I rush into Miami International Airport at 3:30 p.m. on a rainy Thursday, worried I’ll miss my 4:15 p.m. flight to Philadelphia. Without a checked bag, security is my only hurdle, and I dread a long line that could cause me to miss boarding. Luckily, I remember my CLEAR membership, which allows me to bypass the regular line. After a quick scan of my iris, I clear security in minutes and have time to enjoy a coffee and scone, which I feared I wouldn’t have.

As the holidays fast approach, airports will see millions of people flying domestically to see their families. More people flying means longer security lines, and services like CLEAR or TSA PreCheck allow travelers to skip the line and fast-track different components of the security screening process. 

Rather than waiting for a Transportation Safety Administration representative to check their boarding passes and IDs, CLEAR members skip the entire security line. Instead, they go to kiosks that scan their iris to identify them, cross-referencing it with a passport or state-issued ID. From there, CLEAR representatives escort the passengers to the physical scanning line.  

In addition to waiting in a separate, significantly shorter security line, TSA PreCheck members benefit from leaving their shoes, belts and jackets on during the physical scanning process. Before putting their luggage through the scanner, they also enjoy the convenience of leaving their electronics and approved liquids in their bag instead of scrambling to re-pack them after their luggage passes the scanning test. 

On its website, the Transportation Security Administration boasts that 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines. 

Thea Fergus, a junior double majoring in criminology and psychology, says she flies 13 times per year.  

“TSA PreCheck cuts my security time in half; now I almost never worry about missing my flight due to security reasons,” said Fergus.  

For University of Miami students, services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can significantly impact travel, especially for those who fly frequently. Of the most recently admitted first-year class – class of 2028 – the UM Admissions Office reports that 64% of students are non-Florida residents. This sample of the UM student body reflects a large portion of students who must take a flight to go home for breaks.

Sofia Noonan, a junior majoring in media management, says she flies 5-10 times per year and recalls using TSA PreCheck to fly home to North Carolina for the 2024 Fall break. 

“I used TSA PreCheck today, and I was able to get through MIA International Airport security in less than five minutes, rather than waiting in a line that is typically 20 minutes,” said Noonan. “One of the most convenient things about PreCheck is how you don’t have to take out liquids, electronics, or take off shoes when going through TSA.” 

Lindsay Smith, a senior majoring in nursing, spoke on her favorite aspects of her TSA PreCheck membership. 

“I get through security so much quicker, meaning I don’t have to get to the airport as early and also have much more time to relax at my gate and get food,” said Smith “The most convenient part is honestly that I don’t have to take my shoes off. Taking my shoes off is the worst, and my feet are stinky.”

Smith, who says she travels 15-20 times per year, described a travel experience, recalling how TSA PreCheck saved her from missing her flight. 

“One time, I was running late to the airport because I misread my boarding time. The regular security line was super long that day, but since I have TSA PreCheck, I got to go through a much shorter security line and got through security much quicker. I don’t think I would have made my flight without it.”

Regina Potenza, a senior majoring in broadcast journalism and political science, recalled a time when she used her TSA PreCheck and CLEAR memberships to avoid a less-than-desirable line. 

“I was running late to the airport a few weeks ago in NYC when there was over an hour line for regular security and 20 min lines for both CLEAR and TSA Precheck. Because I had both, I went to the designated ‘TSA Precheck + CLEAR’ line and was in and out of security in under 2 minutes from the timeI got in line at security to when I received my belongings from the scanner,” said Potenza.

Isabella Pizza, a senior majoring in biology, described a time when she almost missed her flight home for Thanksgiving break due to Miami’s perpetual traffic. As a TSA PreCheck and CLEAR member, Pizza says she found that the services alleviated her time-crunch-based travel stress. 

“When I got to the airport, I could use my CLEAR and TSA PreCheck to move quickly through security. The CLEAR agent saw I was wearing an Eras Tour T-shirt and liked it and then moved me through to the front of the line, and I cut off the whole line. I made it to my flight with a few minutes to spare,” said Pizza

Seasoned Miami International Airport veterans, students like Fergus, Noonan, Smith, Potenza and Pizza understand the stress getting to and through a large airport can bring. MIA is located in Downtown Miami, about a 30-minute drive from UM’s Coral Gables campus, and stretches over 3,200 acres.

A lifelong member of TSA PreCheck, Smith said she would recommend TSA PreCheck to friends and family. 

“Traveling is already really stressful for most people, so it takes off at least one element of the stress – and a very crucial element might I add,” said Smith. CLEAR and TSA PreCheck take a big weight off passengers’ shoulders, but which is more valuable?

Potenza, who has had TSA PreCheck her entire life, spoke of which service she would rather forfeit as a user of both services. 

“I would give up CLEAR because I carry so many laptops, iPads, portable charges and other electronic devices that it can take me a while to unpack and repack my bag at the airport without TSA precheck,” said the tech-savvy broadcast journalism major.  

“TSA PreCheck is a better base option. If I need a basic option, I would go with TSA PreCheck. It is more reliable, in my opinion,” said Pizza, who flies more than 10 times per year.  

To register for TSA Precheck, you can complete a short application on TSA’s website before scheduling an appointment at a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center. During the appointment, applicants will receive background checks and give fingerprint samples. 

Upon passing the background check, applicants will receive a known traveler number to input when booking flights. The fee is $85 for five years, with online renewals available for an additional $70. 

To become a CLEAR member, complete a quick application on CLEAR’s website. Next time you fly, join the CLEAR line at security, and a CLEAR ambassador will guide you through the biometric identification setup. Applicants should also have photo identification that matches the name on their application, as this will also be scanned at the CLEAR kiosk. The private company charges members $189/year for individuals and adds $89/year per person for families. CLEAR is also available when checking in at some sporting events and entertainment venues.

Both services require a valid US-issued passport or US-state-issued ID to register. To learn more go to https://www.tsa.gov.

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