Clear Expedited Security Program: Enhance Your Travelling Experience

If you've traveled by air, you know that airport security can be a little bit of a hassle. Enter the CLEAR expedited security programme, designed to make this necessary step a little more bearable, and yes, even faster.

In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about CLEAR. How does it work? What distinguishes it from other expedited security programmes? And, most importantly, what are the advantages for you, the traveller?

Join us as we take a closer look at CLEAR, exploring its features and answering the most common questions potential users may have. By the end, you'll know whether this programme is a good fit for your travel needs.

H2. 1. What Is The Clear Program?

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Instead of waiting, the process will be much faster with these machines. Photo was taken from clearme.com

Since everybody hates long lines, the CLEAR program was created. It was a new answer to the ever-present problem of airport security checkpoints.

The CLEAR program is a streamlined system that employs biometric identification technology to authenticate its members' identities. Because of this, CLEAR can provide a variety of perks to its members.

One of the main benefits of Clear is that members can bypass the security queues and continue directly to the physical screening. This reduces wait times and allows tourists to avoid the stress and aggravation of standing through long lines.

Plus, with the information regarding wait times and gate changes on CLEAR’s mobile up, its members would have a much easier time navigating the airport.

On top of that, identity security is also one of the main focuses of the CLEAR program. With the biometric identification and screening procedure, its members can have peace of mind and temporarily forget about identity fraud.

Clear's security commitment has also resulted in collaborations with the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, and other government officials.

Because of these reasons, the program not only helps enhance the customers’ experience but also helps the security reduce the workload. That’s why the CLEAR program has quickly gained popularity and love from the travelling communities.

First established in 2010, it has extended to 56 commercial airports and other locations around the United States. If you are already interested in the program, you can check the list here.

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A map of CLEAR’s airport network. Photo was taken from clearme.com

H2. 2. Enrollment guide

To use the CLEAR program, you have to enrol in the program before your trip. To do so, you must present a valid form of identity, such as a passport or driver's licence, as well as fingerprint and/or iris scans.

You can start this process online or in one of the CLEAR locations. If you opt for the former, you still need to finish the process at the airport next time your fly. 

The reason being the final step has to be done in a CLEAR-supported location. This step includes answering basic questions to authenticate your identity, producing a valid photo ID, confirming a payment method, and adding your biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph of your irises).

The whole process would take you around 5 minutes to complete. If you forgot to complete this before the departure date, there is no need to stress too much.

One thing to remember, though, is that some airports may have different CLEAR procedures. Hence, even if you have experience in using the CLEAR program, check the airport's guidelines before your trip. Especially if it is a new airport, you are coming to.

Important: Sadly, at the moment, according to CLEAR themselves, the program is “currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID”. This information is extracted from clearme.com on September 2023. We will update new information if available.

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Even though you can sign up online, the final process can only be done in the airports. Photo by Maëva Vigier on Unsplash

H3. Step-by-step guide

Step 1: To begin, go to the CLEAR website and click on the "ENROL TODAY" option. You can also register in person at any of CLEAR's airport sites.

Step 2: After that, you will be asked to input your personal information, including your complete name, email address, zip code, and date of birth. You must also create a password for your account.

Step 3: You will then be asked some more questions in this step. The first concerns whether you want to add a family member to your CLEAR membership program. Consider carefully since it is much cheaper for them this way – only $60 for each additional adult member (up to 3 people). Then make sure to put, if you have one, a promo code in the “Promo Code (Optional)” box. 

Step 4: Now, you need to insert your credit card information. Before doing so, remember to read their terms & conditions. It is laborious to read this, but it is a good idea if you want to understand everything thoroughly.

Step 5: After entering your identifying details, you will be requested to set up an in-person verification session. During the appointment, a CLEAR representative will verify your identity and collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans.

Step 6: After completing the verification process, CLEAR will email you confirming your admission is complete. After that, you can begin using CLEAR throughout the partner airports.

H2. 3. Membership Programs And How To Save Money

If you do a simple Google search for the CLEAR program’s membership cost, your result probably is $189. This $189 price is annual, with $15.75 billed monthly. With this, you are allowed access to airports and stadiums.

