Clear's California Airports: Stress-Free Travel At Lax And Sfo

California has been considering a bill to ban Clear from its airports, which would require dedicated TSA screening lanes for Clear passengers. Clear is a commercial program that allows members to bypass TSA checkpoints and be escorted to the front of security lines for $189 per year. The bill, Senate Bill 1372, was proposed by State Sen. Josh Newman and would ban public airports in California from entering into new agreements with private vendors to provide expedited security screening lines. While the bill was initially intended to ban all third-party vendors from operating security screenings, it was amended to only prohibit them from entering into new contracts with California airports. This decision came after scrutiny of Clear's security failures, including an incident where a Clear customer was able to pass through security without presenting their ID and another where a Clear user carried ammunition onto a flight.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is known for its unique art installations and exhibitions, featuring a wide range of media and genres, from painting and sculpture to new media and site-specific installations. The airport's extensive art collection is designed to engage and delight passengers, offering a unique cultural experience that reflects the diverse and creative spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The airport is also distinguished by its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. It was the first airport in the world to introduce a comprehensive recycling and composting program, and it continues to prioritize green practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources, electric ground support equipment, and sustainable construction methods. SFO has received numerous awards and certifications for its sustainability efforts, including LEED certifications for several of its terminals and industry awards recognizing its leadership in sustainable practices.

In addition to its focus on art and sustainability, SFO is also renowned for its convenient transportation options and efficient ground access. The airport is easily accessible by car, with direct connections to major highways, and offers a variety of parking options, including long-term, short-term, and economy lots, to meet the needs of its passengers and visitors. For passengers seeking a more eco-friendly mode of transport, the airport provides direct access to public transportation, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, which offers a fast and convenient connection to downtown San Francisco and other destinations in the Bay Area.

Los Angeles International Airport

LAX offers a range of transportation options, including airport buses, door-to-door shuttle vans, local buses, light rail, taxicabs, ride-share services, and rental cars. The airport also has a Marriott hotel located less than a mile away, and many other hotels within a 1.5 km radius.

In terms of CLEAR services, LAX has dedicated CLEAR Plus Lanes in the International Terminal, allowing faster access to your gate. CLEAR Plus Members can also take advantage of the CLEAR Concierge service for step-by-step guidance through the airport. To use the CLEAR Mobile Lane, you can either purchase a pass or use the lane for free by accessing it through the CLEAR app with your QR code.

It's important to note that there has been some scrutiny of CLEAR's operations in California airports, with a bill passed to restrict their activities. This bill aims to address security concerns and prevent CLEAR from cutting lines, instead requiring them to operate separate screening lanes for their customers.

San Jose International Airport

San José Mineta International Airport (IATA: SJC, ICAO: KSJC, FAA LID: SJC), officially known as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, is a city-owned public airport in San Jose, California. It is located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Jose and serves the city and the Santa Clara Valley region of the greater Bay Area. The airport is named after Norman Mineta, a San Jose native and former United States Secretary of Transportation and Commerce, who also served as Mayor of San Jose and as a San Jose City Councilman.

The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. Terminal A, originally built in 1990 for American Airlines, underwent extensive renovation and expansion in 2009, which included larger ticketing counters, more parking space, larger security checkpoints, and additional concessions. In 2017, the airport added two new gates (Gates 29 and 30) at the south end of Terminal B, and in 2019, six additional gates (Gates 31-36) were opened as part of a $58 million project.

San Diego International Airport

Historically known as Lindbergh Field, the airport gained international status in 1934 and has witnessed several aviation milestones. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes, and played a role in testing early US sailplane designs. The airport's landing approach, with its proximity to downtown San Diego's skyscrapers, can be challenging for pilots due to the steep descent angle and shifting wind currents.

In recent years, there has been scrutiny of Clear, a private company providing expedited security screening services at San Diego International Airport and other airports nationwide. Lawmakers and unions have proposed and discussed restricting or banning Clear due to concerns about security failures and the creation of a “two-tiered system." However, some have opposed these measures, arguing they will increase costs and negatively impact line management. As of 2024, California is considering bipartisan legislation that would ban Clear in its current form, requiring the company to operate separate security lanes for its customers.

Security failures and scrutiny

California is considering changing laws that would ban Clear airport security. Clear is a private company that lets users skip the security line at select airports using biometric data, in exchange for a fee. The bill, formally known as SB 1372, would prohibit Clear from using standard security or Transportation Security Administration PreCheck security lanes for their expedited services. Instead, Clear would need to get its own dedicated security lanes or lose the ability to operate in California airports.

Supporters of the bill include union groups representing flight attendants and TSA employees, who argue that Clear is a "pay-for-play way to cut the screening line" and that the bill would "restore equal access and treatment at the airport security checkpoint". The Northern California branch of the American Federation of Government Employees, a federal employee union group, argued that "expedited screening service providers no longer make meaningful contributions to aviation security, and their continued presence at California's airports instead degrade the public's traveling experience."

The bill faces strong pushback from six major airline companies: Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and United. They argue that the bill "not only threatens to increase fees on air carriers but also severely restricts airports' ability to manage lines at the security checkpoint, resulting in a negative travel experience for our California customers."

The bill's sponsors, state senators Josh Newman and Janet Nguyen, argue that the bill addresses a "basic equity issue" where wealthier people can skip ahead of other passengers in line. However, it's important to note that the bill does not seek to ban Clear entirely, but rather to require them to operate separate lines for subscribers. Clear has expressed willingness to work with legislators and airport partners to ensure seamless and efficient operations at California airports.

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