CLEAR Airport Security Guide: Is It Worth It?

CLEAR Airport Security Guide

Hey Travelers! Ever dreamt of effortlessly gliding through airport security like a VIP? Well, if that’s a wish on your travel list, you might want to explore CLEAR as a potential tool in your airport arsenal. In this guide to CLEAR airport security, we’ll dissect how it operates, where you can find it, and how it stacks up against TSA PreCheck. Although I can’t personally vouch, endorse, or recommend this program, it could be an option worth investigating.

So, How Does CLEAR Airport Security Work?

CLEAR uses biometric identity verification which means you can scan your boarding pass with your eyes or fingerprints at a CLEAR pod. Once verified, a CLEAR Ambassador takes you straight to the front of the security line. Talk about skipping the line!

Where is It Available?

Currently available in more than 50 U.S. airports, stadiums, and arenas, CLEAR membership costs $189 per year, and there are discounts for military and government employees. It’s open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and travelers 18 and older with qualifying photo ID.

Enrolling can be a piece of cake! You can sign up online or at a CLEAR kiosk at the airport. For all the nitty-gritty details, head to clearme.com.

How does Clear work at the airport?

For CLEAR, you scan your boarding pass and eyes, or fingerprints at a CLEAR pod. Once your identity is verified, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts you to the front of the security line for the physical security screening. 

What is Clear reserve? 

If you don’t want to pay for the CLEAR plus membership, you can try CLEAR Reserve. Reserve Powered by CLEAR allows you to reserve a spot in the security line for up to 10 people (as long as everyone arrives together and on time). You show your ID at a specified time. It’s a free service. However, not that you do not get to use the CLEAR expedited line for paid members. This service is available in select airports in the U.S. Canada, and Europe. 

How Much Does Clear Plus cost? 

CLEAR is $189 annually. You can add up to three adults to your account for $70 per person. Clear Reserve is free. There are discounts for military service members and government employees. 

Who is Eligible For Clear? 

• To be eligible for CLEAR you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least one of the following forms of photo identification: U.S. passport or card, U.S. driver’s licence, U.S. issued permanent resident card, state-issued ID, or U.S. military ID. 
• Travelers under 18, such as family members, can go through CLEAR for free if they are with a CLEAR member. 
  

How to Get CLEAR

To sign for CLEAR, you can enroll in minutes. You can start the process online by answering a few questions before you get to the airport. You can finish the process at the airport. Or you can do the entire process at the CLEAR kiosk in the airport. For more information, visit clearme.com

CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck

Now, you might wonder, how does CLEAR compare to TSA PreCheck? While CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, you’ll still go through regular security – shoes off, laptop out, belts and jackets off.

With TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, you don’t go through the regular security line. Security lines are usually shorter. You keep your shoes and belt on, and there is no need to take out your laptop. It’s a breeze through the metal detector.

If you want, you could combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck. You’ll skip all the lines, waltzing through security like a travel pro.

CLEAR vs. Global Entry

And what about CLEAR vs. Global Entry? CLEAR speeds you up in airport security, while Global Entry zooms you through U.S. customs upon arrival in the United States. The two programs are different in their roles.

It’s ultimately your call!

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