Clear At La Guardia: A Traveler's Guide To Airport Security

LaGuardia Airport in New York offers various expedited security programs, including TSA PreCheck and Clear. Clear is a biometric identity platform that allows members to get through security screening faster, with 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at checkpoints. However, some travellers have expressed confusion over the utility of Clear at LaGuardia, as they still need to undergo facial recognition, a driver's license scan, and security screening. LaGuardia's Terminal B has also introduced a $15 front-of-the-line pass called B-Fast, providing another option to bypass the security line.

LaGuardia Airport offers TSA PreCheck enrolment through CLEAR

CLEAR is a service that uses biometric technology to identify travellers, providing a faster and more secure way to move through airport security. With CLEAR, there is no need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, or light jackets. This is particularly useful for families travelling with children, as kids under 12 can access the TSA PreCheck line when accompanied by a member, and children aged 13-17 can also join if indicated on the child's boarding pass.

The enrolment process for TSA PreCheck through CLEAR can be started online, and then completed at a CLEAR kiosk at LaGuardia Airport. Applicants must provide original or certified documentation to meet identity and citizenship requirements, including an unexpired U.S. passport, Enhanced Tribal Card, or Free and Secure Trade Card.

Once enrolled in TSA PreCheck, members can enjoy expedited security screening at over 200 airports and with nearly 100 participating airlines. This includes LaGuardia Airport, where CLEAR members typically experience faster security screening, with 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at checkpoints.

While CLEAR offers a convenient and faster option for security screening, some travellers have noted that the facial/biometric scanner at LaGuardia Airport can be slow and redundant, especially when combined with the TSA PreCheck line. However, for those seeking a quicker and more seamless airport experience, CLEAR enrolment through TSA PreCheck at LaGuardia Airport can be a valuable option.

CLEAR members can get through security faster

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers a TSA PreCheck® program that allows enrolled travellers to get through airport security faster. CLEAR is an official TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Provider, with over 20 million members. Members typically get through security screening much faster, with about 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints nationwide.

CLEAR Lanes are available at stadiums and arenas nationwide, as well as at over 200 airports, including LaGuardia Airport. Members can get through security faster at LaGuardia Airport by enrolling in CLEAR and TSA PreCheck. They can then use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to skip the regular security line.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, new applicants can pre-enrol or find an enrolment location by visiting the CLEAR authorised TSA PreCheck website. LaGuardia Airport offers enrolment and renewal services for TSA PreCheck through CLEAR. This is a convenient option for consumers to enrol or renew their TSA PreCheck membership.

However, some travellers have expressed frustration with the process, stating that it can be redundant and time-consuming, especially when combined with the use of the facial/biometric scanner. Additionally, the CLEAR lane at LaGuardia Airport has been criticised for being understaffed, resulting in longer wait times compared to the regular security line.

As an alternative to CLEAR, LaGuardia's Terminal B has partnered with a third-party provider called Airboard to offer a "B-Fast" lane. For a $15 fee, passengers can skip the regular security line and go directly to the front for an ID check.

CLEAR's identity platform is transforming the way people travel

CLEAR is an identity platform that uses advanced biometric authentication to transform the way people travel. With over 20 million members, CLEAR is expanding its network of partners across the world, aiming to create a frictionless experience. The platform offers a curb-to-gate service, guiding users through the airport and providing benefits such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. CLEAR members typically enjoy faster security screening, with 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints.

CLEAR is an official TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Provider, allowing members to enrol or renew their TSA PreCheck status. TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler program that expedites security screening for enrolled travellers. With CLEAR, members can pre-enrol and find enrolment locations easily. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one such location, where members can enrol or renew their status from Sunday through Friday, 6 am-8 pm ET, and on Saturdays from 6 am-6 pm ET.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the redundancy and inefficiency of the CLEAR process at LGA. They report having to go through multiple lines, including facial recognition and driver's license scans, in addition to the standard TSA checks. This has led to criticisms of the system, with some suggesting that it may even slow down the security process.

