Clear's Airport Efficiency: Seamless, Secure Travel

CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that offers expedited security clearance at airports, stadiums, and other locations. CLEAR Plus, the paid version of the service, provides dedicated lanes and faster identity verification at airport security checkpoints. Users can verify their identity using biometric data, such as fingerprints, eyes, or facial recognition, along with their boarding pass. CLEAR is available at select airports across the United States, including Atlanta, New York, Houston, and more, with ongoing expansion to new terminals and airports. While CLEAR offers a convenient way to bypass long security lines, there have been some concerns and incidents related to security lapses.

CLEAR Plus membership

CLEAR is a company that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in a matter of seconds. The service is currently available across 91 locations in the US, including 74 airports and 17 arenas and stadiums. CLEAR Plus is the paid version of CLEAR, which allows members to skip the usual ID check at airport security.

CLEAR Plus members can move faster through airport security in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can verify their identities at a CLEAR pod using their face, eyes, or fingerprints, and a CLEAR ambassador will bring them to the front of the security screening line. Members can also use CLEAR Plus with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to their gate. TSA PreCheck is a US government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through expedited security screening without removing their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.

CLEAR Plus is available at the following US airports: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport (SJC), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), and Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The standard price for CLEAR Plus is $199 per year, but members can add up to three family members or friends to their account for $119 each. Children under 18 can join the primary member in the CLEAR lane for free. Military service members and government employees are also eligible for CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate. Additionally, CLEAR partners with Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus to offer discounted rates for members. For example, entry-level elites in either loyalty program can sign up for a membership for $189, and Delta Silver, Gold, or Platinum elites, as well as cardholders of Delta's AmEx cards, receive a $40 discount. Delta Diamond or 360 elites and United Premier 1K and Global Services members receive a free CLEAR membership.

TSA PreCheck

The two services complement each other, providing the quickest route through the airport. The fastest and easiest way to enrol in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online. Enrolment costs vary by provider, and children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.

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

Biometric data

To begin, individuals create an account with Clear, providing contract and billing information. This is followed by the submission of background information required by the Federal Transportation Service Administration (TSA) for security threat assessment. This step ensures that individuals are deemed low-risk before they can utilize the expedited security process that Clear offers.

Once the background checks are completed, individuals can proceed to the airport, where they will encounter Clear kiosks or pods. At this stage, document-authentication technology is employed to establish a link between the person who completed the online process and the individual physically present at the kiosk or pod. This step helps prevent identity fraud and ensures that the person enrolling is who they claim to be.

After successful identity verification, Clear collects biometric data, including a facial picture, an iris scan of both eyes, and fingerprints. This data is secured and encrypted before being sent to a hosting facility and then to the TSA for final security threat assessment. If approved, a subset of the information, including fingerprint templates, iris images, the individual's picture, and legal name, is placed on the Clear card.

The Clear card, once received, can be used at Registered Traveler lanes in participating airports. This allows individuals to bypass the standard ID check lines and expedite their security screening process. Clear Plus, the paid membership option, offers even faster processing through designated Clear Lanes at TSA checkpoints.

It is important to note that Clear has faced concerns and incidents related to privacy, security, and the potential vulnerabilities associated with centralizing sensitive personal data. Despite these challenges, Clear provides a convenient and efficient way for travelers to verify their identities and navigate airport security with ease.

CLEAR Lanes

CLEAR is an identity verification platform that offers a smoother experience to its members at airports, stadiums, and other venues. The platform uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in a matter of seconds through a scan of their finger or eye.

The process is simple and quick. Members scan their eyes and boarding pass and proceed to the security lanes. CLEAR members can also enrol in TSA PreCheck for easier security screening and faster access to their gates. The TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers as low-risk, allowing them to pass through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.

CLEAR is currently available at more than 70 airports and sports venues across the U.S. Some of the airports with CLEAR Lanes include:

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport

CLEAR Pods

The CLEAR Pod is where travellers verify their identity. Travellers can scan their boarding pass at the Pod, and then verify their identity with their face, eyes, or fingerprints. A CLEAR Ambassador will then bring them to the front of the security line for standard physical screening.

In 2025, CLEAR unveiled its new "`Lane of the Future`" EnVe Pods at 23 airports, with a rollout to 58 airports planned throughout the year. The EnVe Pods use face-first biometric technology to verify a traveller's identity in seconds, without the need for fingerprints or eye scans. This new technology promises to deliver a faster, frictionless experience and set a new standard for airport innovation.

Frequently asked questions