
Clear is an identity verification platform that expedites the airport security process for its members. Clear members can skip the security line by verifying their identity at a Clear kiosk using biometric technology. Once cleared, a Clear agent will escort them to the front of the security lane. Clear is only available at select domestic airports and other venues such as stadiums. It is owned by a private company and does not include the membership features of the government-run TSA PreCheck program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To skip long security lines at the airport |
| How it works | Members verify their identity at a Clear kiosk using biometric technology and are then escorted to the front of the security line |
| Availability | Only available at a few dozen domestic airports |
| Cost | $199 per year |
| Application process | Apply online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification |
| Comparison to TSA PreCheck | Clear allows members to skip the security line completely, while TSA PreCheck offers expedited security wait times and less strict screening requirements |
| Perks | Includes complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program |
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What You'll Learn
- Clear is a paid service that allows members to skip security lines at select airports
- Clear uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity at a Clear kiosk
- Clear members can also skip lines at other venues with security checks, like stadiums
- Clear membership does not include the benefits of TSA PreCheck membership
- Clear is owned by a private company, while TSA PreCheck is a government program

Clear is a paid service that allows members to skip security lines at select airports
Clear is a paid subscription service that allows its members to skip security lines at select airports. It is a private company that uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity through fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition. Once verified, a Clear agent will escort the user to the front of the security line. This service is particularly useful for those who frequently travel and want to expedite the security process.
While Clear does not offer the same benefits as TSA PreCheck, such as less strict screening requirements, it can be used in conjunction with PreCheck to further speed up the security process. With Clear, members can avoid the sometimes long PreCheck lines and proceed directly to the screening portion of security. This combination of Clear and PreCheck can be especially advantageous for travellers looking to save time at the airport.
Clear is currently only available at a few dozen domestic airports in the United States, and users should check the availability at their desired locations before subscribing. Additionally, Clear can be used at other venues with security checks, such as stadiums, providing faster entry for members. Clear also offers perks such as complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status, which includes benefits like car upgrades, bonus points on rentals, and exclusive promotional discounts.
The cost of Clear is $199 per year, and it can be applied for online or at an airport Clear kiosk with valid government-issued identification. For frequent travellers, Clear can be a valuable investment, providing a faster and more seamless airport experience. However, some users have noted that the separate Clear line can sometimes slow down the regular security process for non-members, causing confusion and delays. As such, the service has received some criticism for creating a "FastPass" or "rich people" lane at airports.
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Clear uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity at a Clear kiosk
CLEAR is a private company that offers an identity verification platform to help users skip long lines at security checkpoints in airports, stadiums, and other venues. The service uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity at a CLEAR kiosk, allowing them to bypass the regular security lines.
Biometric technology verifies a user's identity by scanning unique biological characteristics, such as their eyes, fingers, or face. CLEAR members can scan their fingerprints or irises before proceeding to the security lane. This biometric data is collected during the enrollment process, along with a photo of the user's face and a cryptographic representation of their fingerprint and iris scans.
During the identity verification process, CLEAR may perform checks to confirm that the user is who they say they are and that the information provided is accurate. This includes matching the picture on the user's ID to a selfie, assessing device fraud risk, and ensuring that the user's information does not appear on any sanctions lists. CLEAR may also share these verification details with partners to provide a seamless experience for users accessing partner services.
CLEAR's use of biometric technology provides a faster and more convenient way for members to verify their identity and access exclusive services. The company prioritizes safety and transparency, pledging to protect users' personal information and never sell their data. Additionally, CLEAR offers the option to delete all user data, including biometrics, upon request if a user chooses to discontinue their services.
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Clear members can also skip lines at other venues with security checks, like stadiums
Clear is an identity verification platform that uses biometric technology to allow members to skip security lines at airports and other venues with security checks, such as stadiums.
At the airport, Clear members can skip the regular security line by approaching a Clear kiosk, where their ID and boarding pass are verified using fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition technology. A Clear agent then escorts the member directly to the front of the security lane. This can be especially useful when the TSA PreCheck line is long, as Clear members can bypass that line and proceed directly to the screening portion of security. It is important to note that Clear does not offer any of the relaxed security benefits of TSA PreCheck, such as keeping on your shoes or only going through a metal detector. Additionally, Clear is only available at a few dozen domestic airports in the United States.
Clear can also be used at other venues with security checks, such as stadiums. This allows members to skip the lines and get to their seats faster. Clear is continuously expanding to new venues and aims to become a universal identity verification platform. For example, Clear members can enjoy complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with the Avis loyalty program, offering benefits such as car rental upgrades, bonus points, and exclusive promotional discounts.
