Jazmin Li
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are both services that aim to expedite the airport security process. TSA PreCheck is a service provided by the Transportation Security Administration, which allows eligible travellers to pass through security without following certain protocols, such as removing shoes and electronics. CLEAR, on the other hand, focuses on expediting the identity verification process at the airport. Instead of manually checking documents, CLEAR uses biometric data to identify travellers, allowing them to bypass long security queues. Both services have their own advantages and are available at select airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | Make security at the airport less cumbersome |
| Availability | Only available at a few dozen domestic airports |
| Application process | Online application and in-person biometric scan |
| Cost | $199 for an annual membership |
| Benefits | Faster ID check screening at airports, expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status |
| Comparison with TSA PreCheck | TSA PreCheck is less expensive, available at more airports, and backed by the federal government |
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What You'll Learn
Clear vs TSA PreCheck
CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck® are two different services that can be used separately or together for a faster airport security experience.
CLEAR+ is an opt-in service owned by a private company that provides travellers with a faster, easier airport security experience. It expedites the identity verification process at the checkpoint. CLEAR+ members verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod using their face or fingerprints and are then escorted to the front of the TSA screening lane. CLEAR+ costs $199 per year.
TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screening at U.S. airports nationwide without needing to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck® costs $77.95 for five years when applying through Clear.
Both services can be purchased as a bundle at some airports for a total of $199, including five years of TSA PreCheck® and one year of CLEAR+.
While both services aim to improve the airport experience, they are not available at every airport. Therefore, frequent travellers may benefit from having memberships to both services to increase the odds of faster and smoother airport experiences.
Some people prefer TSA PreCheck® because it is harder to get, which means there are generally smaller numbers of people using it. Additionally, TSA PreCheck® is available at more airports than CLEAR+. However, CLEAR+ may be a good option for those who want to skip the security line completely, as it allows travellers to bypass the queue and go directly to a CLEAR kiosk for identity verification.
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Clear Plus membership
Clear Plus members can save an average of 4 hours per year. Clear Plus is available at over 50 airports, and members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional fee. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free if they are travelling with a Clear member.
The standard price for an annual Clear membership is $199, but there are various ways to get a discounted or free membership. For example, Delta Diamond Medallion and United Premier 1K members get a free Clear membership. MileagePlus members get a discounted rate of $189, while Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members, as well as United credit card members, get a $40 discount. Delta SkyMiles members also get a discounted rate of $189, while Delta Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members get a $40 discount.
In addition, Clear offers a bundle with TSA PreCheck for a total cost of $199.95, which includes 5 years of TSA PreCheck and 1 year of Clear Plus for as low as $121.05, saving up to $77.95 on the first year of Clear Plus membership. Certain credit cards also offer statement credits that can be used to offset the cost of Clear membership.
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Clear application process
Clear is a service that allows members to speed up the first half of the airport security process, including ID checks, by using biometric data to identify travellers. Clear is also available at other venues that require security checks, like stadiums.
The Clear application process is simple and similar to the TSA PreCheck application process. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident, be 18 or older, and have a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a US driver's license, US passport, or US state-issued ID.
You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk. After applying online and receiving conditional approval, you must visit an enrollment centre for a brief interview. Alternatively, you can skip the enrollment centre and complete your application at a Clear kiosk in an airport that supports this service. The final application step involves scanning your approved documents and biometrics and answering a few security questions.
The Clear application process can be bundled with TSA PreCheck for a total cost of $199.95, which effectively gets you your first year of Clear for only $122. TSA PreCheck is a US government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once approved, travellers can pass through expedited security screenings at US airports without needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
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Clear costs
Clear is a service that allows members to skip the security line at the airport. Instead of waiting in line, members approach a Clear kiosk where their ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. Once cleared, a Clear agent escorts the member directly to the security lane.
If you apply for Clear as a bundle with TSA PreCheck, the total cost is $199.95, but you can effectively get your first year of Clear for only $122.
There are several credit cards that will reimburse you if you pay for Clear membership with the card. This includes The Platinum Card from American Express, the American Express Green Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and The Business Platinum Card from American Express. Each offers a statement credit of up to $199 per year for purchasing Clear access.
Additionally, Clear Plus members get access to exclusive offers and benefits, such as expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, and complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program.
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Clear availability
Clear is an expedited security program that is currently available at 58 U.S. airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues. It uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the identity verification step in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process. Clear members use a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, bypassing the line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport.
Clear is not available at every airport, so it is worth checking its availability at your desired airport before purchasing a membership. Clear is currently available at the following airports:
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- William P. Hobby Airport
Clear can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, which is available at more airports nationwide. TSA PreCheck allows members to keep their shoes on and keep laptops and approved liquids in their carry-on during the security process. While Clear speeds up the first half of the airport security process, TSA PreCheck provides expedited access to the physical and luggage screening.
Clear costs $199 for an annual membership, with the option to add up to three family members for an additional $60 per person. Children under 18 can use a Clear lane for free if they are travelling with a Clear member. Some credit cards, such as the American Express® Green Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, offer up to $199 in Clear statement credits each year.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is an airport membership service that provides a quicker airport identity verification process. Clear members use a faster line to scan their fingerprints or eyes before moving directly to the security lane.
Clear costs $199 for an annual membership. Members can add up to three family members for an additional $60 per person.
To sign up for Clear, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and be at least 18 years old. You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification.
TSA PreCheck is a program managed by the Transportation Security Administration that is available to low-risk travellers who undergo an advance screening process. Clear offers a faster identity check, while TSA PreCheck offers a faster physical check.
