Clear Airport Activation: A Quick Guide To Stress-Free Travel

CLEAR is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks. It allows members to bypass regular security lines at participating airports. To use CLEAR, members must verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod, using either their face, eyes, or fingerprints. CLEAR costs \$199 per year, but several credit cards and airline programs offer complimentary or discounted membership.

To activate CLEAR at the airport, members must look for the CLEAR Lanes at TSA security checkpoints. Once at the CLEAR Pod, members will scan their boarding pass and verify their identity. A CLEAR Ambassador will then escort them to the standard physical screening. CLEAR can also be used with TSA PreCheck for an even faster way to the gate.

How to enrol in Clear at the airport

Enrolling in Clear at the airport is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to enrol in Clear at the airport:

• Start Your Enrollment Online: Although it is not mandatory, you can save time by initiating the enrollment process online. Visit the Clear website and create your Clear account by providing the required information.
• Visit a Clear Enrollment Location: Once you have completed the initial steps online, head to the nearest Clear enrollment location at an airport. Clear is currently available at 58 airports nationwide, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
• Provide Identification: At the Clear enrollment location, you will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a US driver's license, US passport, or state-issued ID. Ensure that your identification documents are approved and unamended.
• Biometric Scanning: A Clear Ambassador will verify your identity by capturing your biometrics. This typically involves scanning your face, eyes, and fingerprints to create a unique profile.
• Answer Security Questions: After capturing your biometrics, you will be asked to answer a few security questions to further verify your identity and ensure the security of your account.
• Complete Enrollment: Once your identity is confirmed and you have answered the security questions, your Clear enrollment will be completed. You can then start using Clear Lanes at participating airports to expedite your security screening process.
• Use at the Airport: When travelling, look for Clear Lanes at TSA security checkpoints. Scan your boarding pass at the Clear Pod, verify your identity using your face, eyes, or fingerprints, and a Clear Ambassador will escort you to the standard physical screening.

Remember that Clear is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and above with valid government-issued photo identification. Additionally, Clear Plus, the paid membership, is required to access Clear Lanes at airport security. The annual fee for Clear Plus is $199, and you can add up to three additional family members or friends to your account for $119 each per year.

What to do at the Clear Pod

CLEAR is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks. It allows members to bypass regular security lines at participating airports. CLEAR costs $199 per year, but several credit cards and airline programs offer complimentary or discounted membership.

• Locate the CLEAR Pod at the participating airport. CLEAR Pods are usually located next to the regular and TSA PreCheck queues.
• Scan your boarding pass at the CLEAR Pod.
• Verify your identity using your face, eyes, or fingers. CLEAR uses biometrics to match your identity with your boarding pass.
• After your identity is verified, a CLEAR Ambassador will escort you to the standard physical screening or TSA PreCheck lane for your security screening.
• Put your ID away as you won't need to show it to the TSA officer.
• Proceed through the TSA security checkpoint as normal. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use the expedited lanes.

Clear Plus vs TSA PreCheck

CLEAR is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks. It allows members to bypass regular security lines at participating airports. CLEAR costs $199 per year, but several credit cards and airline programs offer complimentary or discounted membership.

CLEAR Plus is the paid airport membership option. With CLEAR Plus, you can move faster through airport security nationwide in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints. CLEAR Plus members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod, and an ambassador will bring them to the front of the security line for screening. Family members under 18 can join the CLEAR member in the CLEAR lane for free, and up to three adults can be added to the member's account for $119 each.

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 U.S. airports nationwide without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applying through CLEAR.

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

CLEAR allows members to skip the security line completely by approaching a CLEAR kiosk, where their ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. A CLEAR agent then escorts the member to the front of the security line.

TSA PreCheck allows members to go through a shorter security line and less strict screening requirements. Members can keep their shoes, belts, laptops, liquids, etc. on and still pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full-body scanner.

CLEAR is only available at a few dozen domestic airports, while TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 domestic airports.

Many travellers find that CLEAR and TSA PreCheck complement each other, providing the quickest route through the airport.

