If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you might think TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are becoming unnecessary. The TSA is rolling out new scanners that let travelers keep shoes on and sometimes even leave liquids and laptops in their bags.

Sounds like a game-changer, right?

Not so fast. As someone who travels frequently, often after cruises when airport security lines are at their worst, I can tell you there are still major benefits to having both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR in 2025.

Here’s why I’m keeping both, plus how to get them for free or at a discount.

@charityky

Is it still worth it to have TSA pre-check or clear now that the TSA has become more lenient on leaving your shoes on? I have five reasons why I still think they are worth it. #traveladvice #traveltips #clear #tsaprecheck #tsa #airportsecurity #precheck

♬ original sound – Charity🌺Family.Travel.Points.

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1. TSA PreCheck Still Works Everywhere

The new scanners aren’t in every airport or every terminal yet. Even if you happen to be in one of the 200+ airports that have them, your terminal might not.

With PreCheck, you always get:

• Shoes, belts, and light jackets staying on
• No need to remove laptops or approved liquids
• Access to shorter, faster-moving lines

It’s consistent and reliable—something the new scanners can’t guarantee yet.

Apply for TSA PreCheck here

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2. CLEAR Gets You to the Front of the Line

Think of CLEAR as a line-skip pass for security. Instead of waiting in the ID check line, you scan your eyes or fingerprints, and a CLEAR agent escorts you straight to the front.

Pro tip: Using CLEAR with PreCheck is the ultimate speed combo. I’ve gone from curb to gate in minutes—even during peak travel times.

See if CLEAR is in your airport

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3. Kids Now Travel Through PreCheck With You

One of the best updates in recent years: children 17 and under can go through PreCheck with a parent or guardian who has it.

If you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to put shoes back on in a crowded security lane, you know this is a huge stress-saver.

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4. A Post-Cruise Lifesaver

Cruise ports like Port Canaveral feed thousands of travelers into Orlando International Airport at once. I’ve stood in those security lines before—they can wrap around the terminal.

With CLEAR + PreCheck, my family breezed through while others waited 45+ minutes. When you’re already tired from travel, that’s priceless.

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5. The Cost Breakdown (and How to Pay $0)

• TSA PreCheck: $78 for 5 years ($15.60/year)
• CLEAR: $189/year

💳 Get Them Free or Discounted With Certain Credit Cards
Many premium travel cards reimburse the full application fee for PreCheck or Global Entry, and some even cover CLEAR. Examples:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express → Free CLEAR + PreCheck
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® → Free PreCheck or Global Entry

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6. But What About the New TSA Scanners?

As of 2025, TSA has installed these in over 200 airports, but not all checkpoints use them, and some only operate them during peak hours.

Even with the new scanners, you’ll still be in the regular security line if you don’t have PreCheck, meaning more waiting, more stress, and less predictability.

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My Recommendation

If you travel more than twice a year, especially with family, TSA PreCheck is worth it. CLEAR is worth adding if:

• You fly through large, busy airports
• You often travel during peak times (holidays, Monday mornings)
• You can get it free or discounted through a credit card

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Bottom line: TSA’s new scanners are great progress, but they don’t replace the convenience, speed, and consistency of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. If you value stress-free travel, they’re still worth every penny (or better yet, worth getting for free).