Clear Membership: Is it Worth It?

Clear is an expedited security program available at 53 U.S. airports and other large venues, boasting over 14 million nationwide members. This secure identity platform employs biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans to automate identity verification for most users during the TSA screening process. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA agent to check their license or passport, Clear members enjoy a dedicated security lane with kiosks.

What Are The Benefits of Clear Membership for Travelers?

CLEAR airport membership enhances your airport experience by providing a faster, more convenient, and less stressful journey through security and, in some cases, the airport itself. It's especially valuable for frequent travelers who prioritize efficiency and convenience when flying.

• Bypassing Security Lines: One of the primary benefits of CLEAR membership is the ability to bypass regular security lines. CLEAR members have access to a dedicated lane, allowing them to move through security more quickly.
• Quick Identity Verification: CLEAR uses biometric technology, such as fingerprint or eye scans, to verify your identity swiftly. This means you can avoid the hassle of presenting traditional identification documents multiple times during the security process.
• Time Savings: By skipping the regular security lines and undergoing a faster identity verification process, you can save significant time at the airport. This is especially valuable during busy travel periods.
• Reduced Stress: The convenience of CLEAR can help reduce the stress associated with long security lines and the fear of missing your flight. Knowing that you can get through security efficiently provides peace of mind.
• Complement to TSA PreCheck: If you have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR can be a valuable complement. It allows you to skip both the ID check and the physical document check, streamlining your journey through the security checkpoint even further.
• Family Add-Ons: Some CLEAR memberships offer the option to add family members at a reduced rate, making it easier for your entire family to benefit from faster security clearance.
• Airport-Wide Access: CLEAR is not limited to security checkpoints. Some airports offer CLEAR access for expedited entry into the airport itself, including concourses and terminals, saving you time from the moment you arrive.
• Available at Multiple Airports: CLEAR is available at a growing number of major airports across the United States so that you can enjoy the benefits at various travel hubs.
• Touchless Experience: In a world where health and hygiene are paramount, CLEAR's touchless identity verification can provide added comfort by minimizing physical contact during the airport process.
• Convenient Enrollment: Enrolling in CLEAR is typically a straightforward process that can be completed in minutes, either online or at participating airport locations.

What Are the New TSA Rules for Clear Membership?

The TSA has started randomly requiring some Clear users to present a valid form of identification for identity verification.

What is the Clear Membership Fee?

While the regular Clear membership fee is $199 per year, there are several ways to secure discounts or even avoid paying the total retail price.

1. Referral Program: Clear offers a referral program where existing members can refer friends to the program. For each successful referral, both the referrer and the new member receive two months of free membership.
2. Airline Partnerships: Clear has partnered with select airlines to provide special membership rates for their passengers. These rates include:

Delta SkyMiles Discounts:

• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: Complimentary membership
• Delta Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members: $159 per year
• General SkyMiles members: $189 per year

United MileagePlus Discounts:

• United Global Services and Premier 1K members: Complimentary membership
• United Platinum, Gold, and Silver members: $159 per year
• General United MileagePlus members: $189 per year

To access these discounted rates, enter your SkyMiles or MileagePlus number during enrollment or link your SkyMiles or MileagePlus account after enrolling. These partnerships make it possible for any U.S.-based passenger to access reduced Clear membership rates by linking their account.

1. Family Add-On: Once you become a Clear member, you can add up to three family members to your account for $119 each per year. Children aged under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when a Clear member accompanies them.
2. Credit Card Benefits: Certain credit cards offer a Clear membership fee reimbursement as a benefit. These cards will cover up to $199 per year in Clear Plus membership costs, including:

- American Express Green Card

- The Platinum Card® from American Express

- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

By taking advantage of these discounts, partnerships, and credit card benefits, you can enjoy the convenience of Clear membership while reducing or eliminating the annual fee.

How Does Clear Airport Membership Work?

Clear operates through a straightforward process that streamlines airport security procedures:

1. Identity Verification: Passengers begin by undergoing identity verification in a designated Clear lane. This involves biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or iris scan, at a dedicated kiosk. This step eliminates the need for TSA agents to manually inspect government IDs and boarding passes. However, it's important to note that the TSA now randomly selects Clear users for standard identity verification, requiring them to present a physical or digital ID.
2. Escorted to Security Screening: Once a passenger's identity is verified, a Clear representative escorts Clear users to the actual security screening area. This bypasses the regular queue, providing a faster and more efficient experience for Clear members.
3. TSA PreCheck Integration: Clear offers a seamless transition for those who are also enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Clear members can proceed directly to the TSA PreCheck line, further expediting their journey through security.
4. Reserve Powered by Clear: Clear offers a feature called "Reserve powered by Clear," which allows travelers to book timed entry slots for TSA security based on their flight departure time. This service is currently available at 18 airports in the United States, Canada, and Europe. And there are plans to expand to more locations in the future.

Clear simplifies the airport experience by using biometric authentication for identity verification, saving time and enhancing security efficiency. Clear members enjoy expedited access to security screening, and the process is even more streamlined for those enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

The addition of "Reserve powered by Clear" offers further convenience by allowing travelers to schedule their security checkpoint entry based on their flight schedule.

How to Apply for Clear Airport Membership

You have two options to apply for Clear Airport: start the process online and complete it at a Clear location or carry out the entire enrollment process in person at a Clear site. The enrollment process typically takes around five minutes, assuming there's no waiting time and no appointments are necessary.

To complete your Clear enrollment, you'll need to visit a Clear location to finalize the process. This involves a few straightforward identity verification questions, presenting a valid photo ID, specifying a payment method, and providing your biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo of your irises, to link to your newly created Clear account.

To be eligible for Clear enrollment, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a U.S. citizen. Or a legal permanent resident.
• You should be at least 18 years old.
• You must possess one of the following forms of photo identification:
• A U.S. driver's license
• A U.S. passport
• A U.S. passport card
• A U.S.-issued permanent resident card
• A state-issued ID
• A U.S. military ID.

These requirements ensure that Clear enrollment is accessible to eligible individuals seeking to expedite their airport security experience.

Takeaway: What is Clear Membership? - Can it Speed Up Your Airport Security Experience?

Clear's advantages include bypassing security lines, swift identity verification, time savings, reduced stress, complementing TSA PreCheck, family add-ons, airport-wide access, availability at major airports nationwide, a touchless experience, and convenient enrollment options.

Moreover, Clear offers various avenues to lower or even eliminate its annual fee of $189. The referral program, airline partnerships, family add-ons, and specific credit card benefits provide opportunities for savings, ensuring that the convenience of Clear membership is accessible to a broader audience.

When you apply for Clear Airport, the process is straightforward and efficient, requiring no appointments and taking just about five minutes. Eligibility is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents at least 18 years old and over who possess approved photo identification forms.

In a world where efficiency and safety are paramount, Clear membership paves the way for a smoother airport experience. With its biometric technology and innovative features like "Reserve powered by Clear," it's poised to continue transforming how travelers navigate airport security. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or a frequent flier, Clear is a clear choice for enhancing your airport experience.