Lois Larson
Clear is a service that uses biometric data, such as fingerprints and eye scans, to verify the identity of travellers at select airports, stadiums and entertainment venues. This allows Clear members to skip the standard security lines and access dedicated Clear lanes. The service is available at more than 50 US airports and costs $199 per year, although discounts are available for members of certain airline loyalty programs and specific credit cards. Given the cost, the question arises: is Clear worth it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $199 per year |
| Discounts | Delta or United members, elite status with either airline, The Platinum Card from American Express, American Express Green Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Avis Preferred Plus status with the rental car company Avis, specific credit cards |
| Availability | Over 50 U.S. airports |
| Benefits | Expedited security experience, shorter wait times, access to dedicated Clear lane, bypass ID and boarding pass verification, escort to scanner portion of security, access to expedited security lines at stadiums and arenas |
| Concerns | Poor service at some airports, long Clear lines, issues with name matching, privacy concerns related to biometric data collection, issues with customer service and refunds |
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What You'll Learn
Cost
The cost of Clear is a significant factor in determining its value. The standard price for a Clear membership is USD 199 per year. However, there are ways to obtain discounted or even free memberships. For instance, holding elite status with certain airlines or possessing specific credit cards can result in reduced fees or full coverage of the cost. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, for instance, offer discounted annual rates for their members. Additionally, American Express offers coverage for Clear membership fees for holders of certain cards, such as The Platinum Card and the American Express Green Card.
Bundling Clear with TSA PreCheck can also result in cost savings. While TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applied through Clear, bundling it with Clear for one year brings the total cost to $199. This option is ideal for those who want the benefits of both programs. It is worth noting that TSA PreCheck is a government program, while Clear is owned by a private company, and the two programs complement each other rather than replace one another.
For frequent travellers, the cost of Clear may be justifiable. The ability to skip long security lines and save time at the airport is a valuable perk. However, it is important to check if Clear is available at your local airport or one you frequently visit, as it is not offered at every location.
In addition to the cost of membership, it is worth considering the potential time savings and convenience Clear offers. Clear members can use dedicated kiosks for identity verification, bypassing the need to wait in line for a TSA agent to review their documents. This can significantly reduce the time spent at security checkpoints, especially during peak travel seasons.
While Clear promises to expedite the airport security process, some users have reported mixed experiences. There have been instances where standard TSA lines were shorter than the Clear lane, and technical issues with the biometric authentication have also been noted. Therefore, it is essential to consider your specific needs and travel patterns when deciding if the cost of Clear is worth it for you.
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Availability
Clear is available at more than 50 US airports, including:
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaii
- Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.
- Gerarld R. Ford International Airport, Michigan
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, South Carolina
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia, Canada
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
- Minneapolis-St.
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport
- Las Vegas
- San Diego (SAN)
- Denver (DEN)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Atlanta Hartsfield Airport
However, some users have noted that Clear is not available at all terminals within an airport. For example, Clear is available at John F. Kennedy International Airport, but one user noted that it was not available at Terminal 5.
Additionally, some users have reported that Clear is not available at all airports. For example, one user noted that Clear is not available at the airports they frequent in central Illinois.
It is important to note that Clear's availability can change over time, and it is always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information on their website or through other sources before making travel plans.
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Speed
Clear is a paid service that promises to speed up the airport security process. It uses biometric data and technology to verify your identity, helping you avoid long security lines. Members can use designated lines and, once their identity has been checked, they can go to the front of the regular security line. This means that, even when the airport is busy, Clear can get you through more quickly.
However, Clear is not available at every airport, and it is expensive. It is only worth the price for frequent flyers, and even then, it is not always reliable. In some cases, travellers have reported longer lines for Clear than for regular security. Clear members have also been subjected to random ID checks, which can slow down the process.
Clear is best used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, which speeds up the luggage screening process and allows travellers to keep items like liquids and laptops in their bags. TSA PreCheck is available to low-risk travellers who pass a background check. Many credit cards cover the cost of both Clear and TSA PreCheck, so it is worth checking whether this is included with your card.
Overall, Clear can be a useful service for frequent flyers, but it is important to check that it is available at your local airport and to be aware that it may not always speed up the security process.
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Privacy
Clear members undergo a comprehensive identity verification process that includes biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and iris scans. This data is unique to each individual, ensuring a fast, safe, and secure identification experience. The program meets the NIST 800-53 HIGH baseline for security and privacy controls, as recognised by the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security. This means that Clear prioritises the protection of member data and ensures that personal information remains confidential.
While Clear expedites the security process, members must still complete the standard airport screening procedures. This means that Clear does not compromise security for the sake of convenience. The program simply automates the identity verification step, allowing members to proceed to the security screening more efficiently.
It is worth noting that Clear is not available at all airports, and travellers should check the availability at their departure and layover airports before signing up. Additionally, Clear does not guarantee TSA PreCheck status, which has its own separate application process. However, Clear can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck to further expedite the security process, as they serve different purposes.
In conclusion, Clear prioritises privacy by employing secure biometric identification methods that meet stringent security and privacy standards. This ensures that travellers can enjoy a faster, smoother airport experience without compromising their personal data.
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Customer service
The customer service experience of Clear varies across different airports. While some users have praised the service for its convenience and time-saving benefits, others have expressed disappointment with long lines and rude staff.
One user shared their positive experience with Clear, stating that it helped them bypass long security queues and get to the TSA screening point faster. They appreciated the use of biometric data, such as fingerprint or iris scans, to streamline the identification process. Clear's separate security lane and dedicated kiosks were also highlighted as advantageous by another user, allowing them to avoid waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their documents.
However, several users have encountered issues with Clear that detract from the overall customer experience. For example, some users have reported long lines for Clear, even exceeding the length of standard TSA security check lines at airports like Atlanta Hartsfield and Denver International. This defeats the purpose of the expedited security program. Additionally, users have complained about rude and slow-moving staff, which further aggravates the situation.
Clear's customer service has also been criticized for being unresponsive and ineffective. One user shared their frustrating experience of not receiving a refund even after cancelling the service due to issues with name matching. They reported that their emails and phone calls went unanswered, leaving them feeling ignored and dissatisfied with the service.
On the other hand, Clear offers various membership promotions and discounts that can enhance the customer experience. For instance, Clear partners with Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus to offer discounted annual rates for members. Additionally, certain credit cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, provide statement credits to cover the cost of Clear access. These cost-saving opportunities can positively impact the overall customer service perception.
Overall, while Clear aims to revolutionize the airport security process, the customer service experience varies depending on the airport and individual circumstances. Users have encountered a mix of positive time-saving benefits and negative experiences involving long lines, unhelpful staff, and unresponsive customer support.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is a service that uses biometric data (fingerprints and eye scans) instead of traditional ID documents to verify traveler identification.
Clear typically costs \$199 per year, but there are several ways to get a discounted or free membership.
TSA PreCheck only allows you to expedite your airport security experience, but Clear can speed up your entry into airports, stadiums, and other entertainment venues.
Whether Clear is worth it depends on several factors. These include how often you fly, whether Clear is supported at your home airport, and whether you have a credit card that offers a statement credit toward Clear Plus memberships.
Cancelling a Clear membership can be difficult. Some users have reported issues with cancelling their membership through the Clear website or by calling their suggested phone number.
