Clear: Saving Time And Stress At The Airport

Clear is a technology company that offers a platform to streamline the customer identity verification process. Its free mobile app can be used to enter select stadiums and arenas, while its chief program Clear Plus is a consumer aviation subscription service. Clear Plus uses biometric data to confirm your identity and expedite the airport security screening process at more than 50 airports. The membership costs $199 annually, billed upfront, and is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID. Clear Plus members can use the dedicated Clear lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process instead of waiting in line for a TSA representative to check their boarding pass and photo ID. After getting through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador escorts you directly to the next stage of the screening process so that you can complete physical and luggage scanning.

Clear Plus membership costs

Clear Plus is the paid membership option for Clear, a company that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds with a scan of a finger or eye. Clear Plus members can move faster through airport security in designated Clear lanes at TSA checkpoints. Clear Plus costs $199 per year, but there are several ways to get a discount or even a free membership.

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

Military service members and government employees are eligible for Clear Plus at a discounted rate.

Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can also get discounted annual rates. Entry-level members in each loyalty program pay $189, a $10 discount, and members at the second discount tier pay $159, a $40 discount. Delta Diamond or 360 elites and United Premier 1K and Global Services members get a free Clear membership.

Additionally, certain credit cards offer an annual statement credit of $199 to cover the cost of Clear Plus membership. These include the American Express Green Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, and the American Express Centurion Black Card (available by invite only).

Clear also often runs sales and other discount codes, some of which can be combined with the options above.

Clear's biometric technology

CLEAR is a secure identity platform that uses biometric technology to automate identity verification in the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process. CLEAR's biometric technology includes fingerprint and iris scans, as well as facial recognition.

CLEAR members go through a separate lane with dedicated kiosks, bypassing the line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport. After a CLEAR kiosk verifies a passenger's identity, a CLEAR representative escorts the passenger to the security screening area, skipping the first line.

The enrolment process for CLEAR takes about five minutes and requires no appointment. Passengers must complete their final enrolment at a CLEAR location, where they will answer questions to verify their identity, show a valid photo ID, provide a payment method, and attach their biometrics (fingerprints, iris scans, and a facial scan) to their account.

Clear vs TSA PreCheck

Clear and TSA PreCheck are both services that aim to reduce the time spent in security lines at airports. However, they have some key differences:

Clear:

• Clear uses biometric data (fingerprint, iris, or facial scan) to verify a traveller's identity, allowing them to bypass the queue and head straight to the security screening area.
• Clear is owned by a private company and is currently available at select airports and stadiums in the US.
• Clear costs $199 per year, with the option to add up to three family members for an additional $60 each. Children under 18 can use Clear for free when accompanied by a member.
• Clear does not include the membership features of TSA PreCheck. After clearing the kiosk, members without PreCheck must use the regular screening line.
• Clear members can skip the line and go directly to the PreCheck lane if they are also enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
• Clear works with any carrier, whereas TSA PreCheck only works with participating airlines.
• Clear offers additional perks such as complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status, which includes benefits like car class upgrades and bonus points on rentals.

TSA PreCheck:

• TSA PreCheck is a government program that identifies low-risk travellers, allowing them to pass through expedited security screening at over 200 US airports.
• PreCheck members do not need to remove their shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets during screening.
• PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applying through Clear. It is also available through other providers for $78 or $85 for five years.
• PreCheck members can add their Known Traveller Number to their frequent flyer account or reservation, which will generate a PreCheck designation on their boarding passes.
• PreCheck is available with more airlines and at more airports than Clear.
• PreCheck members may occasionally be subject to random secondary checks of their bags.

Both services are available as a bundle at select airports for a total of $199, which includes five years of PreCheck and one year of Clear. Clear and PreCheck can also be obtained for free through certain credit cards or loyalty programs.

Overall, TSA PreCheck is the better option for frequent travellers, as it is more widely available and provides a faster and less strict security screening process. However, Clear can be a valuable addition to PreCheck, especially at busy airports where the PreCheck line tends to be long.

Clear's availability

Clear is a technology company that offers a platform to streamline the customer identity verification process. Its free mobile app can be used to enter select stadiums and arenas, while its chief program Clear Plus is a consumer aviation subscription service.

Clear Plus is available at 58 airports across the United States, with more than 17 million members nationwide. Clear Plus costs $199.95 annually, billed upfront, and is currently only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

To enrol in Clear Plus, you can either start the process online or complete the entire process at a Clear location. The enrolment process takes about five minutes and requires no appointment. You must complete the final enrolment steps at a Clear location. This includes answering a few simple questions to verify your identity, showing a valid photo ID, providing a payment method, and attaching your biometrics (fingerprints and a picture of your irises) to your newly created account.

To qualify for Clear enrolment, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident aged 18 or older. You must also have one of the following forms of photo identification: a U.S. driver's license, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a U.S.-issued permanent resident card, a state-issued ID, or a U.S. military ID.

Clear Plus members can use dedicated lanes at the terminal, where a Clear Ambassador will help them scan their fingerprint or eye and their boarding pass. From there, they will be taken to the front of the security screening line and ushered through by a TSA agent, without needing to show a boarding pass or ID.

Clear Plus members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional fee. Family members under 18 can join the Clear member in the Clear Lane for free.

Clear's application process

Clear Application Process

Clear is a secure identity platform that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in seconds with a fingerprint or eye scan. The Clear application process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is an overview of the Clear application process:

• Eligibility Requirements: To apply for Clear, applicants must be US citizens or permanent legal residents aged 18 or older. A valid form of unexpired government-issued photo identification, such as a US driver's license, US passport, US military ID, or Global Entry card, is also required.
• Enrollment Options: The enrollment process can be started online or completed in person at a Clear kiosk at participating airports. Clear recommends starting the enrollment process online to save time.
• Identity Verification: During the enrollment process, applicants will need to answer a few identifying questions and provide their biometric data. This includes scanning their fingerprints and irises at one of the Clear machines.
• Payment Information: Applicants will also need to provide a valid payment method during the enrollment process. The annual membership fee for Clear is $199, and additional family members can be added for an extra cost. However, there are often discounts and promotions available, and some credit cards offer statement credits to cover the cost of Clear membership.
• Finalizing Enrollment: After completing the online or in-person enrollment process, applicants must visit a Clear location at the airport to finalize their enrollment. A Clear Ambassador will verify the applicant's identity, collect their biometrics (fingerprint, eye scan, and photo), and complete the enrollment process.

The Clear application process is designed to be quick and convenient, allowing travelers to save time and streamline their airport security experience. By following these steps, applicants can efficiently enroll in Clear and start enjoying the benefits of expedited security screening at participating airports.

Frequently asked questions