Clear Airport Security: Do Kids Need Special Treatment?

If you're travelling with children, you may be wondering whether they need to register for biometric identification services like Clear to skip the security line at the airport. Clear is a paid service that uses biometrics — such as your eyes and face — to verify your identity at the airport, allowing you to skip the security line. While children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member, they do not need to have their biometrics scanned or checked. Instead, they will have their boarding passes checked. Children 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lane without restriction, while children aged 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass.

Children under 18 can join a Clear member in the Clear lane for free

If you're a parent or guardian, you won't need to purchase a Clear membership for your children under 18. They can join you in the Clear lane for free. This is a great option for families who want to speed up their time at airport security.

Clear is a paid service that allows members to skip the traditional security line at the airport. Instead of using traditional documents, Clear uses biometrics — such as your eyes and face — to verify your identity. This means that you don't need to touch anything or have anyone handle your ID when passing through security.

While Clear can be used by children under 18 for free, they won't have their biometrics scanned or checked. Instead, their boarding passes will be checked. It's important to note that Clear users, like all registered travellers, remain subject to random ID checks by the TSA.

Clear is available at 58 airports nationwide, including major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The service costs $199 per year per person, but there are ways to make it more affordable. For example, Clear has partnered with several airlines to offer special membership rates for their frequent flyers. Additionally, certain credit cards will reimburse you for up to $199 per year in Clear Plus membership costs.

If you're travelling with children and want to make your airport experience as smooth and quick as possible, Clear can be a great option. With Clear, you can save time and avoid the hassle of long security lines.

Clear members can add up to three adults to their account

CLEAR Plus is a paid airport membership that allows members to move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can add up to three adults to their CLEAR account. This can include family members or friends. The cost of adding additional members is $119 each per year.

Children under 18 years old can join the primary member in the CLEAR lane for free and do not need to be enrolled. However, they will need to have their boarding passes checked. It is important to note that children under 18 cannot enrol in CLEAR on their own.

To add a new CLEAR Plus member, log in to your CLEAR account and select 'Add Member'. Provide the necessary information, including the full name, date of birth, and email address associated with their CLEAR Plus membership.

CLEAR is a convenient way to expedite the airport security process, especially when used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck. While TSA PreCheck focuses on shortening the security line and simplifying screening requirements, CLEAR allows members to skip the line entirely by verifying their identity through biometric technology.

Clear uses biometrics to verify identity

Clear Secure, Inc. is an American technology company that operates biometric travel document verification systems at major airports and stadiums. Clear Plus members can use their face, eyes, or fingers to verify their identity at airport security. Clear performs checks on the information provided by the user to verify their identity and may share this information with partners. This includes checks to confirm that the picture on the user's ID matches their selfie, or that their information does not appear on a sanctions list.

Clear uses biometrics to replace your ID for faster entry at airports. Biometrics are unique biological characteristics that can be used to identify you, including your eyes, fingers, and face. Clear's biometric identity verification process does not require fingerprint or eye scans. Instead, it uses high-resolution, wide-angle cameras to identify users. This process is five times faster than the previous system. Clear members can also add up to three family members to their account for $99 each per year. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member and are not eligible to enrol in Clear themselves.

Clear is a paid service

The standard price for CLEAR is $199 per year, per person. However, there are ways to make the service more affordable. For example, CLEAR has partnered with several airlines to offer special membership rates for their frequent flyers. Delta SkyMiles members can get a complimentary membership if they are Diamond Medallion members, or pay $149 per year if they are Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion members. Delta SkyMiles members with a Delta co-branded credit card can also get a discounted rate of $149 per year. General SkyMiles members can access a discounted rate of $179 per year.

United MileagePlus members can also access discounted rates. United Global Services and Premier 1K members can get a complimentary membership, while United Platinum, Gold, and Silver members can get membership for $149 per year. Those with a United co-branded credit card can also access a discounted rate of $149 per year. General MileagePlus members can get membership for $179 per year.

Additionally, several credit cards will reimburse you for up to $199 per year in CLEAR Plus membership costs. These include the American Express Green Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and The Business Platinum Card from American Express.

CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, and the two services can be bundled at certain airports. TSA PreCheck speeds up the luggage screening portion of airport security and is available at more airports than CLEAR. TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applying through CLEAR. Children under 12 can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children aged 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass and be on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are complementary services. Many frequent travellers find it beneficial to have memberships to both services, improving the odds of faster and smoother airport experiences.

Clear can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck

Clear and TSA PreCheck can be used together to get through airport security faster. Clear uses biometrics to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the line and go straight to a Clear kiosk. Once your ID and boarding pass are verified, a Clear agent will escort you to the front of the security line.

TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, allows you to go through a shorter security line and undergo less strict screening requirements. You don't need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can keep your laptop and TSA-approved liquids and gels in your carry-on.

When used together, Clear and TSA PreCheck complement each other. Clear speeds up the document and identity screening process, while TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes on and skip the full-body scanner. This combination can significantly reduce your time spent in airport security lines.

Additionally, Clear offers a family plan that allows you to add up to three family members to your account for an additional fee. Children under 18 can join you in the Clear lane for free, making it a convenient option for families travelling together.

You can apply for both Clear and TSA PreCheck at participating Clear locations. The bundle costs $199 for the first year, which includes five years of TSA PreCheck and one year of Clear Plus. After the first year, Clear Plus renews at $199 annually.

Overall, Clear and TSA PreCheck work well together to provide a faster and smoother airport experience, especially for families.

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