Clear's Annual Membership Just Got More Expensive — What to Know

05.08.2024 - 22:10 / travelandleisure.com

Biometric company Clear has quietly increased the annual membership fee for its popular expedited airport security program. 

As of last week, the individual rates for Clear Plus have risen from $189 to $199 per year, as indicated by the pricing details on its website. Members renewing Clear Plus will see the $10 increase effective immediately upon their next annual charge. Despite this change, it remains free for Clear Plus members to bring along children under 18.

“Clear has updated the price of its Clear Plus membership to $199 per year, which is less than $1 per month and is only the second price adjustment in 14 years,” a representative from the company shared with Travel + Leisure in a statement.

“Along with this change, we are introducing new benefits through Clear Perks, including Clear Scout, which helps members recover lost or misplaced items at the airport with the help of our ambassadors. This price adjustment also reflects the expansion of Clear’s network and member benefits. With over 150 lanes in 58 airports and features like the Home-to-Gate app, Clear Mobile, and Reserve, members can now enjoy their Clear benefits in more locations than ever before.

Clear offers different pricing for individuals and families.

However, this isn’t the first time Clear has increased its annual rates as the company raised the family rates late last year when tacking on up to three adults to the same plan. 

Over the past year, Clear has expanded its reach and is now available at nearly 60 airports across the country. The program allows members to skip the ID verification process with biometric scans of their eyes or fingers. Once verified, they are escorted to the front of the airport security line.

However, certain travel credit cards, like the consumer and business versions of the Amex Platinum, offer reimbursements for the entire Clear annual membership.

Fortunately, these statement credits will still cover the increased $199 annual charge.

In contrast, TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows pre-approved travelers to keep their liquids, shoes, and laptops in their bags at separate security lanes. The membership costs $78 and is valid for five years.

Having both memberships can be particularly beneficial for frequent fliers, allowing them to get to the front of the PreCheck lane. New and existing members can save on both programs by enrolling with a Clear representative at a participating airport and paying $199 for the discounted bundle—$121.05 for the first year of Clear Plus and $77.95 for TSA PreCheck.