Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With CLEAR [2024]

In order to get through airport security faster, travelers have a few options to expedite this process. Travelers have the option to enroll in TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or both as they work together quite well. While TSA PreCheck is more well known, CLEAR is becoming more popular.

Learn the difference between CLEAR, TSA Pre-Check, and Global Entry

About CLEAR

CLEAR is a privately operated service that allows you to quickly get through the initial checkpoint where the TSA agent checks your boarding pass and photo identification. CLEAR does this using biometrics, such as fingerprinting and/or iris scanning.

Qualifications

CLEAR is only available to U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents who are 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID. Children under 18 don’t need to (and can’t) enroll, but are allowed to join any CLEAR member in line free.

Know that this is slightly different than TSA PreCheck where kids under 18 years old may be allowed access to membership.

Where can CLEAR be used?

One benefit of CLEAR is that it can be used in major airports (CLEAR Pro) and stadiums (CLEAR Sports) that have CLEAR screening stations.

Stadiums (CLEAR Sports):

Airports (CLEAR Pro):

Delta is a partner with CLEAR. If you are a Delta Sky Club member, CLEAR will allow access to the Sky Club using its state-of-the-art biometric technology.

This is available at the 50 U.S. Sky Club Locations.

Registration Process

1. CLEAR Sports

Registering for the CLEAR lane at stadiums and arenas is quite simple! Also, would you believe me if I told you this is free? Yeah, I didn’t believe it at first either.

Step 1: Download the free CLEAR app and tap on the black ‘Sports and Events’ tile.

Step 2: Tap on the ‘Sports and Events’ tile.

Step 3: Log in or enroll with a quick selfie to unlock your QR code.

Step 4: Head to the CLEAR Lane and show your QR code to an Ambassador.

Current Clear members automatically receive access to Clear Sports. Non-Clear members aren’t charged to enroll in the CLEAR Sports program.

If you intend to use the expedited screening lanes at the airport, you will need to invest in the CLEAR Pro membership.

2. CLEAR Pro

If you are planning on using the CLEAR lanes at the airport, you will need to upgrade your clear membership to CLEAR Pro.

There are two ways that you can register/enroll in CLEAR:

1. Enroll online
2. Enroll at the airport/stadium

The verification process must be completed in person at the airport or stadium.

Enroll Online

By enrolling online, you can gain access to 3-month or longer free trials and can input referral codes for discounted rates. To get started, fill out this form and follow the given instructions.

After you click on the link above, it will take you to the CLEAR site to begin the enrollment process. Here you will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name and birthday. After submitting this information, you will be prompted to input payment information.

Ready for verification? Once you have completed the above step, you can complete the verification process on your next trip to the airport where there is a designated CLEAR lane.

Mention to a CLEAR ambassador that you completed the online enrollment and need to complete the verification process. The CLEAR ambassador will guide you in this process.

Enroll at the Airport or Stadium

You can both enroll and verify in-person.

The downside? You are more likely to get a longer free trial when enrolling online. You may be able to extend this by e-mailing CLEAR; it has worked for a few travelers.

What is the cost (Without ANY Discount)?

Clear is more expensive than TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. It has a fee of $189, which is good for 1 year.

• Fee of $189 = 1 year membership
  • Additional $50/year = Add up to 3 adult family members

While CLEAR is more expensive, keep in mind that it is starting to be used more at major stadiums and arenas in the U.S. If you are a big concertgoer, this could be helpful.

Ways to save on CLEAR

1. Become a United or Delta frequent flyer member for a $60 discount

CLEAR partners with United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles. It costs nothing to join the frequent flyers program of each airline. This alone can drop the price to $119 per year.

In addition, you can also get an even greater discount if you hold elite status on United or Delta. If you have Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, the price drops to $109. The top elite status on each airline (United Premier 1K and Delta Diamond Medallion) receive a free CLEAR membership.

Sign Up Now:

• United
• Delta

2. Student Discounts

Students are eligible for a four-year membership to CLEAR for only $60 per year. Students will need to enroll online with a valid school email address and student ID.

3. Active Military and Veteran Discounts

CLEAR offers a discounted rate of $99 to America’s Veterans and active duty military. The enrollment process can be done online or in person. To secure the rate, CLEAR requires you to bring your Veteran ID card or a valid U.S. Military ID to the airport.

4. Credit Card Benefits

There are some credit cards that will reimburse or discount a CLEAR membership as a special perk.

• American Express Green Card ($150 annual fee): Offers up to $100 annual credit on CLEAR
• American Express Platinum Card ($695 annual fee): Offers up to $189 annual credit on CLEAR (aka the full cost of a CLEAR membership)

What To Expect At The Airport

So if you’ve read this far, bless your heart. Seriously though, you’ve probably read this far because you have some interest in CLEAR and are trying to figure out if it’s right for you and your family.

Imagine getting to the airport and seeing that excruciatingly long airport security line. At first, you don’t stress because you’re smart and have enrolled with TSA PreCheck. Well, apparently everyone else thinks they’re smart too and have also enrolled with TSA PreCheck, making THAT line long too!

Here is where CLEAR will save the day.

Once you get to the airport, you’ll head over to the CLEAR lane where you will approach the CLEAR kiosk for identity verification. CLEAR will submit biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) so you don’t need to wait for a TSA agent to inspect government ID and boarding pass information.

Following this verification process, a CLEAR representative will escort you to the front of the line where you have the option of entering the TSA PreCheck line (if enrolled). If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, no need to worry. This just means that you’ll be required to remove shoes, electronics, and 3-1-1 compliant liquids. After you get through security, you can hurry (or not!) to your gate and calmly wait for boarding.

Is CLEAR worth the investment?

Now that you’ve got a better idea about CLEAR, what it is, and how it works, you may still be wondering if it’s cost is worth the investment.

If you are trying to travel bougie on a budget, there are ways to travel with CLEAR and not break the bank. Everyone should at least be signed up for United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles for the discounted rate; it costs nothing to sign up!

Even with the discounts, CLEAR can be an expense that is not worth spending for many. We understand- $189/ year isn’t cheap. CLEAR may not be the best financial and economical decision if you casually fly only a few times a year. There are other less expensive options to consider, like TSA PreCheck.

If you don’t have CLEAR, you’re not alone. Just make sure to allow enough time to get through airport security so you don’t miss your flight!

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CLEAR FAQ’s

How much does CLEAR cost for flying?

Clear is more expensive than TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. It has a fee of $189, which is good for 1 year. You can also add up to 3 adult family members for an additional $50 each per year. 

Does CLEAR let you skip TSA?

No. Clear lets you quickly get through the initial checkpoint where the TSA agent checks your boarding pass and photo identification. You will still be required to go through security, which can be made faster if you also have TSA PreCheck.

Can I bring a guest through CLEAR?

For CLEAR Sports, yes. CLEAR Sports members may bring one guest with them through the Clear lane at Clear stadium locations. Children under 18 don’t need to (and can’t) enroll, but are allowed to join any CLEAR member in line free.

Does CLEAR get you through customs?

No. CLEAR helps you save time going through security screenings. To save time at customs, look into getting Global Entry.