Lois Larson
Clear is an expedited security program that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in seconds, with a scan of a finger or an eye. Clear Plus members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, bypassing the need to wait in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport. Clear is available at over 55 airports, with more than 17 million members nationwide. The service costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer a discounted rate. Clear Plus members also get access to exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of users | Over 17 million members nationwide |
| Number of locations | 91 locations in the U.S. (including 55-58 airports) |
| Cost | $199.95 annually (discounted rates available) |
| Verification process | Biometrics (fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition) |
| Lane type | Separate security lane with dedicated kiosks |
| TSA PreCheck® | Rebate of up to $77.95 on CLEAR Plus Membership |
| TSA PreCheck® enrollment | No appointment necessary |
| TSA PreCheck® benefits | No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets |
| Additional benefits | Expedited passport services, easier luggage shipment, airport concierge service |
| Reserve Powered by Clear | Free service to book a spot in the security line for up to 10 people |
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What You'll Learn
How Clear works
Clear is an expedited security program that replaces the need for a physical ID with biometric identification. This includes fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition. 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 is available at over 55 airports, with more than 17 million members nationwide. Clear Plus is available at 58 U.S. airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues. Clear Plus costs $199 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate. Delta SkyMiles members are eligible for discounted Clear Plus rates, and some Delta membership tiers receive complimentary access.
Clear members can also add up to three additional family members or friends to their membership for $119 more per person per year. Those under the age of 18 can enter the Clear lane with a member free of charge. Clear also offers a free service called Reserve Powered by Clear, which allows users to book a spot in the security line for up to 10 people, as long as they arrive at the same time. This service is available at 17 international and domestic airports.
Clear provides additional benefits beyond expedited security, including exclusive travel perks such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. Clear also offers an app-based lane at select airports, allowing members to track their flights and know exactly when to leave for the airport.
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Clear Plus membership
Clear is a private biometric screening company that offers a paid membership service called Clear Plus, allowing members to bypass physical identity checks at airports, stadiums, and other locations. Clear Plus members can speed through airport security using designated Clear Plus Lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members verify their identity at a Clear Pod before flying, saving time at the airport.
Clear Plus is available at various airports across the United States, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The service is also available at select stadiums and arenas, with ongoing expansions to new locations.
The standard annual membership for Clear Plus typically costs $199. However, Clear offers discounted rates through partnerships with certain airline loyalty programs and credit cards. For example, Delta SkyMiles members and United MileagePlus members can enjoy discounted rates or even complimentary access based on their elite status levels.
In addition to the standard Clear Plus membership, Clear offers a bundle option with TSA PreCheck for a combined total of $199 in the first year. This bundle provides additional benefits at airport security, allowing members to keep their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets on during screening.
Clear Plus members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional $119 each per year. Family members under 18 years old can accompany a member through the Clear Lane for free.
Overall, Clear Plus provides a convenient and efficient way for travellers to speed through airport security and save time during their journeys.
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Clear's benefits
CLEAR is an expedited security program that helps travellers enjoy a more convenient journey through the airport. It is a secure identity platform that uses member data, including fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition scans, to automate the identity verification process in the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process.
CLEAR offers several benefits to its members, making it a valuable service for frequent travellers. Here are some key advantages:
Time Savings
CLEAR significantly reduces wait times at airport security. Members can verify their identities in seconds by scanning their biometrics at dedicated CLEAR kiosks, bypassing the need to wait in line for a TSA agent to manually review their documents. This streamlined process can save valuable time, especially when combined with TSA PreCheck, allowing travellers to arrive at the airport closer to their flight departure time.
Predictable Security
CLEAR provides more predictable security clearance, as members are not randomly excluded from the CLEAR lane like TSA PreCheck members can be from the standard security line. This predictability enhances overall travel experience, reducing stress and uncertainty.
Convenience and Efficiency
CLEAR's identity verification process is highly efficient, eliminating the need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets at security checkpoints. This convenience extends beyond airport security, as CLEAR+ members gain access to exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment.
Stress-Free Experience
CLEAR aims to minimise travel-related stress by offering a range of services. CLEAR Scout assists in recovering forgotten items at the airport, while CLEAR Concierge provides a personal guide service from curb to gate at select airports. Additionally, CLEAR's Sports & Events access offers expedited entry to participating stadiums and venues, further enhancing the overall experience.
Cost Savings
While CLEAR+ membership comes at an annual cost, it can be discounted or complimentary for certain credit cardholders and loyalty program members. Additionally, CLEAR helps save money through its family plan, allowing members to add up to three people to their account for a reduced fee.
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Clear's drawbacks
While CLEAR can speed up the airport security process, there are some drawbacks to the service. Firstly, it is a paid service with an annual membership fee of $199, although this can be discounted or covered by certain credit cards or memberships. Additionally, CLEAR is currently only available at select airports and stadiums, so members may not always be able to utilise the service depending on their location.
Another drawback is that CLEAR does not automatically confer TSA PreCheck status, which means members may still need to go through the standard TSA security line on occasion. Furthermore, CLEAR is restricted to certain hours and may not always be available during a traveller's flight time. While CLEAR can speed up the identity verification process, members still need to go through the regular security screening, which can still be time-consuming.
In addition, the CLEAR membership is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over the age of 18, which limits its accessibility for international travellers. Lastly, the use of biometrics for identity verification raises potential privacy and security concerns, particularly regarding the storage and protection of members' personal data.
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Clear's availability
Clear is an expedited security program that is currently available at 55 to 58 U.S. airports, as well as 17 stadiums and other large venues, with more than 17 million members nationwide. Clear 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 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 Plus is an annual membership that gives members expedited entry at airport security in select airports. It is currently available at 58 U.S. airports and 17 stadiums and other large venues. Clear Plus costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the entire cost or offer a discounted rate. Military service members and government employees are also eligible for discounted rates.
Clear Plus members can add access for up to three additional family members or friends to their membership for $119 more per person per year. Delta SkyMiles members are eligible for discounted Clear Plus rates, with Diamond Medallion and Delta 360° members receiving complimentary access. Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members, as well as eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders, can purchase an annual membership for $40 less. General SkyMiles members can save $10, while United Premier 1K and Global Services members receive complimentary access. Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, as well as those with certain United co-branded credit cards, can save $40 per year.
Clear also offers a free service called Reserve Powered by Clear, which allows individuals to book a spot in the security line for up to 10 people as long as they arrive at the same time. This service is available at 17 international and domestic airports but does not allow access to the Clear Plus lane.
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Frequently asked questions
CLEAR is an expedited security program that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds.
CLEAR costs \$199 per year, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.
CLEAR is currently available at 58 U.S. airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues.
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 reduces airport security wait times by automating the identity verification process and allowing users to skip to the front of the TSA line.
