The last few years I haven't done a ton of air travel. But this year and for the next two years I will be traveling down to Mexico every other month at the very least. I was wondering if someone could break down the different security prechecks for me? It is so confusing. Would flying at my frequency be worth doing a precheck? I'll usually be flying Aeromexico either in first or their premium coach.

Precheck is for USA departures and generally you'll get access to a dedicated TSA precheck line where you won't need to remove liquids, your laptop, or shoes. If you're traveling late at night, or at smaller airports, those lines may not be operating, depending where you're flying from. Sometimes you'll run into what has been described as TSA lite where you get partial benefits in the regular line (the Alaska terminal at JFK comes to mind with no dedicated TSA precheck line). That program is $85.

For $15 more, you can get Global Entry which includes TSA precheck. You won't regret paying the extra fee if you're going to be a regular international traveler. On arrival back in the U.S. from international flights, you'll use your passport and fingerprints at a kiosk to enter the U.S.. Frequently those kiosks will have no one in line. It will print a photo and document that allows you to bypass getting in line with other passengers. One downside is that if you have checked luggage you'll often be the first one at the carousel and then end up waiting 20 minutes for the first bag to come out. If you're arriving at the same time as several full aircraft, it will save time. Right now, though, probably not as much time saved as last year with less full aircraft. There are some airports (Dublin, Ireland, comes to mind) where you can use Global Entry also as you clear U.S. entry requirements there. This program does require an interview with a CBP officer at an airport before approval. It can take months to schedule an appointment so don't expect that right away.

Both programs are good for 5 years.

CLEAR is a private outfit that operates at over 50 U.S. airports. It's $179 a year. Some airlines offer discounts for membership. I regularly see it in operation at SFO where travelers that pay for that service are moved to the head of the precheck line after having biometrics checked at a CLEAR kiosk. Might save 5-10 minutes here or there compared to the normal precheck lines I see between 5-8 in the morning. The lines might vary at other airports and I can't answer for ORD. I don't see much of a benefit there to want to pay for it beyond Global Entry. Reading an article about it, one thing that was pointed out is that if you don't have TSA precheck, you'll need to get in the regular security line and take out your laptops and liquids, so it would be something you would get in addition to some form of precheck if you wanted the full benefit.

There is a free app that allows you to submit your customs info prior to arrival, and also more airports seem to have kiosks for regular travelers to help accelerate entry, if you decide not to do a paid program.