TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs NEXUS vs CLEAR: Which trusted traveler program is best?
Complete 2026 comparison of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and CLEAR: costs, renewal times, international customs lanes, and family traveler benefits.
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Trusted Traveler Programs: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Compare costs, screening speed, and international border benefits across the four major programs:
| Program | Cost (5 Years) | Domestic TSA Screening | Int'l Customs Kiosks | Canadian CATSA Lanes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78 ($70 renew) | ✓ Shoes on / Liquids in | ✕ Standard | ✕ No |
| Global Entry | $120 | ✓ Includes PreCheck | ✓ Expedited CBP Kiosks | ✕ No |
| NEXUS | $120 | ✓ Includes PreCheck | ✓ Includes Global Entry | ✓ CATSA Verified |
| CLEAR Plus | $199 / year | ID queue bypass only | ✕ No | ✕ No |
TSA PreCheck: The Standard for Domestic Flyers
TSA PreCheck allows enrolled travelers to keep shoes, light jackets, and belts on, while leaving 3-1-1 liquids and laptops inside carry-on luggage. Over 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes at security lines across 200+ U.S. airports.
Global Entry: Expedited International Customs Processing
Administered by CBP, Global Entry includes full TSA PreCheck benefits plus facial-recognition kiosk processing when arriving in the United States from international destinations, eliminating paper customs declarations and passport control lines.
NEXUS: The Comprehensive Package for North American Travelers
Jointly managed by CBP and CBSA, NEXUS provides the highest value in aviation: full Global Entry, full TSA PreCheck, dedicated land border lanes, and Canadian CATSA Verified Traveler expedited screening access across Canadian airports.
CLEAR Plus: Private Biometric Line Jumping
CLEAR is a private biometric service that escorts passengers to the front of the airport security line. When paired with TSA PreCheck, travelers skip both the document check wait and standard physical bag unpacking.
常见问题解答 (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions
Does Global Entry automatically include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Every approved Global Entry member receives a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that grants full TSA PreCheck benefits at all participating U.S. airports.
Can my children use the TSA PreCheck lane with me?
Yes. Children aged 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian through TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children aged 13–17 may join if the PreCheck indicator appears on their own boarding pass.
Is CLEAR a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
No. CLEAR only verifies identity to bypass the physical ID queue; it does not grant expedited physical screening (shoes on, liquids in bag) unless paired with TSA PreCheck.
Why is NEXUS the best value trusted traveler program?
At $120 for 5 years, NEXUS includes full Global Entry, full TSA PreCheck, dedicated US-Canada land border lanes, and Canadian CATSA Verified Traveler airport lane access.