Lois Larson
CLEAR is an expedited security program that offers a faster identity check at select airports, stadiums, and other large venues. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, automating the identity verification process and reducing wait times. The program uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to verify identities and grant access to the CLEAR lane. CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for faster physical screening, but it is a separate membership program with its own costs and benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Available at | 58 U.S. airports, 70+ airports, dozens of airports, stadiums, and other large venues |
| Cost | $199.95 annually, $189 per year, $199 per year |
| Enrollment | Online, at an airport Clear kiosk, or at a Clear location |
| Enrollment Requirements | Valid government-issued identification, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident 18 or older |
| Enrollment Time | A few minutes |
| Membership Benefits | Expedited security wait times, faster identity check, biometric airport lounge access, easy access to sports venues and concessions, complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program |
| Membership Drawbacks | Only available at a few dozen domestic airports, does not confer TSA PreCheck status, does not expedite physical security check |
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What You'll Learn
Clear vs TSA PreCheck
Clear and TSA PreCheck are both expedited security programs that aim to reduce wait times at airports. Here is a detailed comparison of the two programs:
Clear:
Clear is a secure identity platform that automates the identity verification step of the airport security process. Members can use dedicated kiosks to scan their fingerprints or irises, bypassing the need to wait for a TSA agent to review their identification documents. Clear is currently available at 58 US airports and other large venues, such as stadiums. The annual membership cost for Clear is $199, with the option to add family members for an additional fee. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member. One of the advantages of Clear is that it works with any carrier. However, it is important to note that Clear is only available at a limited number of airports, and members without TSA PreCheck will still need to remove their shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear during screening.
TSA PreCheck:
TSA PreCheck is a US government program established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It identifies travellers deemed low-risk and allows them to undergo expedited security screening at participating US airports nationwide. With TSA PreCheck, travellers do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets during screening. TSA PreCheck is available at more airports than Clear and provides faster security wait times. The approval process for TSA PreCheck includes a background check, and the cost for a 5-year membership is $77.95. Children under 18 can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck for free. However, TSA PreCheck members are not guaranteed access every time they fly and may occasionally be directed to the standard security line.
Clear vs. TSA PreCheck:
Both Clear and TSA PreCheck offer faster security screening at airports. Clear focuses on expediting the identity verification process, while TSA PreCheck provides a more comprehensive expedited screening experience. If time is a significant factor, having both Clear and TSA PreCheck can be beneficial, as Clear can further expedite the process by allowing members to bypass the TSA PreCheck line. However, if budget is a concern, TSA PreCheck may be a more cost-effective option, especially considering its wider availability and inclusion in the Global Entry program. Ultimately, the choice between Clear and TSA PreCheck depends on individual preferences, travel frequency, and specific airport and carrier considerations.
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Clear membership benefits
Clear membership offers expedited security at 58 or 59 US airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues. Members can use a faster lane to scan their fingerprint or iris, automating the identity verification step and allowing them to bypass the queue for a TSA agent to review their documents. This can save Clear members an average of 4 hours per year.
Clear costs $199 for an annual membership, with auto-renewals possible. Members can add up to three family members for an additional $60 or $99 or $119 per person, depending on the source. Children under 18 can use a Clear lane for free if accompanied by a Clear member.
Clear can be purchased as a bundle with PreCheck for a total of $199.95, which includes 5 years of TSA PreCheck and 1 year of Clear. Separately, TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for 5 years. Clear members who also have PreCheck can go directly to the PreCheck lane.
Clear members can also access Clear Sports & Events, which is free and available to all Clear members for expedited entry to games at participating stadiums. Members can bring one adult guest through the Clear lane daily at stadiums and venues.
Other Clear membership benefits include:
- Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program
- Access to top gyms, studios, salons, and spas with ClassPass
- Discounts on personal wellness products and services
- Discounts on flight deals
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Clear membership costs
CLEAR is an identity verification platform that allows users to skip long lines at various places, including airports. CLEAR+ is the paid airport membership offering expedited security screening at U.S. airports.
CLEAR+ membership costs $199 annually. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost or even get it for free. For instance, bundling CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck® costs $199.95 for the first year, which includes 5 years of TSA PreCheck® for $77.95 and 1 year of CLEAR+ for as low as $121.05, resulting in savings of up to $77.95.
Holding elite status in certain airline loyalty programs or having specific credit cards can also get you a free or discounted membership. For example, Delta Diamond Medallion and United Premier 1K elite status members receive a free CLEAR membership. Additionally, American Express® cardholders can receive an annual statement credit of up to $199, which covers the full cost of the membership.
CLEAR also offers a family plan where you can add up to three family members or friends to your membership for $119 each, while children under 18 can join for free.
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Clear application process
The Clear application process is simple and straightforward. Clear is an expedited security program that offers a faster identity check at the airport. It is currently available at 58 U.S. airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues, and has over 17 million members nationwide.
To apply for Clear, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident aged 18 or older. You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification. The Clear Plus membership costs $189 per year, but some credit cards offer cardholders free membership or discounted rates. Clear typically costs $199 per year, and you can add up to three family members for an additional $60 per person. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member.
The Clear application process involves providing your biometrics, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the identity verification step in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration screening process. Once you become a Clear member, you can use the dedicated Clear lanes at airports and other venues, bypassing the standard identity verification process and going directly to screening. Clear members can also take advantage of the Reserve by Clear program, which allows them to reserve a time to go through security at select airports.
Overall, the Clear application process is designed to be fast and easy, offering a convenient way for members to expedite their airport security experience and make their travel journey smoother and more efficient.
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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 offers an airport membership service that provides a quicker airport identity verification process. Instead of showing documents like a driver's license or passport to a TSA agent, your identity is verified by eyes or fingerprints in a kiosk. This allows passengers to bypass the identity verification step and go directly to screening. Clear members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, reducing wait times.
Clear is available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who are 18 or older. It costs $199 for an annual membership, although some credit cards offer discounted or free membership. Members can add up to three family members for an additional fee, while children under 18 can use a Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member.
Clear can be applied for online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification. The application process is fast and easy, typically taking just a few minutes to complete.
While Clear provides faster identity verification, it does not replace TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited physical security checks. Combining Clear with TSA PreCheck can further reduce wait times, as Clear members with PreCheck can go directly to the PreCheck lane.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is an expedited security program available at select airports, stadiums, and other large venues. Clear members use a separate lane with dedicated kiosks to scan their fingerprints or irises, automating the identity verification step in the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process.
You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification. Clear costs around $199 for an annual membership, but some credit cards cover the cost or offer discounted rates.
TSA PreCheck provides expedited physical security checks at a larger number of airports than Clear. Clear, on the other hand, primarily offers faster identity verification and is available at a limited number of airports and other venues. Clear members must still go through the standard physical screening process, removing items like shoes, electronics, and liquids. Combining Clear with TSA PreCheck can further expedite the security process.
