Airports: What's Needed To Get Through Security

what is clear at an airport

CLEAR is a private subscription service that utilizes biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves at airports in just a few seconds. The service is available at 74 airports and 17 arenas and stadiums in the US. CLEAR Plus is a paid service that costs $199 per year and is available at select airports. It allows members to skip long lines and save time at the airport. However, it is important to note that CLEAR Plus is separate from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and members will still be subject to normal screening procedures.

Characteristics Values
Company Name CLEAR
Service Type Identity verification platform
Service Features Skipping long lines at airports, stadiums, arenas, etc.
Service Mechanism Biometric scanning technology
Biometric Data Used Fingerprints, eyes
Number of Users 25 million
Number of Locations 91 (74 airports, 17 arenas/stadiums)
Service Cost $199 per year
Discounted Membership Delta SkyMiles members
Membership Benefits Expedited security checks, no need for physical IDs
Membership Drawbacks Not available at all airports, slower processing at times

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CLEAR is a subscription service that stores a user's biometric data

CLEAR is a subscription service that uses biometric data to verify a user's identity at security checkpoints in airports, stadiums, and other locations. The service aims to provide a faster and more seamless experience for travellers by allowing them to bypass the regular TSA lines. CLEAR currently has over 25 million users and is available across 91 locations in the United States, including 74 airports and 17 arenas and stadiums.

Users can sign up for CLEAR online or at a CLEAR kiosk at the airport. The service requires users to submit their biometric data, including fingerprints and eye scans, which is then stored in the CLEAR system for the duration of their membership. This biometric data is used to verify the user's identity and their boarding documents, allowing them to skip the traditional ID verification process at security checkpoints.

CLEAR offers both a free service and a paid subscription called CLEAR Plus. The free service is available at select stadiums and arenas and allows users to verify their identity using the CLEAR app. This can be useful for gaining entry to events, verifying one's identity online, or skipping the counter when picking up a rental car.

CLEAR Plus is a paid subscription that offers expedited security screening at airports. For an annual fee of $199, members can use dedicated CLEAR lanes at participating airports, where they can verify their identity using their biometric data. CLEAR Plus does not include TSA PreCheck, but members can bundle it with their membership for an additional cost. It's important to note that CLEAR Plus is primarily a line-jumping service, and members are still subject to random ID checks and standard screening procedures.

While CLEAR can provide significant time savings at airports with long security lines, some users have reported that it can sometimes be slower, especially when the regular lines are not congested. Additionally, CLEAR is not available at every airport, and its usefulness may depend on individual travel patterns. Overall, CLEAR is a subscription service that stores a user's biometric data to offer faster and more convenient identity verification at various locations, including airports.

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CLEAR Plus is a separate product from TSA PreCheck

CLEAR is an identity verification platform that allows users to skip long lines at airports, stadiums, and other venues that require security checks. CLEAR uses biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans, to verify a user's identity. CLEAR is currently only available at a few dozen domestic airports in the United States.

TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, is a U.S. government program administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is designed to identify travellers deemed low-risk and allow them to undergo expedited security screening at airports nationwide. TSA PreCheck members can enjoy shorter lines and less strict screening requirements, such as not having to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets during the security process.

CLEAR Plus is a premium service offered by CLEAR that provides an even faster identity verification experience at select airports. With CLEAR Plus, members can step up to a CLEAR Pod and quickly verify their identity using their eyes or fingerprints.

While CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are separate products, they can complement each other to provide travellers with the quickest route through airport security. CLEAR Plus members who also have TSA PreCheck can take advantage of the expedited security screening offered by both programs. This combination can be especially beneficial for frequent travellers who value their time and convenience when navigating through airports.

It is important to note that CLEAR and TSA PreCheck have different enrolment processes. For TSA PreCheck, travellers need to apply online and complete the process at a participating airport or enrolment centre. In contrast, CLEAR membership can be obtained online or at select airport kiosks by presenting valid government-issued identification. Additionally, TSA PreCheck is more widely available than CLEAR, as it is accepted at airports nationwide, whereas CLEAR is currently limited to a few dozen locations.

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CLEAR Plus costs $199 per year

CLEAR is an identity verification platform that allows members to skip long security lines at select US airports. CLEAR uses biometric data, such as fingerprints or eye scans, to verify the identity of its members, allowing them to proceed directly to the physical screening process without having to present traditional ID documents.

