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The CLEAR airport security program uses biometrics to verify a person's identity instead of relying on physical identification. CLEAR members can use a kiosk to scan their eyes or fingerprint to be escorted to the front of the security line at airports as well as in select stadiums and other public locations.
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CLEAR airport security members get to skip the line at TSA checkpoints, saving time and stress.
Membership costs $189 a year, but you might have free or discounted access through work or airlines.
CLEAR members with TSA PreCheck don't have to remove laptops, shoes, or liquids during screening.
Introduction to CLEAR airport security
You've probably heard of TSA PreCheck. But there's another contender to help you expedite your way through airport security.
When traveling through airport security, the first step usually involves standing in a long line for a TSA agent to scan your boarding pass and ID. CLEAR® Plus helps travelers avoid these long lines and speeds up the security screening process.
Originally designed for airports, CLEAR is available at more than 50 venues throughout the U.S., including stadiums and public arenas that require individual screening for security purposes.
Let's take a look at what CLEAR is, the benefits of CLEAR airport security, and how you can join.
What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is an airport security program that uses biometrics to verify a person's identity via retina scan or digital fingerprint recognition instead of relying on physical identification, such as a driver's license or passport. CLEAR's platform is Department of Homeland Security- and SAFETY Act-certified.
CLEAR® Plus members pay an annual fee for this service, which allows them to skip the regular security wait and be escorted to the front of the line. CLEAR members with TSA PreCheck can even jump ahead of other PreCheck travelers.
Understanding CLEAR airport security
CLEAR operates its own security identification system at the airport, which means you'll be in a different queue than other passengers. CLEAR Plus kiosks are easily identifiable, and can be found in major airports throughout the United States.
How CLEAR works
CLEAR® Plus is available to anyone willing to pay for membership. Once enrolled, you'll be able to use biometric identification — retina scan or fingerprints — to verify your identity. This feature differs from most TSA checkpoints, which rely on IDs such as passports and driver's licenses.
Biometric verification eliminates the need to fumble for documents or IDs and wait in a time-consuming line that seemingly loops and turns with no end in sight.
Once you're done, a CLEAR attendant will escort you to the front of the regular security line where you'll wait your turn to put your belongings through the X-ray scanner and finish the screening process.
Benefits of CLEAR
CLEAR membership comes with many benefits, depending on how and where you use it.
Faster security screening
Because CLEAR® Plus operates its own checkpoints for members, it can be much faster than the TSA or even TSA PreCheck line. After you've verified your identity, a CLEAR ambassador will escort you to the front of the screening queue. From there, you'll be able to go through security, whether that's through TSA PreCheck or the standard line.
However, CLEAR's popularity in certain metros has resulted in bottlenecks during peak travel times, since members must wait on ambassadors who may be escorting other passengers to the front of the line. Airports in Seattle, New York, and Atlanta occasionally see long lines of passengers awaiting CLEAR security clearance during busy periods.
Despite potential overcrowding, CLEAR security still gives most travelers the most efficient route through an airport, especially when coupled with TSA PreCheck.
Biometric identification
The nicest part about using CLEAR is that it relies on biometric identification instead of physical documents. This means typically you won't need to pull out your ID to go through security. Instead, you can use the digital kiosk's facial or fingerprint recognition technology, plus your boarding pass, to verify who you are.
CLEAR checkpoints are subject to random identification checks. If this happens to you, you'll still need to show TSA officers some form of physical identification before proceeding through security.
Availability at airports and public venues
CLEAR isn't limited to airports. You can also find CLEAR entrances at certain public venues, including more than 15 arenas and stadiums throughout the U.S. As with CLEAR kiosks at the airport, these CLEAR checkpoints can help you get to where you're going more quickly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, some conferences utilized CLEAR technology to help them verify vaccination records.
Membership perks
CLEAR members can utilize dedicated CLEAR kiosks and lanes wherever they're available, with no usage limits.
Costs and membership options
CLEAR membership fees
CLEAR Plus costs $189 a year for one person. You can also bundle CLEAR membership with TSA PreCheck clearance, which will cost $199.95 for a year and grant you five years of TSA PreCheck.
Family plans and discounts
If you're traveling with a family member under the age of 18, they can join you in the CLEAR security line for free. Otherwise, a family plan costs $189 for the first person, and $99 per adult for up to three additional adults on your plan.
Partnership discounts
There are several ways to get CLEAR membership at a discounted rate:
Via airline elite status: United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines offer discounts or free CLEAR membership to frequent flyers with elite status depending on tier level.
Via government and military affiliation: Government employees and active-duty military members are eligible for discounted CLEAR membership.
Via credit cards: A select number of credit cards offer credits for Clear membership.
Credit Cards with Clear Membership Credits
Several of the best American Express cards offer CLEAR® Plus membership credits. If you hold one of these cards, you'll need to enroll in the perk before you pay for your application fee.
TSA PreCheck® is a government program managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that offers expedited security screening privileges at participating airports. These benefits include keeping your shoes on and your laptops and liquids in your bags.
While TSA PreCheck also has its own line at the airport, it is not the same program as CLEAR.
CLEAR vs. Global Entry
Global Entry is another TSA program that offers expedited immigration when you re-enter the U.S. after an international trip. Travelers approved for Global Entry participation use dedicated kiosks to speed through immigration at the first port of entry upon their return to the U.S.
