Airports' Clear Program: What's The Deal?

what is clear program at airports

CLEAR is a secure identity platform that uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate identity verification in the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process. CLEAR+ is an expedited security program that allows members to speed through security at designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can also enrol in TSA PreCheck, a US government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the TSA, allowing them to pass through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. Together, CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck offer a faster route through airport security.

Characteristics Values
Identity verification Biometrics, including fingerprint and iris scans
Number of members More than 17 million members
Availability 58 U.S. airports, 17 arenas and stadiums
Cost $199.95 annually
Time saved CLEAR+ Members save 4 hours per year on average
TSA PreCheck® Can be bundled with CLEAR+ for $199 for the first year
Global Entry Allows users to skip lines at customs when re-entering the U.S.

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Clear Plus membership

CLEAR+ is a paid membership program that allows members to speed through airport security lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can verify their identity in advance using biometric data, such as a fingerprint or eye scan, and then pass through security without waiting in line or removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. This service is available at select airports and stadiums across the United States.

The standard annual membership fee for CLEAR+ is $199. However, there are various discounts and promotions available. For example, members of certain airline loyalty programs, such as Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, may be eligible for discounted rates or even free membership depending on their status level. Additionally, CLEAR+ can be bundled with TSA PreCheck, a U.S. government program that identifies low-risk travellers, for a total cost of $199.95 in the first year, saving up to $77.95 on the CLEAR+ membership.

CLEAR+ members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional $119 each. Family members under 18 years old can join the CLEAR lane for free. Members can save an average of 4 hours per year with CLEAR+, making it a valuable option for frequent travellers looking to streamline their airport experience.

CLEAR+ is particularly useful for those who travel internationally or have tight connections when re-entering the U.S. While CLEAR+ expedites the security process when departing from a U.S. airport, Global Entry, a separate membership service, allows members to skip long lines at customs when returning to the country. By enrolling in both services, travellers can benefit from faster processing when leaving and entering the United States.

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Identity verification

Clear is a company that offers an expedited security program at select airports, stadiums, and other large venues. It uses biometric scanning technology to automate the identity verification process, allowing travellers to skip long security lines and identification procedures.

Clear members can verify their identity in advance by submitting to biometric authentication, including fingerprint and iris scans. This allows them to bypass the standard identity verification step at the airport and go directly to screening. Clear members use dedicated kiosks in separate security lanes, rather than waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport.

Clear is currently available at 58 U.S. airports, with hundreds of Clear Lanes at airports, stadiums, and other venues across the country. It has a membership of over 17 million people nationwide. Clear costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer a discounted rate.

Clear+ is an upgraded membership option that provides even faster identity verification and access to exclusive Clear+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints. Clear+ members can verify their identity at a Clear Pod using their eyes or fingerprint. Clear+ is available at a discounted rate when bundled with TSA PreCheck, a U.S. government program that identifies low-risk travellers and allows them to pass through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.

By enrolling in Clear and/or TSA PreCheck, travellers can save time and enjoy a more predictable and efficient experience at airport security.

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TSA PreCheck

The application process for TSA PreCheck can be started online, and enrolment can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. There are 569 enrolment centres, and applicants can choose any enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. The cost of enrolment varies by provider. TSA PreCheck members will need their Known Traveler Number (KTN) to complete a renewal or update an existing airline reservation.

Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.

CLEAR is a company that utilizes biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds using a scan of their finger or eye. CLEAR+ is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through airport security in designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints. CLEAR+ members save an average of 4 hours per year. Members can add up to 3 people to their account for an additional cost. Family members under 18 can join for free.

CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck can be bundled together for a faster route through the airport. The bundle includes 5 years of TSA PreCheck and 1 year of CLEAR+ for a total of $199, which is a savings of up to $77.95 on the CLEAR+ membership.

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Global Entry

The Global Entry application process involves multiple steps, including creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account, paying a fee of $120 for a five-year membership, and completing an interview. Global Entry members proceed to the Global Entry lanes at the airport, where processing technology captures a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer.

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Clear Lanes

CLEAR is a company that offers an expedited security program called Clear Plus, currently available at 58 US airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues. It has over 17 million members across the nation.

Clear Plus is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through airport security in designated CLEAR+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints. Members can verify their identity in advance through biometric scanning technology, including fingerprint and iris scans, and then verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod with their eyes or fingerprint. This allows members to bypass the identity verification step at the airport and go directly to screening, saving time.

The CLEAR+ membership costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or offer a discounted rate. Members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for $119 each, and family members under 18 can join for free.

CLEAR+ can be bundled with TSA PreCheck, a US government program that identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA PreCheck allows travellers to pass through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. The bundle costs $199 for the first year, including five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of CLEAR+ for as low as $121.05.

CLEAR also offers a free service called Reserve Powered by Clear, which allows users to book a spot in the security line for up to 10 people, as long as they arrive together. This service does not include access to the Clear Plus lane but can still help users save time at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

Clear is a company that utilizes biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds using either a fingerprint or an eye scan.

Clear costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.

Clear Plus is an upgraded membership that cuts down the time spent in security lines at the airport. Clear Plus members can speed through airport security nationwide in designated Clear Plus Lanes at TSA checkpoints.

Clear and TSA PreCheck can be used together to provide the quickest route through the airport. TSA PreCheck identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and allows them to pass through expedited security screening without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.

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