Both get you through the airport faster — but they solve different problems, and one is usually the smarter buy. Here's the difference, and exactly how to get it.
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (5 years) | $78 | $120 |
| Speeds up | Airport security | Security + US customs |
| Keep shoes/belt/laptop on | Yes | Yes |
| Fast re-entry from abroad | No | Yes (kiosks) |
| Includes TSA PreCheck | — | Yes |
| Interview required | Enrollment visit | In-person interview |
| Best for | Domestic-only flyers | Anyone who flies internationally |
For anyone who flies internationally, yes. Global Entry costs just $42 more, includes TSA PreCheck, and skips the long customs line when you re-enter the US — which is often the worst wait of the whole trip. If you only fly domestically, PreCheck is enough.
Anywhere from a few days to several months. Apply well before a big trip. Global Entry's in-person interview can be the bottleneck, though "Enrollment on Arrival" lets you finish it when landing from an international flight without a separate appointment.
CLEAR is a separate, private service that verifies your identity to jump to the front of the line; it doesn't change screening and costs more per year. Many travelers pair CLEAR with PreCheck, but for most people Global Entry or PreCheck alone is the value pick.