Owais Crawford
CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that offers expedited security screening at select airports. It is currently only available at a few dozen airports and to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID. CLEAR+ members use a faster line to scan their fingerprint or iris before moving directly to the security lane, and can also add up to three additional members for an extra fee. The service costs $199 per year and is available at 74 airports, with CLEAR always expanding to new terminals and airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports with CLEAR | 55+ |
| Availability at major airports | Absent at Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), among others |
| Availability at smaller airports | Available at Hartford (BDL) |
| Major hubs | Delta and United |
| Cost | $189 |
| Comparison with TSA PreCheck | TSA PreCheck is available at more airports, has an easier screening process, and is better value |
| Time taken | TSA PreCheck: 5-8 minutes; CLEAR: quicker than TSA PreCheck |
| Availability | Not available at all airports |
| Ease of use | Confusing |
| Staffing | Understaffed |
| Behavior of other CLEAR users | Rude and pushy |
| Behavior of TSA agents | May randomly select CLEAR users for identity verification |
| TSA PreCheck access | Not guaranteed every time |
| TSA PreCheck random exclusion | Possible |
| TSA PreCheck line | May include non-member travelers |
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What You'll Learn
CLEAR is not available at every airport
CLEAR is an expedited airport security program that allows passengers to bypass the identity verification step and go directly to screening. CLEAR members use fingerprints or iris scans to confirm their identity and cut to the front of the security line. While CLEAR is available at an increasing number of airports, it is not available at every airport.
As of February 2025, CLEAR is available at over 55 airports across the United States and Puerto Rico. This includes major airports such as Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Newark (EWR), and Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), as well as smaller regional airports. However, CLEAR is still noticeably absent from some of the largest airports in the US, including Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
There are a few reasons why CLEAR may not be available at every airport. One reason could be the cost of implementing the program. Airports and airlines share the cost of operating VIP lanes, and CLEAR pays airports to provide this service. Additionally, CLEAR has partnered with Delta and United, which may explain why it is available at their hubs and other important airports.
Another reason could be the perception that CLEAR is only beneficial for frequent travelers. While CLEAR can save time at the airport, it may not be worth the cost for occasional travelers. TSA PreCheck, which is available at more airports, may be a more attractive option for those who do not fly frequently.
Furthermore, CLEAR is not the only option for expedited security. Some airports offer Global Entry or other expedited security programs, which may reduce the demand for CLEAR at certain locations. Additionally, TSA PreCheck members can sometimes be sent to the standard security line, making it less predictable than CLEAR.
Overall, while CLEAR is expanding to more airports, it is not yet available at every airport. Travelers who are interested in expedited security screening may need to consider the availability of CLEAR at their local airport and whether it is the best option for their needs.
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It is expensive and not worth it for infrequent flyers
CLEAR is an expedited airport security program that allows passengers to bypass the identity verification step and go directly to screening using biometric authentication. It is currently available at over 55 airports across the United States and Puerto Rico, including major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). While CLEAR can be a valuable timesaver for frequent flyers, it may not be worth the cost for infrequent flyers.
The cost of CLEAR membership is a significant factor to consider. At nearly $200 per year, it can be an expensive addition to the cost of air travel, especially for those who only fly occasionally. For infrequent flyers, the benefit of saving a few minutes in the security line may not outweigh the cost of membership. Additionally, some credit cards that offer reimbursement for CLEAR membership may not be worth it for those who don't travel frequently enough to take advantage of the benefits.
Another consideration is the availability of CLEAR at specific airports. While CLEAR has expanded to over 55 airports, it is still absent from some major airports and is not available at every terminal within an airport. In some cases, an infrequent flyer's home airport or frequently visited airports may not offer CLEAR, making the membership less valuable for them.
Furthermore, the value of CLEAR membership can be diminished by the availability of alternative options, such as TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 domestic airports and provides expedited security screening for approved low-risk travelers. It is a more widely available option and is often included as a benefit with certain credit cards. For infrequent flyers, TSA PreCheck may offer a more cost-effective way to expedite their airport security experience without the additional cost of CLEAR membership.
Lastly, the process of enrolling in CLEAR and setting up biometric authentication can be time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for those who only fly occasionally. In addition to the financial cost, there is also a time investment required to set up and maintain a CLEAR membership, which may not be worthwhile for infrequent flyers.
