CLEAR Airport Security 2024: Benefits, Costs, and Reviews
04.08.2024 - 12:06
/ insider.com
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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.
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.
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.
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.
CLEAR membership comes with many benefits, depending on how and where you use it.
Because CLEAR® Plus