Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Operate at SJU
Good news for frequent SJU travelers: both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR biometric screening are fully operational at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. If you travel through SJU regularly -- especially during the busy morning departure windows -- having at least one of these programs makes a meaningful difference.
TSA PreCheck at SJU
TSA PreCheck allows eligible passengers to use dedicated expedited security lanes where you keep your shoes on, your laptop in your bag, and your liquids packed. At SJU, PreCheck lanes are available at the main security checkpoints for Terminal B domestic departures. During morning peak hours (5-9 AM), the difference between the PreCheck lane and the standard lane can be 20-30 minutes.
PreCheck costs $78 for five years (as of 2026) and is accepted at over 200 airports across the U.S. For anyone flying more than two or three times per year, it pays for itself quickly in time saved.
CLEAR at SJU
CLEAR uses biometric verification -- fingerprints or iris scan -- to confirm your identity, bypassing the TSA document check queue entirely. CLEAR gets you to the front of the ID verification line but you still go through the standard X-ray screening unless you also have PreCheck. The combination of CLEAR plus PreCheck is the fastest possible path through SJU security.
CLEAR costs $189 per year, with discounts for Delta SkyMiles members, United MileagePlus members, and families. If you travel frequently through SJU and other major airports, it is worth the investment.
CLEAR + PreCheck: The Power Combination
With both programs, the SJU security process becomes: walk to the CLEAR lane, biometric scan, escort to front of PreCheck lane, shoes stay on, laptop stays in bag, done. During a busy Monday morning at SJU, this can mean the difference between a leisurely coffee before your flight and a sprint to the gate.
Inter-Island Flights -- PreCheck Does Not Apply
Cape Air and Silver Airways inter-island flights depart from the regional terminal, which has standard security screening only. TSA PreCheck does not apply at the regional terminal. Factor in normal security time when connecting to inter-island departures regardless of your PreCheck status.
Global Entry for International Travelers
If you regularly arrive at SJU from international destinations -- the BVI, other Caribbean islands, or Europe -- Global Entry is the most valuable program. It includes TSA PreCheck and allows you to use APC kiosks at CBP, significantly reducing international arrival processing time at SJU. The CBP hall at SJU can back up considerably during peak periods, and Global Entry holders consistently clear 30-45 minutes faster than standard lanes.