Clear Plus, the private airport security screening program, has announced its third price increase in 15 years, raising annual membership fees from $199 to $209 effective July 1, 2024. While Clear continues to expand its services, this price increase provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the value proposition of different trusted traveler programs.
The Value Comparison: Global Entry vs. Clear Plus
Let's break down the costs and benefits:
Global Entry
- Cost: $100 for 5 years ($20/year)
- Benefits:
- Expedited U.S. customs clearance
- Includes TSA PreCheck® benefits
- Valid for 5 years
- Available at 75+ U.S. airports
- No annual renewal required
Clear Plus
- Cost: $209/year
- Benefits:
- Expedited security screening
- Available at 59 U.S. airports
- Annual renewal required
- Additional benefits at stadiums and venues
Why Global Entry Offers Better Value
While Clear Plus provides valuable time-saving benefits, Global Entry offers significantly more value for frequent travelers:
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Longer Validity Period: Global Entry's 5-year validity means you only need to renew once every five years, compared to Clear's annual renewal requirement.
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Lower Cost Over Time: At $100 for 5 years, Global Entry costs just $20 per year, compared to Clear's $209 annual fee. Over five years, that's a savings of $945.
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Comprehensive Benefits: Global Entry includes both international arrival benefits and TSA PreCheck® privileges, effectively giving you two programs for the price of one.
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Wider Coverage: Global Entry is available at more locations and provides benefits for both domestic and international travel.
How to Get the Best of Both Worlds
For travelers who want maximum convenience, there are several ways to get Clear Plus at a reduced cost or free:
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Credit Card Benefits: Many premium travel credit cards offer statement credits for Clear Plus membership, including:
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Airline Status: Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus elite members can receive discounted or free Clear Plus membership.
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Corporate Programs: Some employers offer Clear Plus membership as a corporate benefit.
Making the Right Choice
When deciding between trusted traveler programs, consider your travel patterns:
- Frequent International Travelers: Global Entry is the clear winner, providing both domestic and international benefits at a fraction of the cost.
- Domestic-Only Travelers: TSA PreCheck® ($85 for 5 years) might be sufficient.
- Maximum Convenience Seekers: Consider combining Global Entry with a discounted Clear Plus membership through credit card benefits or airline status.
The Bottom Line
While Clear Plus continues to enhance its service with new technology and expanded locations, its price increase makes Global Entry an even more attractive option for frequent travelers. The $100 fee for 5 years of Global Entry membership provides exceptional value, especially when you consider it includes TSA PreCheck® benefits.
For those who want both programs, we recommend:
- Start with Global Entry for the best overall value
- Consider adding Clear Plus if you frequently travel through airports with Clear lanes
- Use credit card benefits or airline status to offset Clear Plus costs
Remember, you can always check current wait times at Global Entry enrollment centers by visiting our locations page, and we can help you find earlier interview appointments through our interview alert service.
Note: All prices and benefits are current as of June 2024. Program details and pricing may change.