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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Big changes for our favorite airport shortcuts: How TSA PreCheck, Clear, Global Entry are evolving
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
September 9, 2026 • 11 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Recent upgrades to TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry aim to streamline airport security and customs processes for travelers.
TSA PreCheck now features Touchless ID and automated e-gates at select airports, allowing for faster, contactless identity verification.
Clear is rolling out its own e-gates at most locations, further expediting security checks, especially when combined with other expedited screening programs.
Global Entry is testing new camera capture technology and offers a mobile app, while Mobile Passport Control and Enhanced Passenger Processing provide additional options for international arrivals.
What to consider
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID requires opting in with each airline, and participation in e-gates is currently limited to select airports.
Clear membership involves a yearly fee, though discounts or reimbursements may be available through certain travel partners or elite status.
Global Entry's new camera capture technology is only available at a handful of airports, and the mobile app will change in September.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of how each program's latest technology works and practical tips for maximizing your time savings at the airport.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
For years, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have been staples for frequent flyers hoping to speed through the airport. If you travel enough, you’re probably familiar with Clear, too.
But lately, there have been a ton of changes with all three programs.
We’ve seen new versions of old travel hacks and high-tech upgrades to some of our favorite time-savers.
The good news: A lot of these new (or improved) shortcuts won’t cost you anything extra.
But it can be a lot to keep track of — even if you're a seasoned traveler.
And that's what we're here for. Let’s quickly walk through our favorite airport shortcuts, how they're changing and how they can save you time before (or after) your next flight.
TSA PreCheck
Millions of travelers already use and swear by TSA PreCheck, which remains one of the best ways to get through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck gets you access to the expedited lanes, which typically have shorter lines. You can also keep light jackets on and leave liquids in your carry-on bag.
Cost: $78 application fee; membership is valid for five years after you complete your interview and receive approval. You can also gain TSA PreCheck access through Global Entry, which costs more but includes expedited passport control. Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee for either program.
Recently, TSA PreCheck has gotten some high-tech upgrades. Keep reading to hear more.
Passengers walk through the entrance of a TSA PreCheck in Terminal One at O'Hare International Airport. ARMANDO L. SANCHEZ/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/GETTY IMAGES
At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the automatic gates are live in Terminal C for United Airlines passengers using TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
Key reminder: All TSA photography is optional. If you don’t want your picture taken, you can opt out.
Cost: You don’t need to pay or do anything extra. Just go to the airport, and there’s a chance you might go through an e-gate instead of checking your ID with an officer
Clear
A favorite of road warriors, Clear is another way to significantly reduce your wait at TSA checkpoints.
Clear’s flagship service at the airport (which is technically called “Clear Plus") essentially allows you to skip the main security line.
Instead of verifying your ID with a federal officer, you head right to a Clear kiosk. It snaps your photo, verifies you're you, and a Clear worker escorts you to the front of the TSA line.
This new equipment should make the paid service even faster by improving passenger flow at security checkpoints.
Clear e-gates at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) Terminal 2. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Clear’s e-gates are now in place at more than 70% of the airports it serves, the company told TPG. The tech is expected to be at all its airport stations by the end of this year.
Global Entry
Global Entry is the best way to save time at passport control after an international flight.
Members who have paid their application fee and completed an interview can skip the main passport control line.
Instead, they head right to the blue Global Entry kiosks, The machine snaps a photo and verifies a travelers identity — often within one or two seconds.
Members usually don't even need to pull out their passport.
Cost: Global Entry now costs $120 for five years, but the program includes TSA PreCheck access. Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee.
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Global Entry camera capture
Recently, Global Entry has looked a little different at some airports.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which runs the program, is currently trialing new tech that allows passengers to walk through passport control without ever stopping or standing in line.
This new "camera capture" technology is live at six major airports.
At those hubs, you may walk into the customs hall and just hear an officer call out your name, and tell you you're clear to proceed.
I’ve used it twice so far, and it was really fast both times. I’m curious to see if this setup gets expanded.
Global Entry via mobile app: For three years, there has been a mobile app version of Global Entry that allows you to skip the kiosks. That app is changing in September, but it remains an option for travelers.
Mobile Passport Control: Don’t fly enough to justify paying for Global Entry? Mobile Passport Control is a great (free) alternative. It doesn’t require an interview and is often available for travelers who can’t get approved for Global Entry for one reason or another.
Enhanced Passenger Processing: CBP now has a facial-scanning process designed to speed up international arrivals for travelers who aren’t part of any of the other programs we’ve been talking about. It's called Enhanced Passenger Processing, and it's now live at a growing number of U.S. hubs.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
