What is the difference in Clear vs Pre-check?

These are two distinct, but sometimes complimentary, programs. Clear is private while Pre-check is a government program. The difference is in what they do for the traveler. Clear, which is currently available in 9 airports, allows members to swipe a card and fingerprint and be escorted to the front of the security line. From there the traveler proceeds with the normal physical screening process. Pre-check, which is currently available in about 100 airports, allows members to access a separate (usually shorter) “Pre-check” security line and then to keep laptop, shoes, and baggie of liquids packed away instead of brought out to be scanned separately. Clear membership is $179/year. Pre-Check can often be obtained for free through a frequent flyer program or for an $85 fee if you are able to visit a direct enrollment center.