Clear At Atlanta Airport: What You Need To Know

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 100 million passengers annually. To address the issue of congestion, ATL introduced Clear, a biometric ID technology that offers expedited identity verification and security screening. Clear members can quickly confirm their identity using fingerprints or eye scans, bypassing traditional ID checkpoints. This service is available at both the international and domestic terminals, providing a faster and more efficient travel experience. Clear's expansion at ATL has been well-received, with the potential to significantly improve airport congestion and enhance travellers' satisfaction.

CLEAR Plus Membership allows faster access to the gate

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 100 million passengers annually. To address the issue of congestion, ATL introduced Clear's biometric technology in 2017, which uses fingerprints and iris scans to confirm passenger identities, expediting security checks and enhancing efficiency.

Clear offers a membership service called Clear Plus, which provides expedited identity verification and security screening at airports. Clear Plus members can access dedicated lanes and are guided through security by Clear Ambassadors, resulting in faster access to their departure gates. This service is particularly advantageous for travellers concerned about missing their flights due to long security lines.

The annual fee for Clear Plus membership is $199, with monthly billing options available for less than $17 per month. Discounts are offered to Delta SkyMiles members, active military personnel, veterans, and government officials. Additional family members can be added to an existing Clear Plus account for $119 per adult per year.

Clear's expansion to the international terminal at ATL brings a streamlined travel experience to its passengers. With Clear's expedited identity verification lanes, members can quickly confirm their identities using biometric data, bypassing traditional ID checkpoints. This enhancement is expected to positively impact the airport's operational efficiency and the overall travel experience for its passengers.

Clear Plus members can take advantage of the dedicated Clear Plus Lane in the international terminal at ATL, making it easier to access their departure gates, even when flying domestically. By enrolling in TSA PreCheck through Clear and completing their biometrics, members can further expedite their security screening process, ensuring an even faster journey through the airport.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports. Covering 4,700 acres of land, the airport has five runways, with the longest measuring 12,390 feet, capable of accommodating the Airbus A380. ATL serves over 100 million passengers annually, with just over 1,000 flights daily to 225 domestic and international destinations. As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, the airline has a strong presence at the airport, with at least one Delta Sky Club lounge in every concourse. The airport also serves as an operating base for other low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

ATL's status as one of the world's busiest airports presents challenges, particularly regarding congestion and long waiting times in standard security line areas. To address this issue, Clear, a company known for expediting airport security with biometric technology, has established a presence at ATL. Clear's decision to move its standard line to the lower level aims to reduce congestion and enhance efficiency, providing faster and more seamless travel experiences for passengers.

The airport's domestic terminal is easily accessible via MARTA's Red and Gold rail lines, offering convenient transportation options for travellers. ATL's vast expanse and high volume of passenger traffic have earned it a reputation as a bustling aviation hub, catering to both domestic and international travellers alike.

In addition to its impressive size and passenger volume, ATL also boasts a diverse range of amenities and services. The airport hosts several lounges, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Clubs, and The Club at ATL. These lounges offer travellers a chance to relax and unwind before their flights. The recent introduction of the American Express Centurion Lounge further enhances the airport's offerings, providing a luxurious experience for its patrons.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's combination of extensive flight networks, high passenger traffic, and continuous innovation to enhance efficiency solidifies its reputation as one of the world's busiest and most dynamic aviation hubs. The airport's ability to adapt to challenges, such as congestion, ensures that it remains a prominent and vital gateway to the world for travellers.

CLEAR uses biometrics to confirm passenger identity

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports, serving millions of passengers annually. ATL has long struggled with congestion, especially in standard security line areas, leading to long waiting times and causing operational inefficiencies. To address this issue, ATL introduced CLEAR, a renowned biometric technology that expedites airport security and confirms passenger identity.

CLEAR uses biometrics to provide a seamless and secure identification process, enhancing the overall airport experience. The system employs various biometric markers, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition technology, to confirm a passenger's identity. By enrolling in CLEAR, passengers can bypass the standard ID check process and use dedicated CLEAR lanes to speed up their security checks. CLEAR's biometric technology ensures that passengers no longer need to fumble for their IDs and can quickly move through security metal detectors and bag scanners without lengthy waits.

