There's a better argument for Global Entry and TSA Precheck since at least in theory they're not about paying money, but about reduced scrutiny in exchange for submitting to a background check. The fee is (supposedly) to cover the costs of running the program.

Of course, I'm cynical enough to believe that they, too are about reducing pushback against security procedures from the sort of people politicians actually listen to.

Private jets (and hence the uber wealthy) are already largely exempt from TSA screening requirements. They're only subject to owner and airport policies, which tend to be minimal at best.

I don't think politicians are afraid of the doctors, lawyers, and middle managers flying business who actually deal with onerous security checks.

> Of course, I'm cynical enough to believe that they, too are about reducing pushback against security procedures from the sort of people politicians actually listen to.

I completely agree with this, but at the same time I paid for Global Entry. It feels ok to me since it's really a government program that helps with a government requirement.

I find CLEAR offensive because of the way it blurs public/private boundaries.

The global entry line is not always shorter. You’re paying for a different process, not a shorter line.

My company paid for me to get precheck/globalentry years ago and I still have it after having left. I can say from my experience about 99% of the time it actually is a shorter line and a much smoother experience. And even in cases where its not shorter, it can still be faster since people don't have to take off shoes, belt, etc.

To add to this, the line is also faster because you're not dealing with the people who never fly and can't figure out how to put a bag on a conveyer belt.

It's not always shorter, but it definitely is the vast majority of the time.

As someone who pays for TSA precheck out of my own pocket, I can tell you my expert opinion: I absolutely pay for shorter line.

Global Entry is for immigration, TSA is for security checkpoints.

Global Entry includes TSAPre

jen20 referred to a global entry line, and kova12 referred to tsa lines, which are unrelated lines in an airport.

Maybe rare and unpopular to think about, but a one-time check allowing less scrutiny for future boarding is a gift to radicals who may not care about living beyond One Big Act.

Also, agreeing with GP, it generally creates a lower class of government trust based on wealth.