CLEAR Plus is the flagship program of CLEAR and typically costs $199 per year. However, the price of CLEAR Plus membership is not the same for everyone. Discount programs, certain credit cards, and airline loyalty programs offer discounts and complimentary memberships. For example, Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles program members can enroll in CLEAR Plus for $189 per year, while SkyMiles members who have achieved Medallion Status pay even less, with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers paying $159 per year and Diamond Medallion passengers and Delta 360-degree members enrolling for free. Similarly, CLEAR Plus offers a $189 yearly rate to members of United Airlines' frequent flyer rewards program, MileagePlus, while premier members at the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers pay $159 per year. Enrollment is free for Premier 1K and Global Services members. Eligible cardholders of United's co-branded credit cards can also enjoy the $159 rate. American Express cardholders may also find discounted rates, with The Platinum Card from American Express offering a $199 statement credit on CLEAR Plus membership.

CLEAR Plus members can also receive discounts for additional accounts when adding up to three friends or family members to their account for $119 each per year. Family members under 18 can travel with an enrolled adult for free. CLEAR Plus can be bundled with TSA PreCheck, which offers a faster line and quicker passage through the physical screening process, for a total cost of $199.95.

CLEAR Plus is a for-profit business, and its pricing reflects this, with government-run programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS charging $120 or less for five years of enrollment. However, CLEAR Plus can be worth the cost for frequent travelers who value the convenience of skipping long security lines. On the other hand, some travelers have found CLEAR to be slower than the regular lines, especially when the lines are not long. Additionally, CLEAR is not available at every airport, so it is important to consider the availability at your home airport and preferred terminal before enrolling.

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CLEAR Plus members use designated security lanes

CLEAR is a private subscription service that utilizes biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds. This is done through the scan of a finger or an eye. CLEAR helps travellers skip tedious airport security and identification procedures and the lines leading up to them. CLEAR is available at select airports and stadiums.

CLEAR Plus is a paid service that is currently available at select US airports. It costs $199 per year and is open to US citizens and permanent residents aged 18 or older. CLEAR Plus members use designated security lanes at their designated checkpoints. However, it's important to note that CLEAR Plus is different from TSA PreCheck, and members will still be subject to normal screening procedures. CLEAR Plus only covers the ID check portion of the screening process.

CLEAR Plus can be purchased at a discounted rate if you are a government employee or have a loyalty account with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta Air Lines. Delta SkyMiles members are also eligible for discounted CLEAR Plus rates. The application process for CLEAR Plus is simple and can be completed in minutes, either at the airport or online. Online enrolments require a few minutes at the airport to collect biometric data, which is then stored in CLEAR's systems for the duration of the membership.

CLEAR Plus is a valuable time-saving service for travellers, especially at airports with notoriously long security lines. It allows members to bypass the regular TSA lines and expedite their security checks. However, some users have reported that the processing time with CLEAR can sometimes be longer than the standard TSA ID check, and members are still subject to random ID checks. Additionally, CLEAR Plus does not include TSA PreCheck, which offers separate lanes and less restrictive screening procedures.

Overall, CLEAR Plus provides designated security lanes for its members, offering expedited identification verification through biometrics. While it helps speed up the airport security process, it may not always result in shorter wait times, especially when the regular lines are relatively short.

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CLEAR is available at 74 airports in the US

CLEAR is a company that offers an identity verification service, using biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in seconds using a scan of their finger or eye. The service is available at 74 airports in the US, as well as 17 arenas and stadiums.

CLEAR is a subscription service that stores a user's biometric data. It can verify a user's identity and their boarding documents, allowing them to bypass the regular TSA lines. The service is not free at airports, with an individual CLEAR Plus membership costing $199 a year. However, CLEAR is free to use at stadiums and arenas.

CLEAR is a private subscription service, and it operates dedicated lanes for travellers at security checkpoints, saving time for those at airports with long security lines. It is a separate product from TSA PreCheck, and the two can be used together or separately. CLEAR Plus members use designated security lanes, but it is important to note whether the checkpoint is solely designated for TSA PreCheck. CLEAR covers only the ID check portion of the screening process, and members without TSA PreCheck will be subject to normal screening procedures.

CLEAR is available at the following US airports:

  • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
  • Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Providence Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
  • St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
  • San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport (SJC)
  • San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

Frequently asked questions

CLEAR is a private subscription service that uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in seconds using a scan of their finger or eye. It is available at select airports, arenas, and stadiums.

CLEAR Plus costs $199 per year for an individual membership. You can add up to three additional family members or friends to your membership for $119 more per person per year.

CLEAR is a private company that performs the ID verification portion of the security screening process, allowing for expedited processing. TSA PreCheck is a government program that offers expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the US. It is less invasive than standard security screenings, and members do not need to remove their shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop, or TSA-approved liquids.

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