Roberta Aguirre
Long lines and unpredictable wait times at airports can be stressful for travelers. CLEAR is a technology company that offers a platform to streamline the customer identity verification process at airports. It is a privately owned company that uses biometrics to verify the identity of its members, allowing them to skip the document verification line and go straight to the security screening. CLEAR is currently available at select airports and stadiums in the United States, with members enjoying expedited entry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Available at | Over 50 airports and select stadiums |
| Cost | $199 annually |
| Time saved | 4 hours per year on average |
| Identity verification | Biometric technology, including face, eyes, and fingerprints |
| TSA PreCheck | Clear can be used in tandem with TSA PreCheck for faster security checks |
| Perks | Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program |
| Application process | Online or at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport |
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What You'll Learn
Clear vs. TSA PreCheck
CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are both expedited security services that travellers can use to speed up their journey through the airport. However, there are some key differences between the two services.
CLEAR is an opt-in service that provides a faster and easier airport security experience. It is available at select airports, as well as other venues that require security checks, such as stadiums. CLEAR members use a dedicated lane to scan their fingerprints or irises, which verifies their identity and allows them to move directly to the security lane. CLEAR also offers perks such as complimentary membership statuses with car rental companies, discounts on luggage shipments, and travel document discounts.
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveller government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is available at more airports than CLEAR and provides expedited security wait times and a more straightforward screening process. With TSA PreCheck, travellers are not required to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids under 100ml, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck is also available for children under 17 when they are booked on the same reservation as an adult with PreCheck.
When deciding between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, it is important to consider their differences and how they can complement each other. TSA PreCheck is available at more airports and provides a more streamlined screening process, whereas CLEAR allows travellers to skip the security line entirely but is only available at select domestic airports. Many travellers find that having both services further expedites their security process.
In terms of cost, TSA PreCheck is significantly cheaper at $77.95 for a 5-year membership, whereas CLEAR+ costs $199 annually. However, TSA PreCheck is not available to all U.S. citizens, and those who are ineligible may find CLEAR worthwhile if they frequently fly from an airport that offers CLEAR lanes.
Ultimately, both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck offer significant benefits to travellers seeking to streamline their airport experience.
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Clear's Sports & Events access
CLEAR is a privately owned company that offers a platform to streamline the customer identity verification process at airports, stadiums, and other large venues. Its main program, CLEAR Plus, uses biometric data to confirm users' identities and expedite the airport security screening process. CLEAR is currently available at more than 50 airports and has over 17 million members nationwide.
CLEAR Sports & Events access is a feature of CLEAR that allows members to use CLEAR at select stadiums for expedited entry to games at participating venues. This membership does not provide access to non-stadium CLEAR locations like airports. To use CLEAR Sports & Events, members must download the CLEAR app and tap on the black "Sports & Events" tile. Members can bring one adult guest through the CLEAR lane daily at stadiums and venues, and children under 18 can enter the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR member.
CLEAR Sports & Events access is free and available to all CLEAR members. Members can add up to three family members to their account for $99 each per year. CLEAR members can also enjoy perks such as complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program, which includes benefits like a free single-car class upgrade and the ability to earn additional bonus points on each rental.
CLEAR helps members save time and money at the airport by automating the identity verification process and whisking them to the front of the TSA line. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks, bypassing the line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport. However, it is important to note that CLEAR does not replace TSA PreCheck, and members will still need to undergo the standard physical screening process, including removing their shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear.
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Clear membership benefits
CLEAR is a membership program that allows travellers to speed through security lanes at select airports, stadiums, and other venues. CLEAR members can skip the line and proceed directly to a CLEAR kiosk, where their identity is verified through biometric technology, including face, eyes, or fingerprints.
CLEAR+ is the paid membership option, costing $199 annually, which provides access to CLEAR Lanes at TSA checkpoints in over 50 airports nationwide. CLEAR+ members can save an average of 4 hours per year, and can also add up to 3 additional members to their account for $119 each. Family members under 18 can join for free.
CLEAR+ members can also pair their membership with TSA PreCheck, which allows travellers to go through a shorter security line and less strict screening requirements, such as keeping on their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This bundled option is available for a special price of $199 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 a savings of up to $77.95.
CLEAR members also gain access to a variety of perks and benefits, including exclusive partner offers valued at over $500. These include discounts on services such as ClassPass, Oura Ring, AG1, Hyperice, Going, and more. CLEAR+ members also receive complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status, which includes perks such as car rental upgrades, bonus points, and exclusive promotional discounts.
CLEAR's app also provides additional benefits, such as tracking flights and providing real-time updates on when to leave for the airport, as well as the ability to reserve an Uber ride directly from the app. The app can also be used to locate CLEAR Lanes, find sports and events, and store passport and flight information.
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Clear Plus membership
CLEAR+ is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through airport security in the USA. Members can use designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints, where they verify their identities at a CLEAR Pod, before a CLEAR Ambassador escorts them to the standard physical screening. CLEAR+ can also be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for the fastest route to your gate. CLEAR+ members save an average of 4 hours per year.
CLEAR+ members can add up to three family members or friends to their account for $119 each. Members under 18 years old can join the primary member in the CLEAR Lane for free.
CLEAR+ costs $199 per year, although discounted rates are available. For example, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can get a discounted annual rate of $189, while Delta Silver, Gold or Platinum elites, as well as cardholders of Delta’s AmEx cards, get a $40 discount. Delta Diamond or 360 elites, United Premier Silver, Gold Platinum elite members and United credit card holders get a $40 discount off the price, while Premier 1K and Global Services members get a free Clear membership.
CLEAR+ is also available at other venues that require security checks, such as stadiums. CLEAR+ members also get complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis's loyalty program, which includes perks such as bonus points on each rental, access to exclusive offers and promotional discounts, and free car class upgrades.
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Clear application process
CLEAR is a privately owned company that offers an expedited security program to speed up the identity verification process at airports and other large venues. CLEAR uses biometric data to confirm your identity and automate the identity verification process, allowing you to skip the line and go straight to the security screening.
The CLEAR application process can be started online by answering a few quick questions or in person at any CLEAR airport location. If you start the process online, you will still need to complete your enrollment in person at a CLEAR airport location. To finish the setup, you will need to visit a CLEAR kiosk at a participating airport, where you will add your biometric data (fingerprint, iris, or facial scan) to your secure profile.
It is important to note that CLEAR is currently only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID. The annual membership cost for CLEAR Plus is $199, although some credit cards offer discounts or free membership.
CLEAR is not a replacement for TSA PreCheck, but the two programs can be used together to further expedite the security process. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that offers expedited security checks for low-risk travellers. This program has a separate application process, which includes an online application, a $78 fee, and an in-person interview.
By enrolling in both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, travellers can benefit from shorter wait times, a more streamlined security experience, and the convenience of bypassing certain security measures at select airports.
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Frequently asked questions
CLEAR is a privately owned company that offers an airport membership service that provides a quicker airport identity verification process.
CLEAR uses biometric technology to verify your identity. Members use a faster line to scan their fingerprints or irises before moving directly to the security lane.
CLEAR Plus membership costs $189 or $199.95 annually. However, some credit cards offer cardholders free membership by providing a $189 statement credit per year.
You can sign up for CLEAR online by answering a few quick questions or in person at any CLEAR airport location.
