Roberta Aguirre
Long security lines at airports can be tedious and frustrating. However, Clear airport security service, available at select airports and stadiums, offers an innovative solution to this problem. Clear uses biometric data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate identity verification, allowing travellers to bypass long queues and quickly access TSA screening points. Clear Plus, the premium service, provides expedited security at 58 US airports and stadiums, with members enjoying dedicated lanes and kiosks. While basic Clear services are free, Clear Plus costs $199 annually and offers additional benefits such as expedited entry at stadiums and age verification for concessions. Clear is currently available at 19 airports, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Toronto (YYZ), with plans to expand to more locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports | 19-74 |
| Biometric Data Used | Fingerprint, iris, face image scans |
| Membership | Basic (free), Clear Plus ($199.95 annually) |
| Time Saver | Yes |
| Available at | Airports, stadiums, large venues |
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What You'll Learn
How does Clear work?
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 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. Clear members can verify their identity in advance to move through airport security lines more quickly. They can scan their eyes or fingerprints, along with their boarding pass, and a Clear agent will escort them directly to the TSA ID check through a dedicated lane.
Clear is available at select domestic airports and other venues like stadiums, making it a great option for those who want to save time. The service is currently available in 17 international and domestic airports, including Amsterdam (AMS), Calgary (YYC), Denver (DEN), Edmonton (YEG), Frankfurt (FRA), and Halifax (YHZ). Clear Plus, the premium Clear Airport Security Service, is available at 58 US airports, as well as stadiums and other large venues, with more than 17 million members nationwide.
Basic Clear services are free, but the upgraded Clear Plus membership is required for full access to benefits at airport security checkpoints. Clear Plus costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate. Clear Plus members can also add up to three family members or friends for $119 per person.
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How much does Clear cost?
The cost of Clear varies depending on the type of membership and the method of enrolment. The standard price for an annual Clear membership is $199. However, Clear Plus, the premium Clear Airport Security Service, costs $199.95 annually.
There are ways to reduce the cost of Clear membership. For instance, if you hold certain credit cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, the cost of Clear is covered. Additionally, elite status in certain airline loyalty programs can also provide a free or discounted membership. Currently, a discounted rate of $122 for the first year of membership is available when bundled with TSA PreCheck, which costs $77.95 for 5 years. This bundle option is a great deal if you're planning to get both, as you'll save $67 on your first year of Clear membership.
Furthermore, Clear offers a Sports & Events access membership that is free and available to all Clear members for expedited entry to participating stadiums. While this membership doesn't provide access to airport locations, it allows members to bring one adult guest per day, and children under 18 can accompany a Clear member without needing their own membership.
Overall, the cost-effectiveness of Clear depends on factors such as your travel frequency, the availability of Clear at your home airport, and your eligibility for discounted or free membership through credit cards or loyalty programs.
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Where is Clear available?
Clear is a subscription service that stores a user's biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris, and face scans, to verify their identity and their boarding documents. This allows travellers to bypass the regular TSA lines and head straight to the security metal detectors and bag scanners.
Clear is available at select domestic airports and other venues like stadiums. The service is currently accessible at 19 airports, including:
- New York (JFK)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX
Clear is also available at 16 other international and domestic airports:
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Denver (DEN)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Halifax (YHZ)
- London Luton (LTN)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Montreal (YUL)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Rome (FCO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- William P. Hobby Airport
Clear can also be used at select stadiums via Clear's Sports & Events access, which is free and available to all Clear members for expedited entry to games and events.
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How to sign up for Clear
Clear is an innovative service that uses biometric data to identify travellers, allowing them to skip long security queues and get to a TSA screening point faster. Clear machines scan fingerprints or irises, removing the need for manual photo ID checks. Clear is available at select domestic airports and other venues like stadiums.
To sign up for Clear, you can either start the enrollment process online and finish at a Clear location, or you can complete the entire process at a Clear location. Clear costs $199.95 annually, but some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate. You can also bundle your enrollment with TSA PreCheck 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 savings of up to $77.95 on your first year of Clear+ membership.
With Clear, you can add up to three people to your account, and children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member. Clear also offers a family plan, allowing you to add up to three family members or friends to your membership for $99 or $119 per person per year.
Additionally, Clear offers a free option called Reserve Powered by Clear, which allows travellers to secure a spot in the security queue for up to 10 people, as long as they show up simultaneously. Clear also has a Sports & Events access option, which is free and available to all Clear members for expedited entry to games at participating stadiums. This membership, however, does not provide access to non-stadium Clear locations like airports.
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Is Clear worth it?
Clear is an airport security system that uses biometric data to identify travellers, allowing them to skip long security lines and quickly access TSA screening points. It is available at select domestic airports and other venues like stadiums.
Benefits of Clear
One of the biggest benefits of Clear is that it saves time by automating the identity verification process and allowing users to skip long security lines. 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. This means that those who check in online without checked bags can arrive at the airport closer to their flight departure time. Clear members can also avoid random spot checks, speeding up their journey every time they fly. Clear can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, and some credit cards cover the cost of Clear membership entirely or at a discounted rate.
Drawbacks of Clear
Clear is not available at every airport, so it's important to check if your local airport has a Clear lane before applying. Clear does not include the membership features of TSA PreCheck, so without PreCheck, Clear members must still remove their shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear. Clear membership also does not offer the benefit of expedited clearance through customs and immigration, which is available with Global Entry.
Whether Clear is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a frequent traveller who values saving time at the airport, then Clear could be a worthwhile investment, especially if your home airport or an airport you visit frequently has Clear lanes. However, if you are not a frequent traveller or are not concerned about waiting in security lines, then Clear may not offer significant benefits to justify the cost. Ultimately, the decision to enrol in Clear depends on your personal travel habits and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is a subscription service that uses biometric data to identify travellers, allowing them to skip long security queues and get to a TSA screening point faster.
Clear machines scan your fingerprint or iris, removing the need for manual photo ID checks.
Clear Plus membership costs $199.95 annually. However, some credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.
Clear is currently available at 74 airports, including Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), and London Luton (LTN).
Clear members can bypass long security lines and quickly access TSA screening points, saving a lot of time.