Despite these criticisms, CLEAR continues to expand its presence and partnerships. In 2024, CLEAR announced a collaboration with Praia Health to enhance healthcare identity verification. This integration with Praia Health's consumer platform aims to revolutionise the way identity is authenticated in healthcare settings, ultimately improving patient care and security.

CLEAR's mission is to make everyday experiences, including travel, more secure and friction-free. With its growing network of partners and advanced biometric technology, CLEAR is transforming the way people move through airports and access various services, striving to create a seamless and efficient travel experience.

LaGuardia's Terminal B offers a $15 B-Fast pass to skip the security line

LaGuardia Airport in New York offers a unique way to skip the security line at Terminal B. For just $$15, passengers can purchase a B-Fast pass, allowing them to bypass the regular queue and access the front of the line. This innovative solution is perfect for travellers during the busy holiday season, ensuring they don't miss their flights due to lengthy security checks.

The B-Fast lane is a recent addition to Terminal B, joining two other expedited security lanes: one for TSA PreCheck members and another for premium passengers, including first-class ticket holders and those with elite airline status. The B-Fast lane is managed by Airboard Group, a company specialising in expedited boarding and security software. Passengers can pre-purchase the pass or buy it instantly before entering the security line at bfast.aero. The pass costs $$15 if bought in advance and $20 for same-day purchases, and it expires 90 days after purchase.

After buying the pass, passengers receive a QR code that opens an e-gate, granting them direct access to the front of the security line. From there, they proceed to a TSA agent for an ID check. This streamlined process ensures that travellers with the B-Fast pass can efficiently navigate through the airport, saving valuable time. LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the terminal operator, is considering introducing annual or monthly subscription options for frequent travellers, enhancing the convenience of the B-Fast pass.

While LaGuardia's Terminal B offers the B-Fast pass, the airport also has CLEAR lanes in Terminal C. These lanes are available for enrolled passengers and those wishing to enrol. However, some travellers have expressed frustration with the implementation of CLEAR at LaGuardia, citing redundancy and slower processing times compared to standard TSA PreCheck lanes. The inefficiencies at LaGuardia's CLEAR lanes appear to be due to understaffing, leading to longer wait times.

The B-Fast pass is reminiscent of Disney World's fast pass

LaGuardia Airport in New York has introduced a new pass system, dubbed the "B-Fast pass", which allows passengers to skip the security line at Terminal B for a $15 fee. The B-Fast pass is reminiscent of Disney World's fast pass, where guests can pay extra to skip lines and experience faster security screening. Similarly, the B-Fast pass provides expedited access to the TSA agent for an ID check, bypassing the regular security line.

The B-Fast pass at LaGuardia Airport offers two options: the Instant Pass and the Pre-Booked Pass. The Instant Pass provides immediate access to the dedicated security lane and must be used within 90 days of purchase. On the other hand, the Pre-Booked Pass can be purchased in advance and becomes active one hour after purchase or on the day of travel, depending on the purchase date. It also has a validity of 90 days from the activation date.

The B-Fast pass is ideal for travellers who are running late or facing lengthy security lines during the busy holiday season. It is a convenient option for those willing to pay a premium to save time and avoid missing their flights. This pass is in addition to the existing TSA PreCheck program, which also offers expedited security screening at LaGuardia and many other airports across the United States.

The TSA PreCheck program, with over 19 million members, allows enrolled travellers to undergo faster security screening at participating airports. Members typically experience shorter wait times, with 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints. LaGuardia Airport has a TSA PreCheck enrollment location, allowing travellers to enrol or renew their membership.

The B-Fast pass at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B provides travellers with a similar benefit to Disney World's fast pass, offering a faster and more efficient security screening experience for those willing to pay the additional fee. This pass is particularly appealing to travellers facing time constraints or dealing with lengthy security lines during peak travel periods.

Frequently asked questions