Clear And Quick: San Diego Airport's Efficient Security Option

CLEAR is a service that allows members to speed up their identity verification process at airports, stadiums, and other locations. Members can use dedicated CLEAR lanes to skip long lines and use their iris image or fingerprint scan as identification. CLEAR launched at San Diego International Airport in 2022, and it is available at Terminal 2. However, some users have reported issues with finding and using CLEAR at the airport, such as long wait times and the need to provide additional identification.

San Diego International Airport has CLEAR kiosks

CLEAR is a paid service with annual membership costing $179 per year, with options to add additional family members. Discounts are available for members of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Express, as well as active military, veterans, and government officials.

To enrol in CLEAR, adults with a valid government-issued photo ID can sign up on CLEAR's website and finish enrolment at the airport. CLEAR members have access to dedicated lanes and are escorted to the front of the TSA line, but they still need to go through the physical security check.

While CLEAR can speed up the process of clearing security, some users have reported issues with the service at San Diego International Airport. Some travellers have noted that the CLEAR lane was not operational during their visit, while others have mentioned that the regular TSA PreCheck line moved faster than the CLEAR lane.

Despite these reports, CLEAR's presence at San Diego International Airport has been welcomed by airport authorities and local businesses, who believe it improves the travel experience and generates a positive economic impact for the region.

CLEAR Plus membership provides expedited security lanes

San Diego International Airport does have CLEAR Lanes and Pods available for passengers to use. However, some passengers have reported that they could not find CLEAR at Terminal 2, and that the CLEAR lane was not worth using at this airport.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that provides expedited security lanes at select airports and stadiums. Members can move faster through security checkpoints by verifying their identities through biometrics, including fingerprints, eye scans, and facial recognition. This service is particularly useful for frequent travellers as it offers a quicker and more efficient route through the airport.

With CLEAR Plus, members can access dedicated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints, bypassing the standard security lines. This service is available at 59 airports nationwide, including San Diego International Airport. Members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional fee, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of CLEAR Plus together. Children under 18 can accompany their parents or guardians in the CLEAR Plus lane for free.

In addition to expedited security screening, CLEAR Plus offers exclusive travel perks such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. Members can also take advantage of the Reserve Powered by CLEAR feature, which allows them to book a spot in the security line for up to ten people, provided they arrive together. CLEAR Plus is available for an annual fee of $199, with the option to add additional members for $119 each.

TSA PreCheck members benefit from expedited screening

San Diego International Airport does have a CLEAR Plus lane in the International Terminal, which can be accessed via the Plane Train. However, some travellers have reported that it is not worth using CLEAR at this airport, as the TSA PreCheck line moves faster.

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers before they arrive at an airport checkpoint. The program has expanded to approximately 200 airports across the country, and millions of passengers have benefited from it.

TSA PreCheck members can leave on shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, and light jackets during the screening process. This enhances aviation security and provides a better travel experience.

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck. Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS can also participate. Eligible passengers include those flying domestically and outbound internationally from participating airports and those with connecting domestic flights after arriving internationally in the U.S.

To identify TSA PreCheck eligibility, participating airlines will print a TSA PreCheck indicator on the boarding pass. This can be found on the pass and dedicated TSA PreCheck screening lanes at participating airports.

CLEAR is an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that CLEAR is the third official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, joining IDEMIA and Telos. This expansion aims to make it more convenient for travelers to enroll in the TSA PreCheck program and enhance their travel experience.

By enrolling in TSA PreCheck through CLEAR, members can enjoy benefits such as quicker security checks, where they can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags. Additionally, CLEAR Plus members can access dedicated lanes at 59 airports nationwide, providing a faster route to their gates.

At San Diego International Airport, CLEAR Plus members can use the dedicated lane in the International Terminal to access their gates more efficiently. While CLEAR is available at this airport, some travelers have reported challenges locating the CLEAR lanes at Terminal 2, and others have noted longer wait times compared to the TSA PreCheck line.

CLEAR is available at Terminal 2

Newly enrolling active military personnel, veterans, and government officials are also eligible for discounted memberships. Additional family members can be added to an existing CLEAR Plus account for $60 per adult per year. CLEAR members are escorted to the front of the TSA line but still need to go through the physical security check.

CLEAR members can verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprints instead of traditional documents like a driver's license or passport. The CLEAR lanes at San Diego Airport Terminal 2 are open between 4:30 am and 7 pm. However, some travellers have reported issues with the CLEAR service at San Diego Airport, with long wait times and errors with the scanner.

Frequently asked questions