CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program - Is It Beneficial?

The CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program, which is today highly convenient and popular among many travellers, was created and introduced by the CLEAR firm in 2010. CLEAR is a fresh new initiative that was just launched and is available to all registered visitors. CLEAR is a secure identity platform that collects members' biometric data, such as fingerprint and iris scans. They are then used to automate the identity verification portion of the secure checkout process. It allows users to instantly verify their identities at secure kiosks utilising biometrics to allow a person to be verified by iris or fingerprint, in addition to their boarding permit or ticket.

CLEAR could alleviate busy airports. Photo on Unsplash

Passengers travelling with a CLEAR membership card can utilise their own lanes to save time and reduce airport security processes. As a result, they will be limited to identification checks, identification of identification, and other associated papers. The CLEAR platform delivers a unique consumer experience that is both secure and time efficient, thanks to its unique airport operations.

After CLEARing the contemporary biometric test, you will be moved to the next level of the check so you can finish scanning your luggage. Because you won't have to wait, the travel and item inspection procedures will save you a lot of time. If you have also enrolled for a TSA Pre-Test, you will be sent to that area. Finally, when travelling with a paying member, children under the age of 18 can utilise the CLEAR line for free.

>> Check out: Global Entry Vs. TSA Precheck

Special Benefits Of CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program

CLEAR is a programme that allows you to rapidly authenticate your identity using a non-touch biometric scan, eliminating the need to wait in line for a TSA agent to evaluate your boarding pass and photo ID. your. Biometrics are distinct traits, such as your face, eyes, or fingerprints, that can be used to identify a person. After enrolling in CLEAR, you can use your biometrics as your ID to gain speedy access to airports, stadiums, and other facilities around the country.

You will be moved to the front of the guard lines after your ID matches your boarding permit. So, regardless of how lengthy the TSA PreCheck or conventional security lines are, once you've finished the CLEAR procedure, you'll be directed to the front, right where you placed your luggage in the scanner.

Your eye scan and matching of your boarding card should take no more than 2 minutes, after which you'll proceed through the metal detector as usual to finish the rest of the check.

CLEAR provides a biometric identification verification solution to help you pass security faster and more securely. CLEAR also allows you to expedite security processes at non-airport places such as stadiums and arenas and is expanding its reach with initiatives such as Health. CLEAR can be used to swiftly CLEAR security at over 50 airports and other sites around the United States.

Photo on The Points Guy

CLEAR has also worked with Uber for the Home to Gate service, which customers can access via the CLEAR app, where they can follow security timeouts and contact Uber in time to go to the airport and CLEAR security in time for their flight.

By automating the identification verification process and sending travellers ahead of the security fence, CLEAR reduces wait times even more. However, unlike Global Entry, being CLEAR does not immediately grant TSA Pre-Check status. TSA PreCheck is also accessible at fewer airports.

CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Operations At Certain Airports.

CLEAR can be found at over 50 airports, stadiums, and arenas around the United States. CLEAR's location guide will help you find out if it's accessible in your region. At the moment, CLEAR is currently accepted and managed at the following airports:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Baltimore / Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Cincinnati / North Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Dallas Love Fields Airport (DAL)
• Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush International Airport (IAH)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Louis Armstrong International Airport New Orleans (MSY)
• McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• St. John's International Airport Louis Lambert (STL)
• Westchester County Airport (HPN)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

A CLEAR booth at an airport. Photo on The Points Guy

Aside from the airports mentioned above, another advantage of CLEAR is that it can be used as a power ticket to access events or stadiums. As a result, CLEAR is accessible at certain of the following stadium gates for a variety of events:

• Atlanta - Truist Park
• Austin - University of Texas
• Baltimore - Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• Cleveland - Progressive School
• Dallas - Globe Life Field
• Denver - Coors School
• Detroit - Comerica Park
• Los Angeles - The Banc of California Stadium
• Los Angeles - The Staples Centre
• Miami - American Airlines Arena
• Minneapolis - Target School
• New York - Citi Stadium
• New York - Madison Square Garden
• New York - Yankee Stadium
• Oakland - Oakland Arena
• San Antonio - AT&T Centre
• San Francisco - Oracle Park
• San Francisco - RingCentral Arena
• Stadium San Jose - Avaya
• Seattle - The Lumen Field
• Seattle - T-Mobile Park
• Washington, DC - Capital One Arena

CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Cost

CLEAR membership is $179 per year. For an extra $50 per year, all members can add up to three adult family members to their membership.

However, there are several methods to gain discounts or even free CLEAR memberships throughout the enrollment process. The yearly membership price for using CLEAR at airports and sports stadiums is $15.75 per month (an average of roughly $189 per year), while youngsters under the age of 18 are free. For an extra $50 per year, all members can add up to three adult family members to their membership.

CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Fast Registration Process

First, you must visit the CLEAR website and register using your name, email address, ZIP code, and date of birth during the CLEAR registration procedure for expedited airport security convenience access. The procedure is then completed by visiting one of the more than 50 CLEAR sites. You do not need to book an appointment before visiting an obvious location, but you must bring a picture identification matching the name on your application and be prepared to give your biometric information.

If you intend to use your statement credit on an approved credit card, make sure you pay for your CLEAR membership with that card.

The last steps of registration must be accomplished at a specific place. In the final steps, you must go through a process that requires you to answer some easy questions in order to validate your identity. Provide proper picture identification and a payment method, and upload your biometrics (fingerprints and iris photographs) to your newly formed account.

Applying CLEAR in practice. Photo on Local Adventures

To apply, you must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, 18 years of age or older, and have one of the following picture identification forms: a US driver's licence, a US passport, a passport card issued by the US, a state issued identity, or a US military ID.

After signing up for CLEAR, you should link your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account in the United States to your CLEAR or CLEAR Sports account here. You will be eligible to utilise the Hertz Fast Lane provided by CLEAR at certain Hertz locations if you have a valid US driver's licence as well as your CLEAR membership-related fingerprint and picture.

The cost to sign up for a CLEAR membership limit costs $179 per year.

However, if you have an American Express card, it will give a significant bonus to pay the significant fees of the membership registration procedure. To begin, the American Express Green Card provides a $100 yearly CLEAR Statement credit to help you save even more on registration costs. In addition, the American Express Platinum® Card gives a CLEAR® bill credit of up to $189 every year.

Furthermore, travel websites such as The Points Guy frequently provide discount coupons that might save you money on their CLEAR app. In addition, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can get a discount or free CLEAR membership.

TA Precheck vs. CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program: Which Membership Is More Beneficial?

TSA PreCheck is a service designed to let visitors who have been certified safe by the Transportation Security Administration bypass airport security lines. Nevertheless, at the exit check-in, you are not required to remove your shoes, belt, or take a laptop or drink from your luggage.

As a result, the CLEAR programme differs from the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck (TSA). While CLEAR members are subjected to a travel document check at airports, PreCheck members are subjected to a quick physical check.

One of the most noticeable distinctions between CLEAR and PreCheck is the opportunity to access screening more quickly by expediting the verification procedure. Furthermore, having CLEAR does not exclude you from completing the simplified PreCheck security screening procedure; it is merely meant to enable you to get there faster than you might otherwise.

A TSA Precheck flag. Photo on Travel Market Report

The PreCheck registration fee is only $85 and is valid for 5 years, making Pre-Check a more appealing alternative for individuals looking to save money on vacation. While statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications are a regular perk among luxury travel cards, CLEAR credits are far less prevalent.

When deciding between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, many people might reflexively believe TSA PreCheck is superior. PreCheck is less expensive, more widely available, and has the added benefit of being nationally endorsed by the government. Furthermore, many travel credit cards include statement credits which can be used to pay the cost of your TSA Pre-Check registration.

However, there are a number of benefits to the CLEAR programme, including the option to utilise the free CLEAR Health Pass to swiftly confirm your COVID-19 test and immunisation status in airports, sports arenas, and concerts venues. If you want to travel or attend arena events in 2021 or 2022, adding CLEAR Health Pass to your phone could be something to think about.

FAQs

What Are The Basic CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Packages?

CLEAR provides two free assistance packages in addition to a $15 / month CLEAR membership card that allows you to get through airport security quickly and safely. The Sports Pass allows you to enter sports venues faster, and the newly introduced Health Pass allows you to report the status of your COVID-19 immunisation as well as any recent negative test results to airport staff.

What Are The Requirements For Registering A Legal CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program?

To join CLEAR, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. A valid form of identification, such as a U.S. driver's licence, a U.S. passport or passport, a US Permanent Resident Card, a state-issued ID, a US military ID card, or a Global Immigration card, is also required during your membership registration process.

A TSA Precheck booth at an airport. Photo on USA Today

What Can I Do To Save Money While Applying For CLEAR Membership?

CLEAR currently offers discounts through alliances with Delta Air Lines (for Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medalist members) and United Airlines (for United Premier members). As a result, if you already have membership cards from the programmes mentioned above, you can join up for CLEAR for $109 (non-premium or platinum members can acquire it for $119).

If you have an American Express Platinum® Card, a Centurion® Card, or a Platinum® Card from American Express, you will receive a CLEAR membership for free.

You can save money on your yearly CLEAR membership if you have Delta SkyMiles. Delta SkyMiles members can enjoy a $119 yearly membership discount. Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medalists, as well as Delta credit card holders such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, pay $109 each year. CLEAR is also freely available to Delta Diamond Medallion elite members.