The implementation of CLEAR at ATL has significantly improved the efficiency of security checks. With CLEAR, passengers can complete their biometrics enrollment, which includes fingerprint, eye scan, and facial recognition data collection, to create a secure profile. This profile enables passengers to verify their identity quickly and securely at the airport. CLEAR's biometric technology provides a faster and more streamlined process than traditional identification methods, helping to alleviate congestion at ATL.

In addition to its use in airports, CLEAR has expanded its services to other industries. CLEAR offers identity verification for rideshare apps, providing drivers and riders with added security and trust. CLEAR also has partnerships with sports stadiums and arenas, allowing members to enjoy expedited entry and biometric ticketing. Furthermore, CLEAR has explored biometric payment systems, age verification, and health status confirmation during the pandemic, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different sectors.

While CLEAR has brought significant benefits to ATL and other industries, privacy concerns have been raised. Privacy experts worry that relying solely on facial recognition for identity verification may pose higher risks than other biometric methods. Incidents of passengers bypassing security checks using fraudulent methods have also been reported, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in CLEAR's security measures. Despite these challenges, CLEAR remains a popular choice for passengers seeking a faster and more efficient airport experience.

CLEAR Plus Members can use the Ambassador Assist service

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 100 million passengers annually. To streamline the flow of passengers, ATL offers CLEAR, a biometric technology that uses fingerprints and iris scans to confirm passenger identity. This helps speed up pre-flight procedures and enhances efficiency.

CLEAR Plus Members at ATL can take advantage of the Ambassador Assist service, a dedicated airport concierge service that provides a seamless travel experience. Here's how CLEAR Plus Members can benefit from Ambassador Assist:

Curb-to-CLEAR

With Curb-to-CLEAR, a dedicated Ambassador will meet you upon your arrival at the airport and assist you with your luggage. They will guide you through the airport and bring you through the CLEAR Plus Lane, ensuring a faster and more efficient security process. This service is ideal for passengers who want assistance navigating the airport and getting through security swiftly.

Curb-to-Gate

Curb-to-Gate takes the service a step further. In addition to the benefits of Curb-to-CLEAR, the Ambassador will accompany you beyond security to your gate or anywhere along the way. This includes assistance in finding concessions, restrooms, or even a restaurant. Please note that Ambassadors cannot wait with you at the gate, bring you from a lounge to the gate, or watch your children or pets.

Booking and Eligibility

Ambassador Assist is available at select airports, including ATL, for an additional charge. To utilize this service, CLEAR Plus Members must book at least 10 hours before their appointment time. All travelers aged 18 and older must be CLEAR Plus Members, while children under 17 can join at no extra cost.

Additional Perks

CLEAR Plus Membership also includes exclusive partner offers through CLEAR Perks. These offers aim to enhance your travel experience, providing benefits such as expedited travel document processing, flight deals, and discounts on travel-related services. CLEAR Scout, another Ambassador service, assists in recovering lost items left at airport security or your gate.

CLEAR is available at both the international and domestic terminals

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 100 million passengers annually. ATL has long struggled with congestion, especially in standard security line areas, where passengers experience long waiting times.

Biometric ID technology firm CLEAR offers an expedited identity verification service to its members, using fingerprints and iris scans to confirm passenger identity and speed up pre-flight procedures. In 2024, CLEAR expanded its services to the international terminal at ATL, with CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker stating that the expansion would bring "a streamlined travel experience to Atlanta's travellers."

CLEAR's services are now available at both the international and domestic terminals at ATL. The international terminal features a dedicated CLEAR line for members to verify their identities, after which they can proceed to either standard or PreCheck screening. The domestic terminal offers a similar service, with a CLEAR PreCheck line at the South checkpoint and a CLEAR Standard screening line at the Lower North checkpoint.

The expansion of CLEAR's services to the international terminal at ATL is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion, improving the overall travel experience for passengers.

Frequently asked questions