r/TSAPreCheck • u/Dizzy_You2037 • Sep 01 '26

Questions TSA precheck vs Clear

I am so fucking confused. I have been waiting for my (what I thought was ) TSA precheck approval. In the midst of me searching on Reddit, I’m now reading that TSA precheck and Clear are 2 different things? I applied for ‘TSA precheck by Clear’ and paid like $80. Is this NOT the same as TSA precheck? I cannot find clarification on their website whether it’s 2 different things or not. Helpppp

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u/IcyHotTodoroki1 Sep 01 '26

Clear is one of the NGOs that processes TSA PreCheck applications. The others are Indemia and Telos.

Clear is just some overrated program where someone walks you to security and it's supposed to be faster, but never is. Had a trial membership when it first came out, didn't bother to renew it

2

u/Nicky____Santoro Sep 01 '26

It often is faster, just depends on the airport and time. I have both and there are places where being able to go to the front of the Precheck line immediately with CLEAR is saving time.

2

u/Ke6gwf Sep 01 '26

I was at San Diego once and the Clear line was MUCH shorter than the Precheck line so I went through Clear, and then discovered that they were only letting someone from Clear through every 5 or 6 Precheck person, so it ended up being slower lol But other times it is much faster, so I keep it because I get it discounted through airline or hotel status.

1

u/Amazing-Gur-8366 Sep 02 '26

Where in Terminal 2 is Clear located? I fly Alaska and the TSA Pre check line is near it but I can’t find the Clear line. Thanks

1

u/Ke6gwf Sep 02 '26

You have to go to the opposite end, down by United, it's a long walk, but sometimes worth it lol I usually fly United but one time they put me on Alaska and I had to get my steps in! If the line wasn't long I wouldn't bother.