Owais Crawford
CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that offers expedited security screening at select airports. CLEAR Plus members can bypass the regular TSA lines by verifying their identity through biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition. This allows travelers to skip the tedious process of fumbling for their IDs and waiting in long lines. CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, which expedites the luggage screening process and is available at more airports. While CLEAR has a fee for airport usage, it can be free with certain credit cards or at stadiums and select other locations.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Clear Plus membership
Clear Plus is a paid membership service that allows members to speed through security lines at select US airports. The service uses biometrics to identify individuals in seconds, with a simple scan of their finger, eye, or face. Clear Plus members can skip the usual ID check at airport security and go straight to the security metal detectors and bag scanners. Clear Plus members also have access to dedicated lanes and can add up to three people to their account.
The membership is available at more than 74 airports across the US, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Clear Plus is also available at select stadiums and arenas, where members can enjoy expedited entry.
The cost of Clear Plus membership varies depending on the individual's membership status with partner programs. For example, Delta SkyMiles members can purchase an annual membership for $189, while Diamond Medallion members receive a free annual membership. Similarly, United MileagePlus members can purchase an annual membership for $189, while Premier 1K members receive a free annual membership.
Clear Plus members can cancel their membership at any time. If the membership is cancelled within 60 days of the date of the charge, a full refund will be issued. After 60 days, the membership will not be renewed upon expiration.
A Quick Guide to Reagan National Airport Layovers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Biometric scanning technology
Clear is a company that uses biometric scanning technology to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds. Biometric scanning technology allows travellers to skip standard airport security and identification procedures. Travellers can use their fingerprints, iris, or face image scans to confirm their identity, and head straight to security metal detectors and bag scanners without waiting.
Clear can be used in the same way at select U.S. arenas and stadiums, to shorten your wait for a rental car, or to verify your identity on LinkedIn. While Clear and its various Powered By Clear iterations (such as Reserve) are free to sign up for and use, you must pay for the upgraded Clear Plus membership to bypass the usual ID check at airport security. Clear Plus members will find dedicated lanes where a Clear Ambassador will help scan either their fingerprint, eye, or face and their boarding pass.
Clear Plus (the paid service) is currently available at the following U.S. airports:
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP) began using biometrics at airports shortly after 9/11. As of May 2020, CBP had installed facial recognition technology at 27 U.S. airports for screening and security. In 2021, TSA launched a biometrics-based face scanning digital identity program in cooperation with Delta Air Lines.
The adoption of this technology by government agencies has answered any doubts about its security and accuracy. In fact, facial recognition was recently found by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to be at least 99.5% accurate. With growing adoption and acceptance of the technology, an entirely biometrics-based airport screening system is poised to eliminate the hassles flyers regularly face.
Mexico City Airport: Clear Security Process for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA PreCheck
Once approved, members are issued a Known Traveller Number, which is provided to the airline by storing it in a frequent flyer account or entering it into a reservation. Boarding passes will then include a TSA PreCheck designation, which authorises expedited security screening in over 200 domestic airports.
Airports in Detroit, Michigan: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Identity verification
Clear is a private subscription service in the United States that offers expedited security screening at several airports. Clear Plus is a paid membership service that allows passengers to bypass the identity verification step and go directly to the screening area. Clear Plus members can use their fingerprints, iris, or face image scans to confirm their identity and head straight to the security metal detectors and bag scanners without waiting. Clear Plus is available at 74 airports and 17 arenas and stadiums in the US.
Clear Plus members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod, where a CLEAR Ambassador will bring them to the front of the security line for screening. This process replaces the need for a TSA agent to inspect government IDs and check boarding passes. After identity verification, a Clear representative will escort Clear users to the actual security screening area, bypassing everyone waiting in the first line.
Clear Plus members who are also enrolled in TSA PreCheck will go directly to the TSA PreCheck line, which offers a faster route to the gate without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck is available at more airports than Clear, and it speeds up the luggage screening process. It is important to note that Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck are separate products, and having both memberships provides more choice between security ID check lanes.
In addition to expedited airport security, Clear offers a range of benefits, including tracking flights and providing directions. Clear can also be used for identity verification at select US arenas and stadiums, rental car services, and LinkedIn. Certain credit cards offer discounted or free Clear Plus memberships, and military service members and government employees are eligible for discounted rates.
Airport Mail: USPS Services Available for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Expedited security screening
CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that operates dedicated lanes for travellers at security checkpoints in several airports. CLEAR uses member data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate most users' identity verification steps 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. After verifying a passenger's identity, a CLEAR representative will escort the user to the actual security screening area, bypassing everyone waiting in the first line. The process of having your eye scanned and matched to your boarding pass rarely takes longer than about 2 minutes.
CLEAR is available at 58 US airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues, with more than 17 million members nationwide. It costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.
CLEAR can be used in tandem with TSA PreCheck, which is a program managed by the TSA that is available to low-risk travellers who undergo an advance screening process. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years and offers expedited security screening lanes in more than 200 domestic airports. With CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, travellers can move through security even faster.
Seattle Airport: Hotel Convenience for Travelers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Clear is a private subscription service in the United States that operates dedicated lanes for travellers at security checkpoints in several airports. It uses biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds with the scan of a finger or an eye.
Clear Plus members use designated security lanes at their designated checkpoints. Clear Plus members will find dedicated lanes where a Clear Ambassador will help them scan either their fingerprint, eye, or face and their boarding pass.
Clear Security allows passengers to bypass the identity verification step and go directly to screening. It is a good option for frequent travellers, especially those who often encounter backed-up ID check lines at airports.
