Airports With Clear: A Traveler's Guide To Efficiency

Clear is a company that offers an expedited security program, allowing members to verify their identity in advance and skip the tedious identity checks at the airport. It is currently available at 58 US airports and 17 international and domestic airports, including Amsterdam (AMS), Calgary (YYC), Denver (DEN), and Los Angeles (LAX). The service is free to use outside of airports, such as in stadiums, but members must pay a fee ranging from $120 to $199.95 for airport usage. While Clear can be a significant time-saver, some users have noted that the line can sometimes be longer than the regular TSA PreCheck line.

Clear Plus membership

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through security at select airports. Members can save time by verifying their identity at a CLEAR Pod before reaching TSA checkpoints. CLEAR Plus members also have access to exclusive travel perks such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment.

CLEAR Plus is currently priced at $199 annually and can be bundled with family plans, allowing members to add up to three family members or friends to their account for $119 each. Children under 18 can join for free.

CLEAR Plus is not the same as TSA PreCheck, and members must still enrol separately in TSA PreCheck if they wish to avoid removing their shoes, belts, and laptops during security screening. However, CLEAR Plus members can enrol or renew their TSA PreCheck status through CLEAR without an appointment.

CLEAR Plus members can also take advantage of CLEAR's app-based Lane, now available at select airports, for more predictable security wait times. The service is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

CLEAR Plus is continuously expanding to new terminals and airports nationwide, aiming to provide faster and more convenient airport experiences for its members.

Biometric scanning technology

The Clear program is available at 58 airports in the United States, as well as stadiums and other large venues. More than 17 million people are members of Clear nationwide, with the service boasting over 25 million users across all its locations. Clear can be especially useful for those who frequently travel or attend events at these locations.

The sign-up process for Clear involves multiple steps, including creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account, paying a fee (which can be discounted or covered by certain credit cards), and completing an interview. Membership is valid for five years, and members can add up to three people to their account. While Clear does not automatically grant TSA PreCheck status, it can still help members save time and have a more predictable airport experience.

While Clear can significantly speed up the security process, there may be times when the Clear line is longer than the regular or PreCheck lines. This can be due to various factors, such as the number of users, the efficiency of staff, or the implementation of new procedures.

Overall, Clear's biometric scanning technology offers a faster and more convenient way for travellers to verify their identity at airports and other locations.

Identity verification

Clear is a company that offers an expedited security program, currently available at 58 US airports, as well as 17 international and domestic airports. The program uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds with a scan of their finger or eye. This service is free unless you are using it at an airport, in which case there is an annual fee of $199.95.

The Clear Plus membership cuts down the time spent in security lines at the airport, allowing members to verify their identity in advance and move through security more quickly. Clear members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, bypassing the identity verification step, and avoiding the need to wait in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport.

The sign-up process for Clear involves multiple steps, including creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account, paying a fee, and completing an interview. Membership is valid for five years. Clear can be stacked with TSA PreCheck benefits, allowing for more predictable access to security. This means that those who check in online without checked bags can arrive at the airport closer to their flight departure time and sometimes avoid long security lines.

However, it is worth noting that Clear does not automatically grant TSA PreCheck status, and it is available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck. Additionally, there have been reports of longer wait times in the Clear line compared to the regular PreCheck line at some airports.

Overall, Clear provides a way to speed up the identity verification process at airports, but its usefulness can vary depending on airport traffic and individual travel habits. It is also important to consider data privacy concerns when signing up for such services.

TSA PreCheck

With TSA PreCheck, travellers can speed through security without having to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their bags. This can save a lot of time, especially if the regular security line is long. However, it's important to note that having TSA PreCheck does not guarantee a faster security process, as some airports may have their own rules and procedures. Additionally, TSA PreCheck is not necessary if you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or an active TWIC or Commercial Driver's License with an HME.

One of the benefits of TSA PreCheck is that it separates experienced travellers from less experienced ones. Many delays in the regular security line are caused by people who are unfamiliar with the rules, such as those related to liquids, electronics, and shoes. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can typically leave their laptops in their bags and keep their shoes and belts on, streamlining the security process.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck can be done through various providers, including CLEAR, which offers additional benefits such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. CLEAR has over 100 CLEAR Lanes at airports, where members can verify their identity and access faster security screening. It is important to note that while CLEAR can facilitate the TSA PreCheck enrolment process, having CLEAR does not automatically grant you TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry

Many travel credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee, which is $120 every 5 years. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which offers streamlined physical screening lines at more than 200 airports. This means that members can keep their shoes on and leave liquids in their bags. Global Entry is ideal for those who travel internationally and want to speed up their re-entry into the U.S.

• Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
• Lambert - St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Frequently asked questions