Clear Travel: Buffalo Niagara Airport's Efficient Security Measures

CLEAR is a membership service that allows travellers to skip the line at security by scanning their boarding pass and eyes or fingerprints at a CLEAR pod. The service is available at more than 50 airports across the country, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is one of them. CLEAR began operations at the Buffalo airport on September 21, 2023, and is available at Terminal 1 from 4:00 am to 7:30 pm (until 7:00 pm on Saturdays). The cost of a CLEAR membership is $189 per year.

CLEAR Plus membership benefits

CLEAR Plus is an annual membership that offers expedited entry at 58 airports nationwide, including Buffalo Niagara International Airport, without needing to show your ID at airport security. With CLEAR Plus, you can move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints.

Faster Airport Security

With CLEAR Plus, members can save time at the airport by verifying their identity at a CLEAR Pod using their face, eyes, or fingers. A CLEAR Ambassador will then bring them to the front of the security line for screening. This biometric technology ensures a quick and secure way to confirm your identity.

Dedicated CLEAR Lanes

CLEAR Plus members have access to dedicated CLEAR Lanes at select airports, allowing them to bypass the standard security lines and get to their gate faster. This dedicated lane access is available at 58 airports nationwide, including Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

TSA PreCheck® Bundle

CLEAR Plus members can also take advantage of special pricing when bundling their membership with TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck® allows travellers to speed up the screening process by not having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets at airport security. By combining CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck®, members can enjoy the fastest route to their gate.

Family Plan

CLEAR Plus offers a Family Plan, allowing members to add up to three adults to their account at a discounted rate. Family members under 18 can join the primary member in the CLEAR Lane for free, making travel with children more convenient and efficient.

Ambassador Assist

CLEAR Plus members can also enjoy the benefits of Ambassador Assist, a service that provides personalized guidance every step of the way through select airports. This exclusive service ensures that members have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

CLEAR Plus is committed to providing its members with faster, easier, and more secure travel experiences, not just at Buffalo Niagara International Airport but at airports across the nation.

CLEAR Plus vs. TSA PreCheck

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck are both services that can speed up your passage through airport security. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a government programme that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at US airports nationwide without needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applying through Clear, $78 when applying through Idemia, or $85 when applying through Telos. It is available at over 200 domestic airports and more than 90 airlines.

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus allows travellers to quickly verify their identities at biometric security kiosks at the airport. Travellers can use their face, eyes, or fingerprints to verify their identity. CLEAR Plus costs $199 per year for individuals and $199 a year for families plus $119 per person for up to three adults. Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when travelling with a CLEAR Plus member. CLEAR Plus is available at more than 55 airports, as well as stadiums and arenas across the US.

TSA PreCheck is better if you want a more affordable option that is available at more airports. It is also better if you want to keep your shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear on during the security screening.

CLEAR Plus is better if you want to expedite the identity verification process at the airport, as well as at stadiums and arenas. It is also a good option if you are a member of Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus, as you may be eligible for discounted or free membership.

Should You Get Both?

Having both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus can enhance your airport experience by streamlining the travel document screening process. With both, you can use CLEAR to quickly verify your identity and then proceed to the TSA PreCheck line for expedited physical and luggage screening. Additionally, CLEAR works with all airlines, while TSA PreCheck does not.

Credit Card Reimbursements

Some travel credit cards offer statement credits that can cover the cost of either TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. For example, the American Express® Green Card offers up to a $199 CLEAR statement credit each year, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a statement credit of up to $120 for TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR Plus pricing

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership that allows you to move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints. The standard price for an annual membership is $199. However, there are various ways to obtain a discount or even get it for free.

Discounted CLEAR Plus Pricing

• Bundling with TSA PreCheck: You can get five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and pay as low as $121.05 for your first year of CLEAR Plus, resulting in a combined total of $199 for the first year.
• Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members: Entry-level members of these airline loyalty programs can get CLEAR Plus for $189, while members at the second discount tier pay $159, a $40 discount.
• Delta elite status holders: Silver, Gold, or Platinum elites, as well as Delta AmEx cardholders, receive a $40 discount. Diamond Medallion and 360 elite members get CLEAR Plus for free.
• United elite status holders: Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum elite members, as well as United credit cardholders, receive a $40 discount. Premier 1K and Global Services members receive CLEAR Plus for free.
• American Express cardholders: The Platinum Card, the Business Platinum Card, and the American Express Green Card offer an annual statement credit of up to $199, which covers the cost of CLEAR Plus membership.
• Vocational discounts: Active military, veterans, and government employees are eligible for reduced rates. Military service members and government employees can get CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate.

Adding Family Members to CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus members can add up to three adults to their account for $119 each. Family members under 18 can join the primary member in the CLEAR Lane for free.

CLEAR Plus enrollment

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership that allows you to move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints. CLEAR Plus members can also add up to three adults to their account, allowing family members and friends to save time and money when travelling together. Family members under 18 can join for free.

To enrol in CLEAR Plus, you can sign up online or at an airport. To enrol online, go to my.clearme.com and upgrade your account. The next time you visit a CLEAR airport location, you can complete your enrolment in person. To enrol in person, visit an airport near you and start using your CLEAR Plus membership immediately. A CLEAR Ambassador will verify your identity with your face, eyes, and fingers to complete your enrolment.

Once enrolled, simply scan your boarding pass, verify your identity at a CLEAR Pod, and an Ambassador will bring you to the front of the security line for your screening. CLEAR Plus members can also use CLEAR Mobile Lane by purchasing a pass and using it anytime on the day of their reservation. CLEAR Plus is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID.

CLEAR Plus availability

CLEAR Plus is available at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, with operations having commenced on September 21, 2023. CLEAR Plus is accessible at the Main Terminal Checkpoint from 4 am to 8 pm. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled departure to account for security screening and other pre-flight procedures.

CLEAR Plus is a membership service that expedites the security process at over 50 airports across the country. Members can bypass the standard security line and proceed directly to the front for screening. The cost of membership is $189 per year.

To use CLEAR Plus, members must go to a CLEAR pod, scan their boarding pass, and provide either a fingerprint or an eye scan for verification. An ambassador will then escort the member to the front of the security line.

In addition to faster security processing, CLEAR Plus offers dedicated CLEAR lanes at 58 airports nationwide, allowing members to reach their gates more quickly. Members can also add family members to their accounts. Furthermore, CLEAR Plus can be bundled with TSA PreCheck for exclusive pricing, providing additional benefits such as keeping shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks.

For those who are not CLEAR Plus members, CLEAR Mobile Lane passes can be purchased for one-time use on the day of reservation.

Frequently asked questions