In conclusion, while CLEAR can be a valuable time-saving tool for frequent flyers, it may not be worth the expense and effort for infrequent flyers. The high cost of membership, limited availability at certain airports, the presence of alternative options like TSA PreCheck, and the time investment required for enrollment all contribute to making CLEAR less appealing to those who don't fly on a regular basis.
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TSA PreCheck is available at more airports
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveller programme that allows passengers to pass through security checks faster at airports. It is available at over 200 airports in the US, including large airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). TSA PreCheck is also offered by more than 100 airlines, including major carriers and some smaller airlines.
TSA PreCheck is a valuable service for travellers, especially those who fly frequently or have time constraints. The programme offers expedited entry through dedicated lanes at TSA security checkpoints, significantly reducing wait times. In fact, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes to clear security. This advantage makes it particularly useful for travellers with connecting flights or those who want to avoid long queues.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, individuals can apply through authorised providers such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. The application process typically involves submitting an online application, providing necessary documentation, and completing fingerprinting and photo capture. The cost of enrolment can be offset by certain credit cards that offer statement credit reimbursements for application fees.
While TSA PreCheck is widely available, it is important to note that not all airports or airlines participate in the programme. Travellers should check the availability of TSA PreCheck at their departure airport and with their chosen airline before enrolling. Additionally, even with TSA PreCheck, all travellers are still subject to screening, and expedited screening is not guaranteed.
TSA PreCheck provides a convenient option for travellers seeking a more seamless airport experience. With its presence in numerous airports and partnerships with a growing number of airlines, it offers an attractive solution for efficient security screening when travelling.
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CLEAR is not guaranteed to save time
CLEAR is not a guaranteed time-saver for several reasons. Firstly, it is not available at every airport, so travellers may find themselves at the mercy of long queues at airports without CLEAR kiosks. While CLEAR has expanded to over 55 airports, it is still notably absent from some of the largest airports in the US, such as Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
Secondly, CLEAR is a paid service, and the cost may outweigh the benefits for infrequent flyers. The annual fee for CLEAR+ is $199, and while some credit cards offer discounts or cover the cost, it may not be a worthwhile investment for those who fly only occasionally. Additionally, CLEAR+ does not confer TSA PreCheck status, which is a separate program with dedicated lanes and faster physical inspections.
Another factor is that CLEAR+ may not significantly reduce wait times if the CLEAR/TSA PreCheck lines are understaffed or poorly organised. Some users have reported that the process can be hectic and confusing, with pushy and rude fellow travellers. Moreover, TSA PreCheck lines are not usually that long, so the time saved by using CLEAR may not be substantial.
Lastly, CLEAR is currently only available in the US, so frequent international travellers may not find it as beneficial. For those who spend a significant amount of time abroad, the limited availability of CLEAR may make it less appealing.
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It is not available worldwide
CLEAR is not available worldwide. It is a US-based program with a presence in over 55 airports across the continental US and Puerto Rico. While CLEAR is expanding to smaller cities, it is still absent from some of the largest airports in the country, including Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). The program is primarily available at major Delta and United hubs, with partnerships influencing its expansion strategy.
The service expedites airport security by automating identity verification through biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scans. CLEAR members can bypass the standard identity verification process and go directly to screening, saving time. However, it does not replace TSA PreCheck, and members must still comply with standard security protocols such as removing shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear.
TSA PreCheck is a separate program managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is available to low-risk travellers who undergo an advance screening process, including a background check. PreCheck members can use expedited security lanes at over 200 domestic airports and typically experience faster processing times.
The availability of CLEAR and TSA PreCheck varies across airports. Some airports offer both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck lanes, while others may have only one or neither. As a result, frequent travellers often opt for memberships in both programs to improve their odds of a smoother airport experience. Additionally, CLEAR is available at select event venues, providing expedited entry beyond airports.
The cost of CLEAR membership is a factor in its adoption. While some credit cards offer reimbursements or discounts, the annual fee can be a significant expense for infrequent flyers. The program's utility is also contingent on availability at one's home airport or frequently visited destinations. These factors influence the decision to enrol in CLEAR, especially when compared to the more widely available TSA PreCheck program.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is rapidly expanding its footprint to include more airports, but it is still not available at every airport. It is currently available at over 55 airports across the continental U.S. and even Puerto Rico.
Clear has partnered with Delta and United, so it is mainly available at their hubs and other important airports.
The program is not available worldwide.