While Clear can save time in long lines, some users have noted that it can be slower when the regular lines are short. Additionally, the separate Clear line can sometimes slow down the process for non-Clear members. The cost of Clear is also a factor to consider, as it is a paid service with an annual membership fee of $199. However, some people may receive Clear for free through certain promotions or partnerships, such as with Delta's Diamond program.
In conclusion, Clear is a useful service for members looking to expedite their security screening process at airports and other venues with security checks, like stadiums. It offers a faster and more convenient experience, especially when combined with TSA PreCheck. However, it is essential to consider the cost, availability, and potential impact on non-Clear members when deciding whether to enroll in the program.
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Clear membership does not include the benefits of TSA PreCheck membership
Clear is a private company that offers an identity verification platform to help users skip long lines at airports and other venues with security checks, like stadiums. Clear members use a faster line to scan their fingerprint or iris and move directly to the security lane. However, Clear membership does not include the benefits of TSA PreCheck membership.
TSA PreCheck is a government program that allows travellers to go through a shorter security line and less strict screening requirements. For example, travellers with TSA PreCheck do not need to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops. In contrast, Clear members must still remove their shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear during the screening process. While Clear allows users to skip the general security line by verifying their ID and boarding pass through biometric technology, it does not offer the same expedited screening benefits as TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck is available at more airports than Clear, which is currently only offered at a few dozen domestic airports. This means that travellers with Clear membership may find that they do not have access to expedited security lanes at all their departure airports. In contrast, TSA PreCheck is widely available and provides a more consistent experience for travellers.
Additionally, TSA PreCheck has a longer validity period than Clear. TSA PreCheck membership costs $77.95 for five years, while Clear membership costs $199 per year. When applying for both as a bundle, the package costs $199, but the Clear membership still only lasts for one year. This means that travellers who opt for the bundle will need to renew their Clear membership annually, while their TSA PreCheck membership remains valid for five years.
In summary, while Clear can help travellers skip the general security line at select airports, it does not provide the same benefits as TSA PreCheck in terms of expedited screening and reduced removal of items during security checks. TSA PreCheck is a more widely available and cost-effective option, offering travellers a faster and less strict security experience at a greater number of airports.
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Clear is owned by a private company, while TSA PreCheck is a government program
Clear and TSA PreCheck are both services that aim to improve travellers' experiences by reducing wait times at security checks. While TSA PreCheck is a government program, Clear is owned by a private company.
TSA PreCheck is a program by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that identifies travellers deemed low-risk. Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at US airports without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets. It costs $77.95 for five years and is available at over 200 airports nationwide.
On the other hand, Clear is a private company that offers an identity verification platform to make experiences safer and easier, both physically and digitally. Clear members can skip the security line completely by verifying their identity through biometric technology at Clear kiosks. A Clear agent then escorts them to the front of the security line. Clear costs $199 per year and is currently only available at a few dozen domestic airports and select venues like stadiums.
Both services are complementary to each other, and many travellers find it beneficial to have memberships to both. This is because Clear is not available at all airports, and without TSA PreCheck, Clear members still have to comply with standard security protocols like removing shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear. However, Clear can further expedite the process for those with TSA PreCheck by allowing them to skip the occasionally long TSA PreCheck lane.
To cater to this, Clear and TSA PreCheck can be purchased as a bundle at certain airports, with Clear membership for one year and TSA PreCheck for five years, all for $199.
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Frequently asked questions
CLEAR is an identity verification platform that allows users to skip long lines at security checkpoints in airports and other venues.
CLEAR members use a separate, faster line to scan their fingerprints or irises before moving directly to the security lane. At the CLEAR kiosk, their ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology.
CLEAR costs $199 per year. It can also be purchased as a bundle with TSA PreCheck for $199, with CLEAR membership lasting one year and PreCheck lasting five years.
CLEAR allows members to skip the security line at the airport completely and save time. It is also accepted at other venues with security checkpoints, such as stadiums, providing faster entry. Additionally, CLEAR membership includes complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with the Avis loyalty program, offering benefits such as car rental upgrades and bonus points.
TSA PreCheck is a government program that provides expedited security wait times and less strict screening requirements at a larger number of airports. CLEAR, on the other hand, is owned by a private company and is only available at a few dozen domestic airports. While CLEAR allows members to skip the security line entirely, it does not include the membership benefits of TSA PreCheck, and members must still follow standard screening procedures.











