• Diamond Medallion membership is free (saving $189 per year).
• Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medal members: $109 Membership (yearly savings of $80)
• SkyMiles regular membership: $119 (year savings of $70)
• Delta SkyMiles credit card members: $109 (annual savings of $80) (To take advantage of these perks, sign up for free SkyMiles or a Delta credit card, then register DELETE on this website to receive the special offer.) 

This is a collaboration between Delta SkyMiles and CLEAR, but anybody can participate. 

When you use your American Express Green Card to pay for your membership, you will receive an annual bill credit of up to $100. This boosts your overall annual costs by $89. In addition, Amex Platinum cardholders can earn up to $189 in credit every year to cover the cost of their yearly CLEAR membership. 

If you have United MileagePlus, you can save money on your yearly CLEAR membership. The following United credit cards offer CLEAR at a $109 yearly savings.

• United Explorer card
• United Quest card
• United Gateway Card
• United Club Infinite card
• United business card

United Airlines MileagePlus customers receive discounts that are quite comparable to Delta SkyMiles members. Premier 1K members are eligible for free membership. Platinum, Gold, and Silver Premium Members, as well as US Credit Cardholders, pay $109 each year, saving them $80.

If you are in college, you are eligible for a discounted rate of $50 each year for four years. CLEAR works with a third-party agency to validate eligibility, however, if you are a student, this is one of the most cost-effective and secure methods of obtaining a CLEAR membership card.

In addition, for family membership plans, if you join as a single family, you can add adult family members for $50 per person per year, with a limit of three people. Children under the age of 18 are not required to register and can join any CLEAR member for free. You can even receive two months free if there are children on the aircraft.

How Would Being A Member Of Both TSA Precheck And CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Benefit Me?

TSA PreCheck only allows you to expedite airport security, whereas CLEAR allows you to expedite airport, stadium, and event entrance. That is why, while evaluating your money and time, this is the key to assisting you in making a decision.

TSA PreCheck travellers could well be randomly picked for standard airport screening and will not be allowed to utilise the PreCheck security line; CLEARly flying passengers always have access to the specialised Cleanup lane at security.

CLEAR's new Medical Card lets you communicate your COVID-19 immunisation status as well as any recent negative test results, potentially reducing or eliminating any of the following mandatory quarantine durations when travelling.

Finally, while not all airlines allow you to use your TSA PreCheck membership for security, CLEAR works regardless of the airline.

Many TSA PreCheck members appreciate CLEAR since it allows them to publicise the often lengthy PreCheck TSA lineups at hundreds of airports. However, TSA PreCheck remains the most convenient option to bypass security without losing time in line.

The only true advantage of CLEAR versus TSA PreCheck is that it gets you to the front of the line faster at stadiums.

 

What Is CLEAR Sport?

You can use your CLEAR membership to its full potential at stadiums that have CLEAR lanes. There is, however, a free CLEAR Sports subscription that provides fans with instant access to games at participating venues. However, this membership does not provide access to No Stadium locations, such as airports.

Simply travel to a qualifying stadium before a qualifying event and visit the registration centre outside the stadium to join up for a CLEAR Sports membership. CLEAR Sports members can invite a visitor through CLEAR Lane at stadium sites and upgrade to a legitimate paid membership at any time.

Is TSA Pre-Inspection Part Of The CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program Process?

CLEAR does not contain TSA PreCheck, however, it can be used in conjunction with it. After passing the identification test in designated CLEAR lanes, a CLEAR member can take the TSA Pre-Test and be admitted to the TSA Pre-Inspection lanes.

Will All Of My Personal Information Be Kept Private If I Participate In The CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program?

CLEAR's comprehensive information security programme employs industry best practices along with administrative, technological, and physical measures to secure the CLEAR system and information against anticipated risks or hazards.

Idle and transmission encryption, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, personnel security, privacy and security training, and intrusion and data leak detection tools are examples of such measures.

When Should I Enrol in the CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program?

CLEAR is suggested for passengers who fly more than 50,000 miles per year and appreciate the value of saving time in lines. Furthermore, travellers commonly fly via huge, busy airports such as Atlanta or Washington, DC.

If you have Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus, you should sign up for CLEAR since you can save money by doing so. Finally, Delta Diamond Medallion and United Global Services members, as well as 1K members, should have a CLEAR membership card, since free membership is available.

If CLEAR is offered at your home airport or a frequent traveller's airport, the programme might be time-saving software for your future flights, regardless of whether you have TSA Pre-Check or not. If you want to save money on security testing, CLEAR is an option to examine.

Even if you have PreCheck, the reality is that there is generally just one TSA employee who examines the ID and boarding permit for the PreCheck route, interspersed with other non-PreCheck passengers and substantially speeds things up. CabinZero hopes that with the above extensive information, you can make the best-informed selection for a memorable journey.

Vy Nguyen