There are a variety of ways that corporate travelers can maximize their time at the airport, but with so many options, we often get asked what people really "need".
Are they the same thing? Is one better than the other? Are they worth the cost?
Airport lines can get long and cause a lot of stress & anxiety for travelers, and knowing which ones are the right fit are really important for helping you out.
We will break it all down for you so that you can easily understand if one, or all, options are best for your situation.
Security Shortcut #1: CLEAR
Stage: Pre-security check.
Summary: CLEAR allows for a quick identity verification experience. You will go into the marked CLEAR Lane, where you will go to a pod and scan your boarding pass. You’ll be prompted to verify you are you with your eyes or fingerprint. Once verified, an Ambassador will escort you to the front for the physical screening.
If you have TSA Pre-check, you will go to the front of that line for the physical & bag security check portion. If you don't have TSA Pre-check, you would go to the front of the regular screening line.
Cost: $109-189/year.
$189 is standard pricing, however, if you hold a credit card that offers perks, you may be eligible for reduced pricing.
If you have a Delta Skymiles account, you can get clear for $119/year, but if you have reached "Medallion" status, you can get it for $109/year.
One of our favorite credit cards for travel perks is the American Express Platinum - it offers an annual credit of $189/year towards the cost of clear. So if you are a Skymiles member, and want to add yourself + another family member, it will cover you both.
Family members under 18 can join an enrolled adult using CLEAR free of charge, so long as they travel together.
Best For: Frequent travelers, those with a Platinum American Express card (free), or traveling with children.
Sign Up Process: You can start the process online here, but you will need to complete it at the airport with a CLEAR member.
Security Shortcut #2: TSA Precheck
Stage: Security Line into the boarding area.
Summary: This is used for when you enter through airport security. Instead of waiting in a standard line, you get in the TSA Pre-check line and are able to have an easier check in process. This includes: Not having to take out liquids & electronics, shoes off, etc. The line is often shorter, you get through faster, and without less hassle. You just have to make sure that you include your TSA number on any flight information when booking so that it shows on your boarding pass.
Other things to note: Some airports do not have tsa pre-check, where you would just go through a standard line like normal. You can use this benefit for children you're traveling with that are under 12 years old.
Cost: You can get this standalone for $78, OR if you get Global Entry, it is already included! The price (for either option) is good for 5 years.
Best for: People who hate waiting in lines, are often running late to the airport, or for those with anxiety and stress around the security process.
An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including ‘no contest’), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a variety of other felonies regardless of when they occurred. Click here for more information if you have questions on if you would qualify or not!
Sign Up Process: You will apply & pay, and then schedule a time for an interview & fingerprinting. It can take 6-8 weeks to complete the process. Click here to learn more or start the sign up process!
Security Shortcut #3: Global Entry
Stage: Re-entry customs into the USA from international travels
Summary: This will allow you quickly to enter back into the US from international trips. Instead of waiting in lines that can take up to 3 hours (Chicago, we are looking at you!), you would simply walk up to a kiosk and scan your information. The whole process usually takes less than 2-3 minutes to complete!
Cost: $100, but this does include TSA Pre-Check (see below), and is good for 5 years.
Best for: Frequent international travelers, or if you are going to get TSA pre-check, this is easy to get and worth it if you do any international travel at all.
An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including ‘no contest’), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a variety of other felonies regardless of when they occurred. Click here for more information if you have questions on if you would qualify or not!
Sign Up Process: You will apply & pay, and then schedule a time for an interview & fingerprinting. It can take anywhere from 1-3 months to complete the process. A full background check will be completed to ensure potential members qualify for expedited processing into the United States. Click here to learn more or start the process.
We hope that this helped you understand which program is the best fit for you. At IVY, we personally use all 3 and love them all for different reasons!
Which ones do you use? We would love to hear from you!
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