Clear At San Francisco Airport: What's The Deal?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a range of services to ensure a seamless travel experience for its passengers. One notable service is CLEAR, a biometric platform that allows members to speed through airport security and save time. CLEAR has dedicated lanes at Checkpoint A near Gates A1-A15, Checkpoint G near Gates G1-G14, and Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It is also available at the International Terminal, providing quick and convenient access to your gate. CLEAR Plus, an enhanced version of CLEAR, offers exclusive benefits such as Ambassador Assist and further expedited clearance. SFO also provides TSA PreCheck, which can be bundled with CLEAR Plus for additional savings and faster security screening. With these services, SFO aims to enhance the travel experience, improve efficiency, and provide excellent customer service.

CLEAR Plus Lanes at San Francisco Airport

CLEAR Plus Lanes are available at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing faster clearance and dedicated security lanes to speed up the travel process. CLEAR Plus Lanes are located at 7 security checkpoints across all terminals, including Checkpoint A near Gates A1-A15, Checkpoint G near Gates G1-G14, and Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

CLEAR's biometric platform offers speed, predictability, and enhanced security to its members. The dedicated lanes allow members to clear security in five minutes or less on average. CLEAR Plus members can also take advantage of the Ambassador Assist service, which provides guidance and assistance at the airport.

Enrollment in CLEAR Plus is available at the airport, online, or at select locations in town or your office. It is recommended to check the official website or use a flight tracker for real-time updates on security wait times.

It is worth noting that CLEAR Lanes at SFO may not be open during late-night travel, so it is advisable to enter through United Clear Terminal 3 instead. Additionally, CLEAR Plus members can unlock exclusive pricing by bundling it with TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited security screening at participating airports, including SFO.

CLEAR Plus membership

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) does have CLEAR, which is available at the International Terminal. CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that allows members to move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints.

CLEAR Plus members save an average of 4 hours per year. Members can add up to 3 family members or friends to their account for $119 each, while children under 18 can join for free. Members can also access exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment.

CLEAR Plus costs $199 annually and is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID. However, it is possible to get a discounted rate or even a free membership through certain credit cards or airline loyalty programs. For example, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus offer discounted rates for members, and Delta Diamond and United Premier 1K elites receive a free membership.

CLEAR Plus members can also access Ambassador Assist, a personal guide service from curb to gate available at select airports.

TSA PreCheck® via CLEAR

TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR are two different services that can be used together to speed up your journey through airport security.

TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at over 200 airports across the U.S. without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 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.

CLEAR is a private company that offers a quick identity verification experience at the airport. Travellers can step up to a CLEAR pod and verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprint. CLEAR costs $199 per year, and is currently only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

CLEAR and TSA PreCheck® can be purchased as a bundle at some airports for a total of $199, with CLEAR membership lasting one year and PreCheck lasting five years.

At San Francisco International Airport, CLEAR is available at the International Terminal. Travellers can use the CLEAR Plus Lane to get to their gate faster, and can also take advantage of the Ambassador Assist service, which guides members through the airport.

CLEAR biometric platform

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has CLEAR in the International Terminal. CLEAR is a secure identity platform that uses biometric data to speed up security checks at airports, stadiums, and other locations. The platform captures facial, iris, or fingerprint biometrics to verify a person's identity.

CLEAR Plus members at SFO can access dedicated lanes to get to their gates faster. This service is available at 59 airports nationwide. Members can also pre-enroll in TSA PreCheck through CLEAR and complete the application at the airport, unlocking exclusive pricing when bundled with CLEAR Plus.

The CLEAR app provides additional features that simplify travel, such as flight tracking and quick access to rental cars. CLEAR's Ambassador Assist service, exclusive to CLEAR Plus members, offers guidance throughout the airport.

It is important to note that CLEAR may not be open during late-night travel at SFO, and travellers may need to enter through United Clear Terminal 3 instead.

CLEAR lanes locations

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has CLEAR lanes available for passengers to use. CLEAR is available at 59 airports nationwide, and SFO is one of them.

CLEAR lanes are located in the International Terminal at SFO. This includes the CLEAR Mobile Lane, which can be accessed with a QR code in the CLEAR app—no reservation or purchase required.

Passengers can also pre-enrol in TSA PreCheck® through CLEAR and complete their application at the airport. TSA PreCheck® is available at all security checkpoints at SFO, except for F3.

SFO has seven security checkpoints, and passengers can enter through any checkpoint with a valid boarding pass for the same day of travel. However, only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the checkpoints.

It is important to note that CLEAR may not be open 24 hours a day at SFO. Late-night travellers may need to enter through United Clear Terminal 3 instead.

Frequently asked questions