Owais Crawford
CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that operates dedicated lanes for travellers at security checkpoints in several airports. CLEAR Plus members use a faster lane to scan their fingerprints, eyes, or face and their boarding pass, and are then taken to the front of the security screening lane. CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, which allows travellers to go through a shorter security line and undergo less strict screening requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Available at | 58 U.S. airports, stadiums and other large venues |
| Number of members | 17 million+ |
| Cost | $199.95 annually |
| Application process | Online or at the airport |
| Verification process | Biometric data (fingerprint, iris, or facial scan) |
| Benefits | Expedited security, skip long lines, no need to remove shoes, belts, or liquids from carry-on baggage |
| Drawbacks | Not available at all airports, separate cost, potential for random ID checks |
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What You'll Learn
Clear vs. TSA PreCheck
CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck® are both services that promise to improve the airport experience by reducing the time spent in security lines. However, they are not the same, and there are some key differences between the two.
CLEAR is owned by a private company, while TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA PreCheck identifies travellers deemed low-risk by the TSA and allows them to pass through expedited security screening at U.S. airports nationwide. This means they can keep their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, and light jackets on during screening. TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 for five years when applying through Clear.
CLEAR+, on the other hand, provides a dedicated lane for members to quickly verify their identity using biometric technology, such as facial recognition or fingerprints. After identity verification, a CLEAR Ambassador will bring travellers to the front of the TSA screening lane. CLEAR+ costs $199 annually.
While both services aim to expedite the airport security process, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many travellers find that having memberships to both provides the quickest route through the airport. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ can now be purchased as a bundle at certain airports, with special pricing for the first year.
It is important to note that neither service is available at every airport, and there have been reports of issues with CLEAR's identity verification process. Additionally, TSA PreCheck lines tend to be shorter than general security lines, even with the addition of CLEAR+.
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Clear Plus membership
CLEAR+ is a paid membership program that allows members to speed through airport security in designated CLEAR+ lanes at TSA checkpoints. The service is available at select airports nationwide, and members can save an average of 4 hours per year by avoiding wait times and security lines.
CLEAR+ uses biometric technology to verify a member's identity at a CLEAR Pod or kiosk, allowing them to bypass the regular security line and head directly to the front of the security lane. Members can also add up to three family members or friends to their account for an additional fee, while family members under 18 years old can join for free.
The standard annual membership for CLEAR+ is $199. However, there are various discounts and promotions available. For example, members of certain airline loyalty programs or specific credit cards may be eligible for a free or discounted membership. Additionally, bundling CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck can result in further cost savings.
CLEAR+ also offers a dedicated customer support system to assist members with any issues or changes to their bookings. Overall, CLEAR+ provides a faster and smoother airport experience for frequent travellers by streamlining the security screening process.
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Biometric identity verification
Clear Secure, Inc. is an American technology company that operates biometric travel document verification systems at select major airports and stadiums. Clear's identity verification platform makes experiences safer and easier for travellers, both physically and digitally. Clear uses biometric technology to verify a traveller's ID and boarding pass at a Clear kiosk, after which a Clear agent escorts the traveller to the front of the security line.
Clear's biometric identity verification system uses facial recognition technology, high-resolution, wide-angle cameras, and fingerprint and iris scans to identify travellers. Clear has also been granted patents to use mobile devices for enrolment and to conduct pre-identification before an individual approaches the device. Clear's system allows for faster and more efficient identity verification, improving the passenger experience without disrupting operations.
Clear has faced scrutiny for security incidents where individuals were able to pass through without proper identification, and for enabling wealthier flyers to bypass security lines without speeding up the overall process. In response, the TSA has advised Clear and participating airports to increase the number of IDs checked by a TSA officer.
Despite the criticism, Clear offers a valuable service to its members, providing faster and easier airport security clearance. Clear also has partnerships with airlines, stadiums, and other companies to provide additional benefits to its members, such as complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status and a Lyft voucher for airport trips.
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Available locations
CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that operates dedicated lanes for travellers at security checkpoints in several airports. It is a secure identity platform that uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the identity verification step in the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process. CLEAR members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks rather than waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport.
CLEAR is available at 58 airports in the US, including Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It can also be found at stadiums and other large venues, with over 17 million members nationwide.
CLEAR Plus is a separate product from TSA PreCheck and can be used together with it or separately. CLEAR Plus members use designated security lanes at their designated checkpoints. It is important to note that CLEAR Plus does not cover the background checks; it stores biometric data, so the enrolment process is faster. TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, assesses a traveller's risk profile using a background check in exchange for relaxed security screening, resulting in a lengthier enrolment process.
TSA PreCheck is available at more airports than CLEAR. It is managed by the Transportation Security Administration and is open to low-risk travellers who undergo an advance screening process. It is available to US citizens and certain foreign citizens.
Combining CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck can be beneficial for seamless travel through US airports. While CLEAR Plus or TSA PreCheck may or may not help skip longer security lines depending on the situation, having both memberships provides travellers with more choices between security ID check lanes.
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Cost and payment methods
CLEAR is an identity verification platform that allows passengers to skip long lines at airports. It is only available at a few dozen domestic airports. At the airport, members use a faster line to scan their fingerprints or irises before moving directly to the security lane.
The cost of Clear membership is up to $199 per year. However, there are several credit cards that completely cover the cost of the program, allowing members to pay nothing out-of-pocket. These include:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- The American Express Green Card
- The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Each of these credit cards offers a statement credit of up to $199 per year for purchasing Clear access.
Additionally, Clear has partnered with TSA PreCheck, allowing travellers to apply for TSA PreCheck at one of almost 50 participating Clear enrollment locations without an appointment. TSA PreCheck is available at more airports and provides expedited security wait times and an easier screening process. It is important to note that Clear does not include the membership features of TSA PreCheck.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear Screening is a private subscription service that allows travellers to skip the regular ID verification process at the airport and go directly to the security screening area.
Clear uses biometric technology to verify a user's identity through fingerprint, iris, or facial scans. Once verified, a Clear representative will escort the user to the security screening area.
TSA PreCheck is managed by the Transportation Security Administration and is available to low-risk travellers who have undergone a background check. It allows travellers to go through a shorter security line and less strict screening requirements. Clear, on the other hand, is a separate subscription service that only covers the ID check portion of the screening process, allowing travellers to bypass the line completely.
Clear Plus membership costs \$199 per year. However, discounted rates are available for government employees or loyalty account holders with select airlines. Some credit cards may also cover the cost entirely or offer a discount.
Clear is currently available at select airports, stadiums, and large venues in the United States. While the exact number of locations varies across sources, it is generally agreed that Clear has a presence in dozens of domestic airports.
