Airport Security: What Can You Bring?

Clear is a private company that offers a membership program to speed up the identity verification process at select airports, stadiums, and arenas. Members can quickly verify their identities at biometric security kiosks and skip the line for security checks. 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 is available at more than 50 airports and select sports venues across the U.S. The membership costs $199 per year for individuals and $199 a year plus $119 per person for families.

Clear is a private company, not a government program

Clear is a private company that offers a platform to streamline the customer identity verification process. Its free mobile app can be used to enter select stadiums and arenas, while its chief program CLEAR® Plus is a consumer aviation subscription service. Clear is not a government program. It is a for-profit company that charges $199 per year for its services.

CLEAR Plus, commonly known as CLEAR, uses biometric data to confirm your identity and expedite the airport security screening process at more than 50 airports. The membership is currently only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID.

CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to provide a touchless, ID-less airport security screening that bypasses the initial document check by TSA agents. Members can walk through the dedicated CLEAR lane, step up to the pod, scan their boarding pass, verify their identity with their eyes or a fingerprint, and be escorted to physical screening.

Enrolling in CLEAR® Plus is simple and can be done online by answering a few quick questions or in person at any CLEAR airport location. If you begin online, you’ll need to complete your enrollment process in person on your next visit to a CLEAR airport location. Although no reservation is required, confirm the CLEAR-eligible terminals and enrollment hours, as they vary by airport.

CLEAR is distinct from TSA PreCheck, which is a U.S. government program that identifies travelers deemed low-risk through a security threat assessment. TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports nationwide, while CLEAR is only available at about a quarter of those locations. However, the two programs can and should be used together when possible to expedite the airport security process.

Clear costs $199 per year

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 Plus costs $199 per year for individuals ($199 a year for families plus $119 per person), and this fee is billed upfront.

Clear Plus members can use the Clear lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process instead of waiting in line for a TSA representative to check their boarding pass and photo ID. After getting through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador escorts the member directly to the next stage of the screening process so that they can complete physical and luggage scanning.

Clear Plus is more expensive than TSA PreCheck, with individual membership costing $199 per year, while a TSA PreCheck membership costs $77.95 for five years. However, Clear Plus can be bundled with TSA PreCheck for a discounted rate of $199.95 for the first year.

While Clear is only available at a few dozen airports, it can also be used at select sports stadiums and entertainment venues across the U.S. Members can add up to three family members to their account for an additional $60 per person, but family members under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when travelling with a Clear Plus member.

Clear offers discounted enrollment for several groups, including active-duty military and veterans, and federal, state, and local government employees. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can also receive discounted or complimentary Clear memberships depending on their status.

Many credit cards also offer statement credits or reimbursements that cover the cost of Clear Plus membership.

Clear is available at more than 50 airports

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 is currently available at more than 50 airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Madison Square Garden, Westchester County Airport, Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field.

Clear Plus passengers can use the Clear lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process instead of waiting in line for a TSA representative to check their boarding pass and photo ID. After getting through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador escorts you directly to the next stage of the screening process so that you can complete the physical and luggage scanning.

The Clear application process is simple and can be done online or at any of the more than 50 Clear airport locations. You don't need an appointment, but you do need to bring a photo ID that matches the name on your application and be prepared to share your biometric information.

Clear Plus costs $199 per year for individuals and $199 a year plus $119 per person for families. While this may seem expensive, many credit cards offer statement credits or reimbursements that can help offset the cost. Additionally, members of Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus are eligible for discounted or free Clear memberships.

Clear provides a valuable service for frequent travellers, helping to streamline the airport security process and make travel more efficient and enjoyable.

Clear uses biometric data to confirm your identity

The Clear application process is simple. You can enrol online by answering a few quick questions or in person at any Clear airport location. If you begin online, you will need to complete your enrolment process in person on your next visit to a Clear airport location. Although no reservation is required, confirm the Clear-eligible terminals and enrolment hours, as they vary by airport. Once there, a Clear ambassador will help you get set up at a Clear pod by adding your eyes or fingerprint to your secure profile.

Clear is a private company, and its membership costs $199 per year for individuals ($199 a year for families plus $119 per person). Clear is also available for use at select sports stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the U.S.

Clear members still have to go through regular security screening

Clear is a private company that offers a membership program to speed up the identity verification process at select airports, stadiums, and arenas. Clear members can use biometric security kiosks to quickly verify their identities. However, it is important to note that Clear members still have to go through regular security screening. They do not bypass security altogether but rather skip the line and go through an expedited identity verification process.

Clear members can approach a Clear kiosk, where their ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. Once their identity is confirmed, a Clear agent escorts them directly to the front of the security line for physical and luggage screening. This means that Clear members still need to undergo the same security checks as other travellers, including removing their shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear.

While Clear expedites the initial identity verification process, it does not replace the regular security screening. Clear members still need to comply with the standard security measures and protocols implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This includes removing certain items, such as shoes and jackets, and complying with any additional checks or screenings deemed necessary by the TSA officers.

Therefore, Clear members still have to go through regular security screening. The main benefit of Clear is the time savings by avoiding the queue and receiving expedited identity verification. However, members still undergo the same security measures and checks as non-Clear travellers to ensure compliance with airport security regulations.

Frequently asked questions