Is Clear still worth it?

03.09.2024 - 14:44 / thepointsguy.com

As a loyal Clear user for the past three years, I will continue paying for it for as long as it exists. It saves me time and stress when passing through Transportation Security Administration security.

Though I've never doubted the expedited security program's worth, the implementation of random ID checks undoubtedly questions its core tenet.

Some users, including TPG staffers and readers alike, have questioned its worth due to improvements in biometric screening via airlines, unspoken Clear competitor TSA PreCheck and a recent price increase.

Below is an in-depth look at the evolution of Clear to help determine whether the program makes sense for you.

Three years after Clear rolled out its first airport lane in 2010, the government launched its own expedited TSA security lane program, TSA PreCheck.

Though both programs save travelers time, TSA PreCheck distinguished itself from Clear as a government security operator. As a Trusted Traveler Program, the government provides PreCheck travelers with a separate lane where they do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. These travelers generally experience a wait time of 10 minutes or less, per TSA data.

Given PreCheck's success, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have worked with TSA to implement their own expedited security experience for flyers under the Touchless ID umbrella.

Touchless ID eliminates the need to show a physical ID or boarding pass to verify identity; this enables TSA PreCheck members flying United or Delta at select airports to use facial recognition to pass through PreCheck security in a few seconds. It's also called biometric screening.

Although no ID is required, airlines and TSA advise travelers to bring a valid ID as the agency reserves the right to randomly check a traveler's ID at any point, regardless of participation in this or any expedited security program.

It's important to note that Touchless ID does not merge with Clear as PreCheck does. While Clear members who also participate in TSA PreCheck are escorted to the front of the TSA PreCheck line after verifying their identity via a Clear pod, Touchless ID travelers will have to choose between the two lines.

TSA PreCheck's Touchless Identity Solution is also available for Delta flyers at five airports via its Digitial ID program — an alternative screening procedure that uses the passport information saved in each passenger's SkyMiles profile to match the photo taken at security checkpoints.

In addition to Delta and United, American Airlines offers Mobile ID facial recognition for PreCheck security at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

With these developments, flyers — particularly those loyal to Delta and United —