What is Clear airport and is it worth it? [2023]

Clear® is an airport verification process available at locations across the US. It uses biometric data and technology to verify your identity — helping you avoid long security lines every time you travel.

There’s also a range of other perks for Clear members, including expedited access to stadiums and arenas in the US.

Read a detailed guide to Clear airport — including how to apply for a membership and if it’s worth the cost.

What is Clear at the airport?

Clear is an identity verification program for frequent travelers to speed through airport security. This company uses state-of-the-art biometric screening to provide frequent travelers with a unique identity check at the airport.

This can help you expedite airport security, skip long TSA® lines, and let you and your family travel smoothly every time you fly.

How does Clear work?

You would typically need to wait in line for a TSA agent to physically verify your identity at the airport. However, if you have a Clear membership, you can use a designated Clear line.

By using a Clear machine, you can simply verify your identity with your fingerprints or eyes. This data is unique to you — making Clear a safe and secure option if you want to skip long lines at the airport.

Clear members still need to complete regular airport screening. However, you can go to the front of the line — and you can avoid random spot checks, too.

How much is Clear airport?

A Clear membership costs 189 USD for 1-year.

You can add up to three family members or friends to your account for 70 USD each. This makes it cheaper for families to travel together and access expedited airport security without paying a full membership fee.

Children under 18 years old can also come through the machines with you without their own membership.¹

Some airlines and credit cards offer substantial discounts on your Clear membership — so make sure to check all your options before enrolling.

How can you save getting Clear entry?

Clear partners with airlines like Delta® and United® to give special discounts to frequent flyers. This includes discounted membership fees.

For example, members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can access Clear at a discounted rate. Depending on your status, you may even be able to get it for free.¹

Many credit card companies also offer a Clear membership fee discount or reimbursement.

We’ve listed a few popular credit card options below.

Credit Card	Clear Benefits	Annual Fee
American Express® Platinum Card	Up to 189 USD statement credit per year toward Clear²	695 USD²
American Express Business Platinum Card	Up to 189 USD statement credit per year toward Clear²	650 USD²
American Express Green Card	Up to 189 USD statement credit per year toward Clear²	150 USD²
United Club Infinite Card	Discounted price of 149 USD per year³	525 USD⁴

Which airports have Clear?

Clear is available at over 50 airports across the US. This includes:

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York Westchester County Airport, New York Dulles International Airport, Washington Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles O’Hare International Airport, Chicago

Clear is constantly looking to expand to new airports across the globe, but they don’t currently have machines available in international locations — so you can only use Clear at domestic airports.¹

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How does Clear entry simplify your travel experience?

Clear entry is a great way to simplify your travel experience, especially if you regularly fly across the world.

Expedited airport security with Clear

One of the big benefits of Clear is expedited airport security. Waiting in long lines at the airport can be tiring and inconvenient, especially if you’re waiting for a TSA agent to check your documents and you need to go through regular security verification, too.

Clear lets you use designated lines for members only — and once you’ve had your identity checked, you can go to the front of the regular security line. You can also avoid random checks, speeding up your journey every time you fly.

Additional Clear benefits

As well as airport security benefits, Clear members can also access expedited entry to events at facilities across the US. If you’re at a venue with security checks, such as a stadium, you may be able to skip the line and use a Clear machine to verify your identity, instead of waiting for someone to check your ID.

Clear also partners with several airlines and credit cards to enhance your flying experience. You get a complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis’s loyalty program alongside your membership, including perks such as a free single-car class upgrade and access to promotional offers.⁵

Signing up for Clear: step by step

It’s easy to sign up for Clear. We’ve put together a step by step guide:

Step 1. Head to the Clear website and complete a digital application form

Step 2. Once your application has been checked, you’ll need to complete your enrollment at a Clear location

Step 3. At your local Clear airport, you’ll be asked to verify your identity with any relevant documents and you may be asked a few questions

Step 4. A Clear Ambassador will also take your biometrics, which includes a fingerprint, an eye scan, and a photo of your face to create your Clear profile

Step 5. That’s it! Once your Clear enrollment is complete, you can start enjoying the benefits of Clear at the airport

Clear entry FAQ

If you’re thinking of applying for a Clear membership, you may have a few questions. We’ve put together some FAQs about Clear at the airport.

Is Clear worth the cost?

Clear is an expensive membership — but it’s worth the price for frequent flyers. If you want to access the best airline deals, Clear brings great additional perks for travelers — and you can also use your membership at arenas and other facilities.

It’s important to remember, however, that Clear isn’t available everywhere — so make sure to check if your local airport has a Clear line before applying.

How does Clear work with PreCheck and Global Entry?

You may be wondering about the benefits of TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry® vs Clear. It’s possible to use Global Entry and TSA PreCheck alongside your Clear membership.

Global Entry speeds up immigration and customs, whereas Clear speeds up security, meaning you can use both of these programs in conjunction to improve different aspects of your journey.

You can also use TSA PreCheck in tandem with Clear. For example, TSA PreCheck members can move through regular airport security checks without removing key items from their bags, such as liquids or laptops. Clear entry doesn’t offer this benefit.

Consider using all three programs to speed up your airport journey if you regularly travel internationally.

Is Clear safe to use?

Clear is very safe to use. It meets the NIST 800-53 HIGH baseline for security and privacy controls according to TSA and Clear airport security is also verified by the Department of Homeland Security as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology.¹

Your biometric data is unique to you, making this a fast, safe, and secure identity verification method.

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Clear airport is a helpful travel tool for frequent flyers. You can easily apply for your membership online and use smart biometric data to verify your identity every time you travel, expediting the security process.

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Sources:

1. Clear
2. American Express
3. United
4. Chase
5. Nerd Wallet

Sources checked on 07.11.2023