Clear Airport Protocol: What You Need To Know

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are two different security screening programs at airports. TSA PreCheck is a government-offered program that lets low-risk flyers go through a faster security line. On the other hand, CLEAR is a privately-owned company that uses biometrics to verify your identity. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks instead of waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport. CLEAR is also available at select sports stadiums and entertainment venues.

TSA PreCheck vs Clear

TSA PreCheck and Clear are both services that aim to speed up the process of getting through airport security. However, they work in different ways and have different benefits, costs, and availability.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the US government that is available at over 200 domestic airports and more than 90 airlines. It allows travellers to pass through expedited security screening without needing to remove shoes, belts, jackets, or light liquids and gels, or take out laptops from their carry-on luggage. The program costs $78 for five years and requires an in-person interview as part of the application process.

Clear

Clear is a private membership program that uses biometric technology to identify travellers at security kiosks. Clear speeds up the identity verification process, allowing members to skip the security line entirely. It is available at over 55 airports, sports stadiums, and arenas. Clear costs $189 per year and does not require a background check, but members must be US citizens or legal residents aged 18 or over.

While both services reduce the time spent in airport security lines, they work in different ways. TSA PreCheck offers shorter security lines and less strict security surveillance, whereas Clear allows members to skip the security line entirely by verifying their identity through a biometric scan. TSA PreCheck is more widely available and is more affordable, costing $78 for five years compared to Clear's $189 annual fee. However, Clear can be useful for frequent flyers as it can speed up the process of getting through security, especially at busy airports or during peak times.

Both services can be used together, and some credit cards offer reimbursements for the application fees of one or both programs. When deciding between the two, consider your travel habits, budget, and how much value you place on saving time at the airport.

Clear's identity verification process

CLEAR is a privately owned company that uses biometrics to verify your identity at the airport. Instead of showing your documents to a TSA agent, your identity is verified by your eyes or fingerprints in a kiosk. This way, you can skip the document verification line and go straight to the security screening.

Once you have provided this information, you will need to attach your biometrics to your CLEAR profile. This includes a fingerprint and a picture of your irises. After capturing your biometrics, you will be asked a few simple questions to verify your identity. The entire enrolment process takes about five minutes, assuming there is no line.

After enrolling, you can use CLEAR to verify your identity at the airport. Simply go to a CLEAR kiosk and submit to biometric authentication, either a fingerprint or iris scan. After your identity is verified, a CLEAR representative will escort you to the security screening area, bypassing the line.

CLEAR is currently available at over 50 airports across the United States. It is also available at select stadiums and arenas for expedited entry to sports and entertainment events.

Clear's membership process

CLEAR is a membership program that allows its members to quickly verify their identities at biometric security kiosks. The paid membership CLEAR Plus is required for use at airports, while membership is free for those who only use it to enter partner stadiums and arenas. CLEAR meets the TSA baseline for security and privacy controls and has been certified as a "qualified anti-terrorism technology" by the Department of Homeland Security.

CLEAR Membership Process

CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks rather than waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport. CLEAR uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate most users' identity verification step in the US Transportation Security Administration screening process.

To enrol in CLEAR, you must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident aged 18 or over. You must also have one of the following forms of photo identification: a US driver's license, a US passport, a US passport card, a US-issued permanent resident card, a state-issued ID, or a US military ID.

You can start the enrolment process online, but you will still have to finish setup at an airport kiosk. CLEAR Plus membership costs $199 per year. However, some credit cards offer cardholders free membership to CLEAR Plus by giving you a $199 statement credit per year. Members of Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus are also eligible for discounted or free CLEAR memberships.

Clear's cost

Clears Cost

CLEAR Plus membership costs $199 per year for individuals, with family memberships costing $199 a year plus $119 per person for up to three adults. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when travelling with a Clear Plus member.

However, there are a number of ways to get Clear Plus membership at a discounted rate or for free.

Credit Card Discounts

The following credit cards will reimburse you for up to $199 per year in Clear Plus membership costs:

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

Additionally, members of Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus are eligible for discounted or free Clear Plus memberships.

Airline Discounts

Clear has partnered with select airlines to offer the following special membership rates for their members:

• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360 members: complimentary membership
• Delta Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members: $149 annually
• Delta SkyMiles credit card members: $149 annually
• General SkyMiles members: $179 annually
• United Global Services and Premier 1K members: complimentary membership
• United Platinum, Gold and Silver members: $149 annually
• United Airlines credit card members: $149 annually
• General United MileagePlus members: $179 annually
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will receive 1,500 bonus miles when they sign up for Clear, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew
• General Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members: $179 annually

Referrals and Trials

Clear members who refer friends to the program receive two months of free membership apiece. You can also access a two-month trial through this link.

Clear's advantages and disadvantages

CLEAR is a privately owned company that uses biometrics to verify your identity at the airport. It is available at more than 55 airports, as well as stadiums and arenas across the U.S. CLEAR has several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• It saves time by automating the identity verification process and taking you to the front of the TSA line.
• It is available at select sports stadiums and entertainment venues, in addition to airports.
• It works with any airline carrier.
• It offers a free sports and events pass through its app that helps shorten the time it takes to enter sports and entertainment venues.
• It offers a family membership option.
• It is complimentary for United Premier 1K or Delta Diamond Medallion members.
• It can be reimbursed by certain credit cards.

Disadvantages

• It is more expensive than TSA PreCheck, costing $199 per year for an individual membership.
• It is not available at all U.S. airports.
• It does not include the membership features of TSA PreCheck.
• It is only available during certain hours and may not be open when you fly.

Frequently asked questions