As a frequent flier, whether international or domestic, you likely already enjoy the benefits of travel screening programs, such as Clear, TSA PreCheck, or GOES. There are benefits to each program, and there are advantages to having all of them. What should you consider when signing up for these programs for you and your family?
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
TSA PreCheck is a government program that grants access to expedited screening lines and processes for domestic flights vs. flyers who have yet to enroll. It costs $78 for a five-year membership, and once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, you’ll be assigned a nine-digit Known Traveler Number or a KTN. When booking airline reservations, be proactive and include this number to ensure your boarding pass contains your TSA PreCheck authorization mark. Specific rules for children under age 17 apply based on their parent or guardian’s enrollment status or if they travel alone, be sure to check the TSA’s traveling with family section.
CLEAR is a private business that allows you to bypass the traditional airport security line by using biometrics to verify your identity via fingerprints or retina scan. Current membership rates are $199 per year for a family up to three adults and any family member age 18 is free. It also allows you to keep your shoes on and does not require you to remove anything from your bag(s). CLEAR can be used for both domestic or international flights, as well as a growing list of stadiums and entertainment venues, currently Madison Square Garden (NY), State Farm Arena (GA) , and SoFi Stadium (CA), to enter them faster and easier. Since time is money, it might be to your advantage to add CLEAR along with TSA PreCheck to skip the line at other venues. Before you sign up, however, make sure you know where it’s accepted, as CLEAR is currently available at a limited number of domestic airports.
GOES
If you’re a globetrotter, GOES is the program for you. GOES is a government system and stands for Global Online Enrollment System. It’s also known as “Global Entry.” This program allows expedited clearance back into the United States through specific Global Entry lanes available in airports and seaports. Enrollment into this program are subject to a thorough background check and fingerprinting. This program, like its name, is global. GOES program members receive complimentary TSA PreCheck benefits as part of their membership. Therefore, you do not need a separate TSA PreCheck registration if you are already enrolled in GOES.
Holders of an i-551 permanent resident card or “Green Card” are eligible for enrollment in the GOES program. The TTP (Trusted Traveler Program) collaborates with other countries to allow foreign nationals to enroll in the Global Entry program. Note these enrollees may face additional requirements based upon their country of citizenship.
Exciting news, as of October 1, 2024, GOES will become entirely free for children under 18. This is excellent news for holiday travel. This allows for faster airport navigation and quicker wait times, as you no longer need to enroll your children in the program or deal with the hassle of removing shoes or electronics! Simply add them to your own application after October 1st, and enjoy your family flights.
Credit Card PreCheck Perks
Many premium credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Centurion Cards, plus the Delta American Skymiles and Chase United Airlines cards, offer reimbursements for membership fees. If you have any of these cards in your wallet, consider them when paying your application fees.
At Organized Instincts, our daily money managers help you assess the value of each program, plus renew your expedited travel program plans. Send us a message to discuss how your whole family can breeze through the airport and stadium security lines.
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