If you travel frequently, you may have heard about CLEAR – a service that promises to help you get through airport security quickly. But what is CLEAR, and do you really need it? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what CLEAR is, how it works, and whether or not it’s worth your money. We’ll also discuss some of the other ways to speed up your time at the airport security checkpoint. So read on to learn more about CLEAR and decide for yourself if it’s right for you!
In this article, I will answer the following questions:
- What is CLEAR?
- How do I apply for CLEAR?
- How Much Is Clear for Individuals and Families?
- Can I Get CLEAR For Free?
- Where can I use CLEAR?
What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a travel security system that uses biometric scanning to identify passengers. It allows travelers to go through airport security without removing their shoes, liquids, laptops, or belts.
CLEAR uses fingerprint and iris scanning technology to quickly and securely identify passengers. Once passengers are registered with the system, they can scan their fingerprints or irises at the checkpoint and be on their way. CLEAR is currently available at several airports across the United States.
How do I apply for CLEAR?
CLEAR is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance of CBP inspections for qualifying travelers. The process for enrolling in the program is relatively simple.
You can apply online by visiting the CLEAR website and clicking on the “Apply Now” button. You will be asked to provide some basic information, including your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to provide biometric data (i.e fingerprints) at a designated enrollment center. After your biometrics have been processed, you will be issued a CLEAR card that will allow you to bypass the regular inspection lines at U.S. airports when you are flying with a participating airline.
Requirements
- CLEAR is open to individuals 18 and older.
- U.S. Driver’s License
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- U.S.-issued Permanent Resident Card
- State-issued ID
- U.S. Military ID
All information must be valid and unexpired.
How long does it take to complete the CLEAR application?
CLEAR’s quick and straightforward enrollment application takes only a few minutes of your time. You’ll notice that salespeople are trying to get you to enroll in many CLEAR airports; these people are paid a commission for every new user who joins the program.
They’ll try to entice you to enroll to solicit your business, so be wary of any offers they make and always make sure you’re getting the best CLEAR membership possible.
How Much Is Clear?
The standard annual Clear membership fee is $179. Unlike government programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which offer multiple years of membership for a single fee, Clear’s fee is paid annually.
On the surface, $179 seems like a lot of money to pay for a bit of convenience. Fortunately, there are two options for bringing the price down to a more reasonable level.
Please keep in mind that Clear is only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 who have a valid government I.D.
Can I Get CLEAR For Free?
Generally, no. CLEAR is a paid service that speeds up the security process at airports by allowing you to go through a dedicated lane and use a biometric reader to confirm your identity.
However, they occasionally offer free trials or discounted memberships.
You can find out any current offers by visiting the CLEAR website.
Where can I use CLEAR?
Clear is available in multiple spots across the USA including:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (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 (OAK)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Sacramento International Airport (SAC)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Westchester County Airport (HPN)
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
CLEAR is a premium travel membership that allows members to go through airport security faster, using biometric technology.
It has its benefits, but it certainly isn’t cheap, costing $179 per year on top of an application fee of $100.
Even if you fly only once or twice a year, the Clear membership offers good value because it can be used at more than forty airports across the USA.
However, if you rarely travel or don’t qualify for membership, some alternatives to Clear include:
- TSA PreCheck.
- Secure Flight.
I hope this article was helpful for you. Thank you for reading!