Discounts and free trials

CLEAR offers a standard membership for $199 per year, but there are several ways to get a discount or even a free membership.

Credit Cards

The following credit cards offer a complimentary CLEAR Plus membership or a statement credit to cover the cost:

• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card from American Express
• American Express Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Airline Elite Status

If you have elite status with certain airlines, you may be eligible for a free or discounted CLEAR membership.

Delta SkyMiles:

• Diamond Medallion members get a free CLEAR membership (saving $199 annually).
• Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members pay $159 (saving $40 annually).
• General SkyMiles members pay $189 (saving $10 annually).
• Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members pay $159 (saving $40 annually).

United MileagePlus:

• Global Services and Premier 1K members get a free membership (saving $199 annually).
• Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, and Premier Silver members pay $159 (saving $40 annually).
• General MileagePlus members pay $189 (saving $10 annually).
• United MileagePlus Credit Card members pay $159 (saving $40 annually).

Hawaiian Airlines Pualani:

• Pualini Platinum members who have flown at least 75,000 miles in the previous or current calendar year get a free membership.
• General HawaiianMiles members get a discounted rate of $189.
• Pualani Gold or Platinum Elite members, or those with a Premier Club membership, pay $159.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan:

• MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75k, and MVP Gold 100k members get a discounted rate of $189.
• Elite members receive 1,500 miles when enrolling for the first time and 1,250 miles each year upon renewal.
• General Mileage Plan members receive a $10 annual discount, paying $189.

Frequent Flyer Programs

If you don't have elite status, you can still get a discount by signing up for a frequent flyer program. Both Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus offer a discounted rate of $189 for base members, and $159 for Silver, Gold, or Platinum status members.

Military and Government Employees

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

Student Discounts

CLEAR used to offer a discounted student membership, but this has been discontinued. However, students are still eligible for special student pricing of $60 per year for four years.

Free Trials and Promotions

CLEAR often offers free trials or promotions for new members. Currently, they are offering a $75 Uber voucher or 1,500 bonus Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for new members. In the past, they have offered free months, discounted memberships, airline miles, and gift cards.

Clear for families

CLEAR is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks. It allows members to bypass regular security lines at participating airports. While CLEAR is not free, it can be a great option for families who travel frequently and want to save time at the airport. Here's everything you need to know about CLEAR for families:

CLEAR uses biometric data, such as your face, eyes, or fingerprints, to verify your identity at the airport. Once enrolled, you can simply scan your boarding pass and verify your identity at a CLEAR Pod. A CLEAR Ambassador will then escort you to the standard physical screening or TSA PreCheck if you have it. This means you can skip the regular security line and save time at the airport.

Cost of CLEAR for Families:

The standard CLEAR membership costs $199 per year. Children under 18 can join a CLEAR member in the CLEAR lane for free and do not need to enroll. For families, the primary member can add up to three adult family members to their account for an additional $119 each per year. This means that for a family of four, the total cost would be $437 per year. It's important to note that CLEAR considers "family" to include not only biological family but also chosen family and friends.

Benefits of CLEAR for Families:

CLEAR can be especially beneficial for families who want to save time at the airport. With CLEAR, you can breeze through airport security in under 5 minutes, avoiding long lines and making your travel experience smoother. This is especially useful for families with young children who want to minimize their time spent in security lines. Additionally, CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, further expediting the security process.

How to Enroll in CLEAR as a Family:

To enroll in CLEAR as a family, the primary member can log in to their CLEAR account and access the Family Plan. From there, they can add up to three adult family members by providing their full name, date of birth, and email address associated with their CLEAR membership. It's important to note that children under 18 do not need to enroll and can simply accompany the CLEAR member through the CLEAR lane.

Availability at Airports:

CLEAR is currently available at select airports across the United States, including major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and more. However, it is important to check the CLEAR website for the most up-to-date information on participating airports as they continue to expand.

In conclusion, CLEAR can be a valuable tool for families who travel frequently and want to streamline their airport experience. By enrolling in CLEAR, families can save time, avoid long security lines, and make their travel experience more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions