Clear Airport Security Like A Pro: 8 Tips

Clear is a service that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in seconds, with a scan of a finger, iris, or face. It is currently available across 74 airports in the US, and can be used to bypass the usual ID check at airport security. Clear Plus members can use dedicated lanes at the airport, where a Clear Ambassador will help scan their fingerprint, eye, or face, and their boarding pass. From there, they will be taken to the front of the security screening line. Clear Plus can also be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to your gate. Clear Plus costs $199 a year for an individual membership, with the option to add additional family members or friends for $119 more per person per year.

Clear Plus membership

CLEAR Plus is an annual membership that allows you to speed through security lines at the airport. It is currently available at 58 airports nationwide, with more locations being added.

CLEAR Plus members can use the designated CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints to verify their identity and get through security faster. Members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod by scanning their boarding pass and using either their face, eyes, or fingerprints for identification. CLEAR Ambassadors are on hand to help with the process and escort members to the standard physical screening.

CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to your gate. CLEAR Plus members can also add up to three additional family members or friends to their account for a fee, and members under 18 can join for free.

In addition to the time-saving benefits at the airport, CLEAR Plus offers exclusive offers and services such as expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, and global medical transport.

CLEAR Plus is available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID. Enrollment can be started online and completed at a CLEAR airport location. The annual membership fee is $199, with special rates available for military service members, government employees, and certain credit card holders.

Clear Lanes at TSA security checkpoints

CLEAR is a company that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds. Over 25 million people use the service to verify their identities, and it is currently available across 91 locations in the US, including 74 airports.

CLEAR Plus is the paid service, costing $199 a year, and it can be used at TSA security checkpoints. CLEAR Plus members can use the dedicated CLEAR lanes at participating airports. Members will need to scan their boarding pass, verify their identity with their face, eyes, or fingers, and then they will be escorted to the standard physical screening. CLEAR Plus can also be used with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to your gate.

CLEAR Plus members can also use the new CLEAR Mobile Lanes by downloading the CLEAR App and showing their QR code at the entrance, at no additional cost.

At some airports, such as Denver International Airport, CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck must use a specific lane, while those without TSA PreCheck must use a different checkpoint.

Biometric scanning technology

Biometric technology has been used at airports since 2001, when it was mandated by the U.S. government for entry and exit checks. However, its use has accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it reduces touchpoints and creates a more hygienic, contactless experience.

The process of biometric identification at the airport typically involves the following steps:

• Biometric Data Enrollment: Passengers register their biometric data, such as a facial scan or fingerprint, with the airline app or airport system.
• Passenger Identity Verification at Check-In: During check-in, airport biometric systems verify the passenger's identity by matching their biometric data against stored records.
• Boarding Gate Biometric Authentication: At the boarding gate, facial recognition terminals or other biometric devices verify the passenger's identity again, ensuring that the person boarding is the same person who checked in.

While biometric technology offers many benefits, there are also challenges to its implementation. These include high initial costs, technical limitations, and privacy concerns. Addressing these issues is crucial for the successful adoption and widespread acceptance of biometric technology in airports.

TSA PreCheck

To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you must follow three steps:

• Select an enrolment provider with locations near you. Submit your TSA PreCheck® application online, which should take around 5 minutes.
• Visit an enrolment location to complete the process in around 10 minutes. This includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
• Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) which you should add to your airline reservations.

The cost of TSA PreCheck® is $76.75 for 5 years if done in person, or $58.75 for 5 years if done online.

Clear Mobile Lanes

Non-CLEAR Plus Members can also access the CLEAR Mobile Lanes by purchasing a one-time pass, which will be emailed to them. This pass is valid for 24 hours and can be used by scanning the QR code at the entrance to the CLEAR Mobile Lane.

CLEAR Plus Members can also use the CLEAR Mobile Lanes in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to their gate.

The CLEAR Mobile Lane does not verify your identity, so you will need to have your ID and boarding pass ready.

Frequently asked questions