CLEAR vs. TSA at Airport Security: Is It Worth It?

If you’ve been wondering about CLEAR vs. TSA at airport security, you’re not alone.

When Carol and I flew recently, I noticed something new at the airport: CLEAR’s updated e-gates. Instead of stepping off to the side for the traditional kiosk scan and waiting for an escort, we simply walked up, paused for a quick facial scan, and the gate opened. It was genuinely impressive — and it got me thinking (again): is CLEAR still worth it?

For years, we’ve traveled with what I’d call the “full toolkit” — CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. Global Entry helps us re-enter the U.S. quickly. TSA PreCheck speeds up domestic screening. And CLEAR has traditionally been the accelerator that gets you past the ID-check line and to the front of security.

But the airport-security landscape is changing. CLEAR is upgrading its experience, and TSA is rolling out new technology of its own. If you’ve been wondering whether you still need CLEAR (especially if you already have PreCheck), you’re not alone.

What’s New with CLEAR’s E-Gates?

CLEAR has been expanding its biometric e-gates across more airports. The concept is simple: walk up, complete a quick facial scan, and proceed — without the old “kiosk to the side” process. CLEAR states that identity verification can take just seconds.

In our real-life experience, the new setup feels faster and more seamless. The old model sometimes created its own bottleneck: you’d get into the CLEAR lane, then wait for a kiosk or for a staff member to be available. At busy airports, that could turn into a surprisingly long pause before you even reached TSA.

The new e-gates are clearly designed to reduce that friction. And when the lane is moving, it can be incredibly efficient.

Meanwhile, TSA Is Getting Faster, Too

Here’s where it gets interesting. TSA has been rolling out touchless identity technology in select TSA PreCheck lanes. In some airports, it can feel just as quick as CLEAR — especially when CLEAR has a backup.

And unlike CLEAR, TSA’s newer touchless ID capability doesn’t come with an additional membership fee beyond TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry, which includes PreCheck benefits).

That’s why I’ve been asking myself the “worth it” question more often lately. When TSA’s lane is moving quickly, CLEAR isn’t automatically the faster option anymore.

What Carol and I Actually Do in Real Life

This is our current strategy, and it’s pretty straightforward: we use whichever line is moving.

• If the CLEAR lane is short and flowing, we use CLEAR.
• If CLEAR has a long line, we hop into TSA PreCheck.
• Global Entry stays in our back pocket for international arrivals back into the U.S.

We tend to use CLEAR most of the time — but we’ve absolutely skipped it in airports where the CLEAR line was longer than PreCheck. We’re not loyal to a brand. We’re loyal to getting through security with the least hassle.

So for me, the jury is still out on which one is “best.” At the moment, I’m glad to have both, because that flexibility matters.

The Cost Question (And Why Credit Cards Matter)

CLEAR+ currently costs $209 per year, so it’s not a minor add-on. That said, many travelers don’t pay the full fee out of pocket. A number of premium travel credit cards offer statement credits that can offset some or all of the cost, and some airline elite programs offer discounted pricing or complimentary memberships.

If you’re already carrying a card that reimburses CLEAR, the value equation changes. In that case, CLEAR becomes a helpful “extra tool” — especially when it’s fast at your home airport.

If you’re paying for CLEAR out of pocket, I’d think about three questions:

• How often do you fly?
• How often do you use airports where CLEAR is consistently efficient?
• How much do you value saving a few minutes when timing really matters?

Where Global Entry Fits In

Global Entry is probably the easiest decision of the three for us. It speeds up international arrivals and includes TSA PreCheck. If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry often pays for itself in time saved — and it makes the re-entry process far less stressful.

So… Which Is Better?

When it comes to CLEAR vs TSA, I don’t think there’s a universal answer anymore.

CLEAR’s new e-gates are a meaningful upgrade, and when CLEAR is moving, it can still be the fastest option. But TSA’s touchless ID experience is closing the gap in some airports — and it’s included with programs many travelers already have.

For now, our approach is simple: we keep both, we stay flexible, and we choose the lane that looks best in the moment.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Now I’m curious.

Do you use TSA PreCheck? Do you use CLEAR? Do you have both?

Have you tried TSA’s touchless ID yet? Have you experienced the new CLEAR e-gates?

Have you ever skipped CLEAR because the line was longer than TSA PreCheck?

Carol and I are genuinely evaluating this in real time. Technology is changing quickly, and what was clearly faster a few years ago may not be the automatic winner today.

So I’d love to hear from you.

What’s working best in your home airport? Have you noticed a difference? Is CLEAR still worth the annual fee in your opinion?

Leave a comment below and let’s compare notes.

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