Moreover, all members can add up to three adult family members (children under 18 are free) to their membership for an extra $50 per year. Yes, it is a costly program. So, the question is how to get the benefits with less pain.

H3. 1. Get extra benefits from AVIS

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Having a car can enhance your travelling experience significantly. Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash

If you are like us, the same $189 would be more tolerable with more benefits.

Since CLEAR has partnered with AVIS, program members also receive some perks when renting cars from AVIS. You can check the details here, but we picked these great ones from the list: 

  • CLEAR Members can save up to 25% off base rates and up to 35% off PAY Now with Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number S607800. 
  • Receive 25% more points for every dollar you spend (Avis Preferred Points).
  • Complimentary upgrades (whenever available). 

Even though the same amount of money will leave your pocket, this might be nice if you need a car during your journey. However, it’s worth noting that even though there are 65 CLEAR locations, only 54 have CLEAR x Avis available.

H3. 2. Saving up to $40

This one seems, and probably is, more appealing. In collaboration with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, CLEAR provides members a direct discount on its annual rate. Similar to the case of AVIS, only 51 out of 56 locations of CLEAR are available for this.

Delta SkyMiles members

United Airlines

Free CLEAR annual membership

Diamond Medallion® Members

Premier® 1K® members

$149 CLEAR annual membership

($40 savings off the standard rate)

‍Platinum/Gold/Silver Medallion Members and eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members

‍Premier Platinum/Gold/Silver members and United U.S. Credit Card Members

$179 CLEAR annual membership

(with a 14-day trial)

‍General Members

‍MileagePlus 

H3. 3. Ways To Get CLEAR For Free You Don’t Want To Miss

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If you already have one, you might as well use it. Photo by CardMapr.nl from Unsplash

Interestingly enough, there are some discounts you can not find on CLEAR’s website. Those are the benefits of American Express’ business card holders. They offer up to $189-329 statement credit per year towards a CLEAR and CLEAR Plus membership (terms apply):

Despite additional fees, several perks American Express provides are worth looking into. If you are already looking for a business card and are also interested in the CLEAR program, they are a no-brainer.

H2. 4. What About CLEAR’s Customer Support Service

For $189 a year, every aspect should be considered. And customer service is one of the most important ones. Clear's customer service is an essential part of its membership program.

The company provides its members with various support systems, including a dedicated customer service hotline and a live chat function integrated into its website.

Members can also receive help through Clear's mobile app or by emailing the company's support team.

Clear's individualised help program is one of its differentiated features. This program provides one-on-one help to members needing additional aid or direction during enrollment or while navigating the airport.

Clear's website also includes a comprehensive FAQ section that answers many valuable and relevant questions. The company has also been active on social media platforms. By utilising many platforms, Clear staff may communicate with its members to discuss their program experiences.

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If you have a problem, scan the QR code. Photo was taken from clearme.com

H2. 5. Do you know about CLEAR Sports?

Even though the main topic here is the CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program, it is important also to address the CLEAR Sports program. It is free for everyone and included in your CLEAR membership.

If you are unfamiliar with this one, it’s another program of CLEAR designated for entering stadiums. With this access, you can enter the venues via CLEAR Lanes in all collaborated stadiums.

Like the CLEAR program in airports, taking family members with you is possible. Each day, a member can bring one adult company through CLEAR Lane. Children under 18 do not need a membership and may enter the Lane with an adult.

To enrol on the program, there are three steps you need to take: 

Step 1: Download and open the CLEAR app and select the “Sports and Events” section.

Step 2: Login (if you already have an account) or enrol using a quick selfie. You will then have a QR code.

Step 3: Go to the CLEAR Lane and show an Ambassador your QR code.

It is a relatively simple process. And it is a free program! That’s why it’s worth signing up for your love of sport, and you don’t go to the airport that often.

H2. 5. CLEAR Vs. TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

Although these programs are not the same as CLEAR’s, they can be great alternatives. Since these programs are for international flights from and to the U.S., the potential candidates for CLEAR are also for these programs.

H3. 1. TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck is a program to accelerate security screening for passengers travelling from US airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages the service, which is available at over 200 airports around the US.

TSA PreCheck allows people to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. If you carry laptops and liquids in your luggage, you might not need to take them out. For frequent flyers, this can save a huge amount of time and hassle.

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