✈️ How to Get Through U.S. Airports Faster: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Global Entry, and MPC Explained
🛫 Departure Process (U.S. Airports)
When entering a U.S. airport terminal, there are typically two main steps:
- ID check
- Security screening
How long can each take?
- ID check line: Varies by airline, but can be quite long, especially in the mornings or on weekends.
- Security line: Slowed down by removing shoes, taking out laptops, and liquid restrictions.
Programs that help speed things up
| Program | Helps with Step | Features |
|---|---|---|
| CLEAR | ✅ ID Check | Biometric verification, escorted to security line |
| TSA PreCheck | ✅ Security Screening | No need to remove shoes, laptops, belts, jackets |
| Using Both | ID + Security | The fastest combo 😎 |
📌 TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program requiring application and approval.
CLEAR is only available at select airports, so check availability in advance!
🛬 Arrival Process (Returning to the U.S. from Abroad)
What's the biggest time sink when entering the U.S.?
- Long immigration lines (can exceed 1 hour during peak international arrivals)
Programs that help speed things up
| Program | Free or Paid | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Passport Control (MPC) | ❌ Free | Use the app to complete customs forms; some airports have separate lines |
| Global Entry (GE) | ✅ Paid | Fingerprint verification at kiosk for quick entry; faster and more reliable than MPC |
⚠️ MPC lines may not be separate at all airports and might merge with general lines,
so it's worth checking based on the airports you frequently use.
✍️ Personal Experience
I’ve personally used CLEAR and MPC so far.
CLEAR uses biometric verification and an agent escorts you to the security checkpoint.
But when the airport isn’t crowded, it didn’t feel essential.
Since TSA PreCheck is available at more airports, I felt that TSA PreCheck alone is sufficient in most cases.MPC has worked great at the airports I’ve used—it sent me into the Global Entry line, so entry was extremely fast.
However, not all airports do this, so it depends on where you live.
Recently (on 5/12), my whole family applied for Global Entry (includes TSA PreCheck).
We have an international trip coming up, so I’ll update later whether we get conditional approval and how the
Enrollment on Arrival process goes 😊
💳 Credit Card Benefits (CLEAR / Global Entry)
✅ Cards that Offer CLEAR Credits
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum | $695 | Up to $189/year CLEAR credit |
| American Express Green | $150 | Up to $189/year CLEAR credit |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | Up to $189/year CLEAR credit |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex | $550 | Up to $189/year CLEAR credit |
| United Club Infinite | $525 | Up to $189/year CLEAR credit |
💡 Tip: CLEAR often runs promotions with Uber vouchers, giving you extra value when signing up during those periods!
✅ Cards that Offer Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) Credits
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | $100 credit for GE or TSA PreCheck (every 5 years) |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | $100 credit for GE or TSA PreCheck (every 5 years) |
| Citi Prestige | $495 | $100 credit for GE or TSA PreCheck (every 5 years) |
| United Club Infinite | $525 | $100 credit for GE or TSA PreCheck (every 5 years) |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | $100 credit for GE or TSA PreCheck (every 5 years) |
🃏 Cards That Offer Both CLEAR and GE Credits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- American Express Platinum
- United Club Infinite
These cards offer excellent benefits for frequent travelers.
If you travel internationally often or want to skip long security lines, they’re definitely worth considering! 🧳