 Global Entry — $128 for 5 Years (Includes TSA PreCheck)

If you have a passport full of stamps (or plan to), this is your fast track back into the U.S.

✅ Speed through customs using kiosks

✅ Includes TSA PreCheck benefits

✅ Great for international travelers who want to avoid long re-entry lines

Best For: Jetsetters and honeymooners returning from far-flung destinations.

Collective Travel Take: We highly recommend this for clients who travel internationally at least once a year. It’s a seamless reentry experience after a long-haul flight—and it saves precious time you’d rather spend at home (or in the lounge).


💨 CLEAR — $189/Year (Privately Operated)

Looking for the fastest way through airport security?

✅ Use biometrics (fingerprint or eye scan) to skip to the front of the line

✅ Can be paired with TSA PreCheck for even faster access

✅ Ideal for last-minute arrivals or frequent flyers

Best For: Busy professionals, families traveling with kids, or anyone who simply refuses to wait in line.

Collective Take: CLEAR is a splurge—but if you value time over everything and want VIP treatment, this might be your new secret weapon. Bonus: many credit cards will reimburse this fee.


🎯 So, Which One Is Right for You?

Mostly flying domestic? TSA PreCheck is your best bet.

Love international travel? Go with Global Entry and get TSA PreCheck as a bonus.

Hate lines more than anything? Add CLEAR—for the smoothest possible journey, especially when combined with TSA PreCheck.

🧳 Pro Tip from Collective Travel Design:

Before you pay, check your credit card perks—many premium cards will reimburse your fee for these programs.

Because the journey should be just as delightful as the destination. Let us handle the logistics. You just show up and fly through.

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