Anonymous wrote:Just flew at spring break and the TSA Pre line was longer at DCA than it was for regular check in. Nice not to have to take off shoes or take the plastic baggie out of the bag though.

This is common report on this board from posters, so I believe you, but as a frequent DCA traveler this has never happened to me. I’ve had times when both lines are short/non-existent or the same length, but never when pre-check took longer. You always have the option to take the other line.

But I love having precheck. We just upgraded to Global Entry since we are traveling internationally this summer and also because our oldest is 17 and will need her own pre check soon anyway. Conditional approval for all four of us took 24 hours and interview appts were available the literal next day.

I have Global Entry (includes TSA) and Clear. Both have been worth it for me as options at major hubs.

I thought my husband was the only person who calls it TSA “Pre” -but apparently many do! It’s my pet peeve but I’m clearly the problem. Sorry for posting haha

Just flew at spring break and the TSA Pre line was longer at DCA than it was for regular check in. Nice not to have to take off shoes or take the plastic baggie out of the bag though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time, Clear doesn't really save you much time. But when it does, it is worth every penny.

It's 20,000 pennies a year. Not worth that many to me.

Fly once per week domestically to many different airports. If you are paying for it, ie don’t get a credit card, work, or airline loyalty reimbursement - get precheck and skip clear. Clear is often dicey at the big airports where you need it most. I’m more often than not I get in the regular Precheck line. I’ll even do regular security if it’s notably shorter.

Get both. You and your spouse can sign up for different credit cards that give free enrollment in Clear and Global Entry. Everyone can get both for free (or very little).

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time, Clear doesn't really save you much time. But when it does, it is worth every penny.

It's 20,000 pennies a year. Not worth that many to me.

Most of the time, Clear doesn't really save you much time. But when it does, it is worth every penny.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TSA includes your kids for free if on the same reservation, which is nice when traveling as a family.

Minors can walk with you through Clear, too.
If you fly internationally out of dulles at busy times, Clear is a lifesaver

Not sure why flying internationally matters- it's the same security line either way.

Global Entry is worth the extra $35 over just PreCheck if you will fly internationally at least once in the five years. You can also get it for your kids for free under 18. Includes PreCheck. One issue is potential long wait for approval- it's random unfortunately, around 25-30% of people can wait 6 months or more for approval. Much quicker approval for regular PreCheck .

Clear is helpful at times, and I have it as a perk with a credit card, but no way it's worth $190/year. Good description here of why not.

https://onemileatatime.com/guides/clear-airport-security/

If paying out of pocket no way I'd pay more than $20/year for it.

Anonymous wrote:TSA includes your kids for free if on the same reservation, which is nice when traveling as a family.

Minors can walk with you through Clear, too.
If you fly internationally out of dulles at busy times, Clear is a lifesaver

Sometimes pre-check is faster than clear. Other times clear if faster than pre-check. This can vary by airport and also by time of day and also by day of week.

I fly mostly around holidays (MLK and Presidents’ Day weekends, Easter, the week between Christmas and NY) plus a few other times a year and it’s enormously helpful during busy times. Have both. It’s worth it to flex to what’s best. Many credit cards have it as a perk, so check if you already have a credit and can get it for free.

TSA includes your kids for free if on the same reservation, which is nice when traveling as a family.

I fly a lot.

At Natonal, the precheck line is often longer than the non-precheck line and clear does help. If I flew out of National regularly, I would pay for it.

At Dulles, it's hit or miss. Not a huge difference or time saver.

Only a factor at large airports and most I would say it's the Dulles experience. Not a huge factor.

How much time do you save and are there particular airports where it helps more than others?