Ruth Haines
CLEAR is an airport security technology and membership program that expedites the identity verification process. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, where they verify their identity through biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) at a kiosk. This replaces the step of having a TSA agent inspect their IDs and check their boarding passes. CLEAR costs \$199 per year for individuals, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer discounted rates. CLEAR is available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck, but they can and should be used together to improve the odds of faster and smoother airport experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $199.95 annually |
| Availability | Available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck |
| Time | Saves valuable time by expediting the first layer of security screenings |
| Security | Automates the identity verification process |
| Biometric Security | Verifies identity through fingerprints or iris scans |
| TSA PreCheck | Can be purchased as a bundle with TSA PreCheck at some airports |
| Luggage | Offers expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment |
| App | Has an app-based lane now available at select airports |
| Sports | Allows users to skip the security line at select sports stadiums |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck vs Clear
TSA PreCheck and Clear are both services that aim to improve the airport security experience, but they are not the same. 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 screening at US airports without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
Clear, on the other hand, is an opt-in service owned by a private company. Clear members can skip the security line by verifying their identity at a Clear kiosk using biometric technology. A Clear agent then escorts them to the front of the TSA screening lane. Clear is not available at every airport.
Both services can improve the airport experience, and they can complement each other. Some people choose to purchase both, especially as some credit cards cover the cost of both. However, TSA PreCheck is generally considered harder to obtain, as it requires an advance screening process including a background check. Clear, on the other hand, can be obtained with a credit card.
TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years, whereas Clear costs $199 per year. When bundling the two services, the first year costs $199, which includes five years of TSA PreCheck and one year of Clear.
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Clear's identity verification
CLEAR is an airport security technology and membership program that expedites the identity verification process. It uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity, including fingerprint or iris scans, and is available at select airports, sports stadiums, and entertainment venues.
CLEAR members can skip the traditional security line and go directly to a CLEAR kiosk, where they complete identity verification by submitting to biometric authentication. This replaces the step of having a TSA agent inspect a government ID and check boarding passes. Once identity verification is complete, a CLEAR agent escorts the user to the front of the security line.
The CLEAR identity verification platform makes experiences safer and more efficient, both physically and digitally. It helps users bypass long lines and navigate busy airports more smoothly. CLEAR costs $199 annually for individuals and $199 for families plus $119 per person.
While CLEAR expedites the identity verification process, it does not automatically confer TSA PreCheck status, which is a separate program offered by the U.S. government. TSA PreCheck members can access expedited security lines and are not required to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops from their bags.
Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck can be used together to further enhance the airport experience and improve the odds of faster and smoother travel.
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Clear's cost and availability
CLEAR+ is a paid membership service that allows users to speed through airport security via designated CLEAR+ lanes. CLEAR+ members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod, where their identity is confirmed through biometric technology. Once identity verification is complete, a CLEAR agent will escort the member to the front of the security line. CLEAR+ is currently available at 74 airports across the United States.
The annual cost of CLEAR+ is $199. Members can also add up to three additional family members or friends to their account for $119 each. Children under 18 can join the primary member in the CLEAR+ lane for free. Military service members and government employees are eligible for CLEAR+ at a discounted rate.
CLEAR also offers a bundle that includes five years of TSA PreCheck and one year of CLEAR+ for $199.05. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration to pass through expedited security screening at U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck does not require travellers to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
CLEAR+ is available at select airports and stadiums. CLEAR is always expanding to new terminals and airports nationwide.
In addition to CLEAR+ and the CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck bundle, CLEAR offers a free service called Reserve Powered by CLEAR. This service allows users to book a spot in the security line for up to 10 people, as long as they arrive at the same time. Reserve Powered by CLEAR is available at 17 international and domestic airports.
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Clear's biometric security
CLEAR is an airport security technology and membership program that helps travellers save time at the airport. It is a private company that offers its services at select airports, sports stadiums, and entertainment venues.
CLEAR's identity verification platform makes experiences safer and more convenient, both physically and digitally. It automates the identity verification process, allowing users to skip the line and move directly to screening. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, where they verify their identity through biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or iris scan. This replaces the traditional method of having a TSA agent inspect government IDs and check boarding passes.
CLEAR costs $199 annually for individuals, and $199 for families plus $119 per person. While it is the most expensive option compared to other programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, there are ways to obtain a membership at a reduced rate or even for free. Some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer statement credits towards the membership fee. Additionally, CLEAR offers discounts through its frequent flyer programs and airline and travel credit cards.
CLEAR is not a replacement for TSA PreCheck, and they serve different purposes. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies low-risk travellers through a security threat assessment. It offers shorter lines and allows travellers to keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and liquids during screening. CLEAR, on the other hand, focuses on expediting the document and identity verification process and is not dependent on the airline or specific airports.
Using CLEAR and TSA PreCheck together can further enhance the airport experience, especially when navigating busy airports. CLEAR can be used to bypass the in-person document check, while TSA PreCheck allows travellers to skip the regular security screening. This combination ensures a more seamless and efficient journey through airport security.
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Clear's membership benefits
CLEAR is an airport security technology and membership program that helps travellers save time at the airport. It is a private company that offers its services at select airports, sports stadiums, and entertainment venues. CLEAR's identity verification platform makes experiences safer and more convenient, both physically and digitally.
CLEAR Membership Benefits:
- Expedited Airport Security: CLEAR members can bypass the identity verification process at the airport and go directly to screening. They use separate security lanes with dedicated kiosks, where their IDs and boarding passes are verified through biometric technology, including fingerprint or iris scans. This automated process allows members to skip long lines and move quickly through airport security.
- Time Savings: CLEAR significantly reduces wait times at the airport by streamlining the identity verification step. Members can arrive at the airport closer to their flight departure time and avoid lengthy security lines. This time-saving benefit is especially valuable for frequent travellers or those with tight schedules.
- Predictable Security: CLEAR provides more predictable access to security. Through the CLEAR app, members can track their flights and receive notifications about when to leave for the airport, making their travel experience more efficient and stress-free.
- Carrier Flexibility: Unlike TSA PreCheck, which is airline-dependent, CLEAR works with any carrier. This means that members can enjoy the benefits of expedited security regardless of the airline they are flying with. This flexibility is advantageous for travellers who frequently fly with different carriers.
- Sports and Entertainment Access: CLEAR membership grants access to CLEAR Sports, allowing members to skip the security line at select sports stadiums and entertainment venues across the United States. This benefit enhances the overall experience for sports and music enthusiasts, providing faster entry to events and reducing wait times.
- Partner Benefits: CLEAR members can unlock a range of partner benefits, such as expedited passport services, discounted international airport services, and medical transport services discounts. These additional perks further enhance the overall travel experience and provide value beyond airport security.
CLEAR focuses on providing a seamless and efficient travel experience, from home to gate and back. By automating identity verification and offering access to exclusive benefits, CLEAR ensures that members can navigate airport security and other venues with ease and convenience.
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Frequently asked questions
CLEAR is an airport security technology and membership program that helps passengers bypass the identity verification step and go directly to screening.
CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks. They verify their identity through biometric authentication (a fingerprint or iris scan) at a kiosk, and a CLEAR agent escorts them to the front of the security line.
CLEAR costs \$199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer discounted rates.
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that identifies low-risk travelers through a security threat assessment. It offers shorter security lines and less strict screening requirements, such as keeping shoes on and laptops in bags. CLEAR, on the other hand, expedites the document and identity verification process, allowing members to skip the security line completely.
No, CLEAR is currently available at fewer airports than TSA PreCheck. It is offered at select airports and stadiums, and its availability depends on the airport and airline carrier.
