Every time I'm at MCO watching the regular security line snake through those endless ropes, someone asks me: "Is PreCheck worth it? What about Clear? Do I need Global Entry?" So let me just break this down once and for all based on actual experience at Florida and Texas airports.
TSA PreCheck: The No-Brainer ($78 for 5 years)
If you fly more than twice a year, get PreCheck. That's it, that's the advice. You keep your shoes on, laptop stays in the bag, belt stays on, and the line moves in 5-10 minutes at most airports. At MCO it's been a game-changer since they opened the new Terminal C.
Cost breaks down to $15.60/year. Less than a single airport beer. There's literally no argument against it.
Global Entry: PreCheck Plus International ($100 for 5 years)
Global Entry includes PreCheck automatically, plus you skip the customs line when returning from international trips. If you fly internationally even once a year, the extra $22 over PreCheck is obviously worth it. Coming back from Cancun or London and walking past the 45-minute customs line? Chef's kiss.
The application process takes longer (you need an in-person interview) but here's a hack: many airports offer interviews on arrival from international flights. You can do your interview right when you land from your next international trip.
Clear: It Depends ($189/year)
Clear lets you skip to the front of the security line (including the PreCheck line if you have both). It uses biometrics, iris scan or fingerprints, instead of an ID check. At busy airports like MIA and DFW during peak hours, it saves maybe 10-15 minutes over PreCheck alone.
But here's the catch: Clear is $189/year. That's steep for saving 10 minutes. It makes sense if you're flying weekly for work out of consistently busy airports. For leisure travelers doing 4-8 trips a year? Probably not worth it.
Our Ranking
1. Global Entry ($100/5 years): get this if you ever travel internationally 2. TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years): get this if you only fly domestic 3. Clear ($189/year): only if you're a road warrior at busy hubs
Pro tip:
Many travel credit cards reimburse PreCheck or Global Entry fees. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X all cover it. Check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.
Airport-Specific Notes
At MCO Terminal C, PreCheck lines are almost always under 5 minutes. At MIA during morning international departures, even PreCheck can hit 15-20 minutes, that's where Clear actually earns its money. At DFW, PreCheck is fast at all terminals.
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