CLEAR and Global Entry do not impact each other, and you can have membership in both at the same time. CLEAR streamlines your security experience on the outbound leg of your trip, while Global Entry does the same upon your return from international travel.
Combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck
You can hold CLEAR and TSA PreCheck membership at the same time because CLEAR only gets you past the line for security; it doesn't actually allow you to skip security altogether. But travelers enrolled in both programs will be able to jump to the front of the TSA PreCheck queue after using CLEAR.
How to enroll in CLEAR at the airport
Enrollment process
You can start the enrollment process via CLEAR's website before traveling, and complete your identity verification at the airport. But you can also just enroll directly at the airport the next time you catch a flight, and use the CLEAR lane as soon as the registration process is complete — typically in five minutes or less.
Required documentation
You'll need formal identification when enrolling in CLEAR. You can use a variety of different IDs, including:
Driver's license
Passport
Passport card
Permanent resident card
State-issued ID
Military ID
Global Entry card
CLEAR is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents over the age of 18; all forms of ID must be issued by the United States.
All forms of identification must be valid, unexpired, not amended, and include a photo.
Setting up your biometric profile
CLEAR enrollment must be completed at a kiosk since it requires logging your biometric information for future reference. The quick process involves taking a photo of your face and eyes as well as registering your fingerprints.
Pros and cons of CLEAR
Advantages of using CLEAR
CLEAR membership can be very convenient, especially at busy airports, since it offers a separate queue from other passengers that often moves more quickly. Plus, membership can be combined with TSA PreCheck to keep your time in airport security to a minimum.
Potential drawbacks and considerations
As more customers enroll in CLEAR, demand may not keep up with supply. For example, lining up in a standard airport security queue occasionally ends up being faster than relying on CLEAR, as mentioned in the airport examples above.
Customer reviews and ratings
We evaluated feedback from travelers online to summarize common praise and complaints about CLEAR.
Compilation of customer feedback and ratings
Many travelers say that CLEAR has helped them cut down on time spent waiting in line. However, CLEAR's limited location presence means the services aren't available for some travelers, especially those who don't pass through larger airports.
Still, those who have CLEAR (and especially as a result of credits or elite status) leave positive reviews overall.
Common praises and complaints
The most common complaint for CLEAR is that increased membership and frequent ID checks have degraded the customer experience. Overcrowdedness and slow service rank can also be issues, especially in airports with high CLEAR membership.
That being said, customers also state that CLEAR has saved them a lot of time, especially during busy travel periods such as holidays. They also appreciate that families can travel with children for free, and include adult family members for a discounted rate.
CLEAR for business travelers
CLEAR can save time at the airport, which can be especially useful for frequent business travelers. It's particularly valuable if you have access to free or discounted membership, or if your company is willing to cover the cost.
Frequent business travelers may already have access to a complimentary CLEAR membership via United or Delta elite status.
Benefits for frequent flyers
Even those who rarely fly may have access to discounted CLEAR membership thanks to Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and United partnerships. Those without any elite status can save $10 on membership if they are members of these airlines' loyalty programs, while mid-tier members can save up to $40 and top-tier elites get a free CLEAR membership.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can save $10 on membership, while elite members can score a 1,500 or 1,250-mile bonus for enrollment and renewal.
Corporate membership options
Certain companies have access to discounted corporate rates. Check with your employer for details.
CLEAR for families
Family-friendly features
CLEAR is valuable for frequent flyers and families since travelers under the age of 18 can accompany adults with membership for free. CLEAR's family plan is also generous: the discounted $99 rate for a second member is available to both family and friends, even if they don't live in the same household.
How to add family members to your CLEAR account
You can add friends and family to your CLEAR account online. To do so, you'll need to have an active CLEAR membership. Once logged in, you'll be able to add your family member to your account.
CLEAR airport security frequently asked questions
What is CLEAR and how does it work?
CLEAR is a security service that uses biometric identification (fingerprints and iris scans) to expedite the identity verification process at airport security checkpoints. Members can bypass the standard ID check lines and proceed directly to physical screening, saving time and enhancing convenience.
How much does a CLEAR membership cost?
As of 2024, a standard CLEAR membership costs $189 per year. Family members can be added for an additional fee, and there are various discounts available through partnerships with airline loyalty programs and certain credit cards.
Can I use CLEAR with TSA PreCheck?
Yes, CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR expedites the ID check process, while TSA PreCheck allows you to use a faster physical screening lane without removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
What airports and venues accept CLEAR?
CLEAR is available at numerous major airports across the United States, as well as select sports stadiums and entertainment venues. As the network continues to explain, check the program website to see where to use CLEAR.
How do I enroll in CLEAR?
You can begin enrolling in CLEAR online and complete your application in person at a CLEAR location by providing your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) along with a valid photo ID. Alternatively, you can complete the full process directly at the airport.
Why you should trust us: How we reviewed CLEAR
Our team investigated the ins and outs of CLEAR membership, including its benefits and common complaints. We considered many factors when reviewing CLEAR:
Value for money — How often will customers be able to use CLEAR memberships? Does this outweigh its cost?
Common praise and complaints — What are members saying about their experience using CLEAR?
Discounts and credits — How often will you be paying full price for membership? Is it possible to get it for less, or even for free?
Efficiency — Does CLEAR hold up to its promise of saving you time at the airport and beyond?
